Pucked Off

Haunted by Old Cycles

Lance Romero, a professional hockey player, is caught in a self-destructive loop with his ex, Tash. Despite knowing she's toxic, he can't resist her manipulations, returning to her again and again, hoping for a different outcome. Their encounters are laced with emotional games, sexual power plays, and reminders of his own inadequacy. Lance's inability to break free is rooted in guilt and a desperate need for atonement, stemming from a traumatic childhood. The cycle of pain is familiar, almost comforting, even as it erodes his self-worth. Alone and isolated from his friends, Lance's nights spiral into numbness, regret, and the ache of wanting something real—something he fears he'll never deserve.

Bar Fights and Brokenness

After another soul-crushing encounter with Tash, Lance seeks solace in a dive bar, hoping to drown his pain in whiskey and meaningless company. He flirts with two women, teetering on the edge of using them as distractions, but the night devolves into chaos when one's boyfriend arrives. A brutal fight erupts, echoing the violence of Lance's past and leaving him battered, both physically and emotionally. The aftermath lands him in the hospital, where memories of his brother's death and his mother's abuse resurface. Even surrounded by teammates who care, Lance feels fundamentally alone, haunted by the belief that he's irreparably broken and undeserving of kindness or love.

Childhood Shadows Return

Lance's injuries force him to confront the ghosts of his childhood: the loss of his younger brother Quinn, his mother's unpredictable rage, and the deep-seated belief that he is to blame for everything that went wrong. These memories are not just background noise—they shape every relationship, every self-sabotaging choice. Even as friends like Randy and Lily offer support, Lance's internal narrative is one of shame and self-loathing. He's stuck in a pattern where pain feels like penance, and any glimpse of happiness is quickly overshadowed by the certainty that he'll ruin it.

The Touch That Heals

Ordered to get a massage for his injuries, Lance is paired with Poppy, a redheaded therapist whose touch is unexpectedly soothing. Unlike anyone before, Poppy's hands don't trigger Lance's usual anxiety and revulsion. Instead, her presence calms him, and her touch feels safe—almost healing. There's a strange familiarity between them, a sense of shared history that Lance can't quite place. For the first time, physical contact isn't a punishment or a transaction; it's a balm. This encounter plants the seed of hope that maybe, just maybe, he could want more than pain.

Ghosts in the Massage Room

Poppy, too, is unsettled by their meeting. She remembers Lance from childhood—a boy who gave her her first kiss, then vanished from her life. Now, as adults, their roles are reversed: she's the caretaker, he's the wounded. The session is charged with unspoken history and longing. Lance's vulnerability draws Poppy in, even as she tries to maintain professional boundaries. Both are haunted by what they remember and what they've lost. The massage becomes a turning point, awakening desires and memories that neither can ignore, and setting them on a path toward something deeper.

Unraveling Familiarity

As Lance and Poppy cross paths again, the sense of déjà vu intensifies. Lance is drawn to Poppy's warmth and the way she makes him feel seen, not just used. Poppy, meanwhile, struggles with the knowledge that Lance doesn't remember their shared past, and with the pain of watching him self-destruct. Their interactions are tentative, filled with longing and fear. Both are wary of being hurt, but the pull between them is undeniable. The boundaries between client and therapist blur, and the possibility of something real begins to emerge, even as old wounds threaten to sabotage it.

Boundaries and Beginnings

Lance's need for Poppy's healing touch becomes an excuse to see her outside the clinic, and soon their relationship teeters between professional and personal. Poppy is torn between her ethical obligations and her growing feelings. Lance, desperate for connection, pushes for more, but is terrified of rejection. Their first tentative steps toward intimacy are fraught with anxiety, but also hope. Both must confront their fears: Poppy of being just another notch in Lance's bedpost, and Lance of being unworthy of love. When they finally give in, it's with the understanding that this is a risk—one that could either heal them or break them further.

The Past Never Sleeps

As Lance and Poppy grow closer, the shadows of their pasts loom large. Tash continues to manipulate and harass Lance, refusing to let go. Poppy struggles with jealousy and insecurity, especially as rumors and social media swirl around Lance's reputation. Both are forced to confront the ways their histories shape their present: Lance's trauma makes him fear happiness, while Poppy's longing for something lasting makes her vulnerable to disappointment. Their relationship is tested by secrets, misunderstandings, and the ever-present threat of sabotage from outside forces.

Wanting More Than Pain

Lance begins to realize that he wants more than the cycle of pain and self-destruction that has defined his life. Poppy's steadfastness and compassion offer him a glimpse of a different future—one where he can be loved, flaws and all. But letting go of old coping mechanisms is hard. Lance must learn to trust, to communicate, and to believe that he deserves happiness. Poppy, in turn, must decide if she can accept Lance's complicated past and the baggage that comes with it. Together, they navigate the messy, beautiful process of healing, discovering that real intimacy requires honesty, forgiveness, and the courage to be seen.

The Truth About Tash

Tash's interference escalates, culminating in a public attempt to sabotage Lance and Poppy's relationship. She sends compromising photos, stirs up rumors, and tries to manipulate Lance back into her orbit. For Lance, this is the ultimate test: will he fall back into old patterns, or finally break free? With Poppy's support, he confronts Tash, sets boundaries, and chooses to prioritize his own well-being. This act of self-advocacy marks a turning point—not just in his relationship with Poppy, but in his journey toward self-acceptance.

Lines Crossed, Hearts Exposed

The fallout from Tash's actions forces Lance and Poppy to have the hard conversations they've been avoiding. They lay bare their fears, insecurities, and the truths they've kept hidden. Poppy learns the full extent of Lance's trauma and the reasons behind his past behavior. Lance, in turn, sees how much his actions have hurt Poppy, and how much he stands to lose if he doesn't change. Through tears, apologies, and difficult honesty, they begin to rebuild trust—not as perfect people, but as two flawed souls willing to fight for each other.

The Cost of Vulnerability

With the truth out in the open, Lance and Poppy must decide if they're willing to risk their hearts again. The cost of vulnerability is high: it means letting go of old defenses, facing the possibility of rejection, and accepting that love is never without pain. But the alternative—living without each other—is unthinkable. They choose to move forward, not by erasing the past, but by learning from it. Their relationship becomes a testament to the power of forgiveness, resilience, and the belief that even the most damaged hearts can find healing in love.

When Worlds Collide

Poppy is finally welcomed into Lance's world: his friends, his team, the chaos of hockey life. She meets the women who have supported him, sees firsthand the challenges of being with a public figure, and learns to navigate the complexities of fame and scrutiny. Lance, for his part, learns to let Poppy in, to share not just his pain but his joy. Together, they create new memories, replacing old hurts with moments of connection and laughter. Their love becomes a safe haven—a place where both can be fully themselves.

The Power of Letting Go

Lance and Poppy come to understand that healing isn't about forgetting the past, but about letting go of its hold. They make peace with their histories, forgiving themselves and each other for the mistakes that brought them here. Lance seeks help for his anger and trauma, determined not to repeat the patterns of his childhood. Poppy learns to trust in the present, believing that she is worthy of love and happiness. Together, they choose to focus on what they can build, rather than what they've lost.

Choosing Each Other

With the past behind them, Lance and Poppy commit to building a life together. Their love is imperfect, sometimes messy, but deeply real. They support each other's growth, celebrate each other's victories, and weather life's storms as a team. The proposal—fittingly, in a closet, echoing their first kiss—symbolizes their willingness to embrace both the darkness and the light. They choose each other, every day, knowing that love is a choice as much as a feeling.

Healing in the Aftermath

A year later, Lance and Poppy's relationship is a testament to the transformative power of love. Lance continues to work on himself, seeking therapy and striving to be a better partner. Poppy, too, grows in confidence and self-assurance, no longer defined by her longing or her fears. Together, they create a home filled with laughter, support, and the kind of intimacy that comes from surviving hardship together. Their story is not one of perfection, but of perseverance, hope, and the belief that healing is possible.

Love, Forgiveness, and Forever

In the end, Lance and Poppy's journey is about more than romance—it's about learning to forgive, to trust, and to believe in the possibility of happiness. Their love is hard-won, forged in the fires of pain and redemption. They know that forever isn't just a word; it's a daily act of choosing each other, of showing up, of loving fiercely and without reservation. Their story is a reminder that even the most wounded hearts can find their way home.