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The final siren was a climax to all the built-up tension. This moment decides everything. They are so close, with Blake edging ahead. And then, he just explodes forward, leaving his rival trailing, and he smacks the puck into the net.
I let out a sigh. At least Blake is starting out right. And the longer I watch, the more I realize he was born for this game.
After a few more races, I rest easier and actually enjoy watching them compete against each other. But then something happened to Blake’s confidence during that last set, and Drew pulled within two points.
I chew my bottom lip as my knees bounce. It all comes down to the last game. There isn’t much room for error, depending on what Drew does during the shootout.
“Don’t fret. Your man’s going to win,” Maddy says, leaning over.
“You think?”
“He’s the best shooter on the team.”
“I hope so.” She doesn’t know the ramifications if Blake loses. No one does. I steal a look at my man, expecting to see the same worry mirrored on him, but he tosses his head back at whatever Ryan said as if he hadn’t a care in the world. How can he be so chill?
Since Blake leads, he lines up last, with Drew shooting before him.
I scan the crowd, expecting to see signs of anxiety or worry and frown. No one seems concerned. But then again, why would they? It’s just a charity event. I force myself to school my expression and return my attention to the ice. But my sight snags on Juliette and her posse. She’s looking right at me. Her lips curve to a lopsided grin before she mouths, “I got you.”
Not having the bandwidth to decode that message, I redirect my focus to the ice. Drew comes to the line and makes all five of his shots, leaving Blake to make four out of five shots to win.
As Blake skates toward the line, I grab Maddy’s hand as if she could save me.
The first three pucks glide in easily enough. The tension builds in my chest as Blake lines up for his fourth shot. I squeeze Maddy’s hand tighter and try to steady my racing heart. It’s impossible. This moment feels so crucial, so make-or-break for Blake.
With a determined look, Blake takes a deep breath and focuses on the target ahead. The ice seems to hold its breath, waiting for his next move. He skates forward with smooth grace, his stick poised and ready. In one fluid motion, he releases the puck and sends it soaring towards the net.
Time slows down as we watch the puck sail through the air. It’s like a scene from a movie where everything hinges on this one shot. The puck glides closer and closer to the net, and then…
It hits the post.
My heart drops into my stomach as I hear the collective gasp from the crowd. Blake’s face contorts with frustration. He knows that he’s running out of chances.
He skates back to center ice, shaking off the disappointment with every stride. His eyes meet mine in the stands, and I see a flicker of reassurance. It’s as if he’s silently telling me not to worry, that he’s got this under control.
The pressure is palpable as Blake lines up for his final shot. The weight of expectation hangs heavy in the air.
Maddy gives me a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with confidence. “He’s got this, Amanda,” she whispers, her voice steady and calm.
I nod, trying to convince myself that she’s right. Deep down, though, doubt gnaws at my insides. What if he misses? What if all of this—our fake relationship, our connection—is for nothing? The thought sends a shiver down my spine.
Blake positions himself for his next shot. He takes a deep breath, steadying himself before he releases the puck. It glides effortlessly across the ice, slicing through the air with precision. The crowd holds its collective breath as we watch the puck make its way towards the net.
Swish! The puck sails past the goalie and into the back of the net. A deafening roar erupts from the stands as cheers and applause fill the arena. Blake flashes a triumphant grin in our direction before turning toward the rest of his teammates.
The celebration spills onto the ice, a flood of blue and white, but I’m anchored in place by Blake’s gaze. He points to me and mouths “mine.” Although, I can’t be sure. I was never good at lipreading, but I nod anyway. I’m game for whatever he meant.
“Come on, let’s join them,” Maddy says, tugging my arm.
I tear my gaze away from Blake and let Maddy lead me toward the crowd that has engulfed the ice. We weave our way through the throng of people until we’re seated near the front.
Blake makes his way toward me. His eyes find mine, a mix of triumph and determination shining in their depths. Our gazes lock, the cheers and deafening sounds fading into the background.
With each step he takes, my heart beats faster. I can hardly believe that this extraordinary man, who has captured my heart so quickly, could come toward me with that same electrifying spark that ignites between us every time we’re together.
Finally, he reaches me, his breath slightly labored from exertion but his smile radiant. Without hesitation, he pulls me into his arms, his lips pressing against mine in sheer passion. The world around us melts away as we lose ourselves in the intensity of our connection.
He smells of sweat and man, but I don’t care. Everything about this moment is perfect.
