“Enjoy the game, pretty girl,” I shout through the glass.
I skate backwards, waiting for the pink blush to tinge her cheeks before spinning around and making my way towards my team.
Once the game starts, Chance is all over me. Each time I find an opening, he gives me a calculated shove, sending me into the boards. The refs aren’t calling any penalties tonight, and it gives Philly the confidence to continue the cheap shots and brutal hits that they’re known for. But it also allows me to fight back. Chance hasn’t been able to take a shot the entire first period.
Each time we get close, he glares at me, but it’s different this time. It’s not just him wanting to throw a punch, not just his need to get by me for a goal. There’s a burning intensity in his gaze, like he’s silently promising something...more.
And fuck if I’m not going to provoke the shit out of him until he breaks.
Nearing the end of the second period, we’re tied up 1-1. Alexander takes the puck into enemy territory while Chance and I race toward his goalie, me looking for an opening and him preparing to stop me. But I’m faster than him—always have been—and when Alexander passes me the puck, I take the shot before Chance can block it. The buzzer goes off, and I lift my stick in the air as I shout.
“Two-to-one, baby!” I skate around to Presley and the kids, and blow them a kiss.
Everyone’s fired up in the third period. My chest heaves and my legs burn as sweat pours into my eyes. We’re so close, I can taste the win.
Alexander moves the puck with ease across the ice, setting us up for a chance to score again. Then Ivanov comes in like a freight train. I fly toward him to protect my captain. This guy is known for the most ruthless hits in the game. I’m almost there when Chance shoves into me, derailing my plan. I see it happen in slow motion as Ivanov drops his shoulder, and sends Alexander crashing into the boards with a sickening thud.
The arena lets out a collective gasp, and my heart leaps into my throat.
I toss my stick and gloves to the ice when I reach Ivanov, and he does the same, grinning like the sick fuck he is. I’m going to make him pay for that illegal hit from behind, and wipe the damn smile right off his face.
I throw the first punch without hesitation before Ivanov can get his fists up to block it. Blood pours from his nose as he throws a jab in my direction. I dodge it, and hammer him with another punch to the jaw before taking him to the ice and letting my fists fly with unrelenting focus.
I’m a happy-go-lucky guy until you fuck with my family.
When the refs finally tear me off of him, they send Ivanov into the penalty box.
I skate over to Alex, and tap my helmet against his. “You good?”
He nods. “You know I always get back up.”
By the end of the period, we win 3-1.
“Get a leash on that animal of yours,” I call to Chance as we skate by each other.
I don’t know why I do it. It’s like Ineedto make some kind of connection with him, even if it’s a negative one. Any attention is better than none.
“You getting soft? This is hockey.” He glares at me. “It isn’t for the weak.”
“That hit was illegal and you know it.”
“Go have Alex wipe your ass after he’s done wiping your tears.”
I smirk. “Still thinking about my ass after all these years, Kellerman? I’m flattered.”
“Fuck you,” he spits.
“I dare you to.”
I’m yanked back by my jersey. “Enough,” Jason shouts. “Let’s go.”
I head to the locker room with fire in my veins and adrenaline coursing through me.
“Congrats on the win.”
I wrap my arms around Presley. “See, you should’ve worn my jersey.”
Presley rolls her eyes as she shoves me back. “Not when you’re both playing.”
