Page 47 of Line Change

“Thanks. Now go get it done.”

He tips his chin at me and takes his spot in the face off circle while I take my seat on the bench. I say a silent prayer that we’re able to take possession and win.

We’re on a hot streak having won our last five games. I’d love to make it six, and against our rivals no less.

Elias wins the draw, and he and Hunter are able to fly the zone, clearing the puck.

“Come on. Come on,” Wes mutters next to me on the bench.

Hunter finally shoots, and with our third forward acting as a screen in front of their goalie, somehow the puck goes in.

“Hell, yeah,” Wes yells next to me as we all stand up to bump gloves with Hunter when he comes back to the bench.

The last ninety seconds are a nail-biter, but finally the horn sounds, with us winning. You’d think we just won a playoff game the way the crowd cheers. We make our way onto the ice to congratulate Holt before the three stars of the game are announced and we finally go back to the dressing room.

“I’m so ready to go home.”

“Me too,” Wes says from his spot next to me on the bench where he’s taking off his jersey.

Shit, I said that out loud.

I just nod before making my way into the showers. It’s finally the All-Star break. In a few days, I’ll be marrying Sutton, and I’m ecstatic. I shouldn’t be. But I am. Probably because I also planned a quick overnight honeymoon for us at an upscale hotel downtown.

I’ve already decided that if she protests, I’ll tell her we need to keep up appearances, which we do, but mostly I want an excuse to spend time alone with her. Because even though this has an expiration date, I can’t help wanting her.

Chapter seventeen

Sutton

“Hi,” Madison greets me when she opens the door on Friday night.

“Sorry I’m late …”

“Don’t worry about it. This is for you.” She hands me a plastic crown and a sash when I step inside.

“Ummm …”

She gestures at the items I’m holding. “Put them on. You’re the guest of honor.”

I do as she says before following her into the living room.

“You’re here.” Hadley squeals, jumping to her feet and coming over and hugging me.

I hug her back before greeting the other ladies.

“Drink?” Madison holds out a plastic flute, filled with a sparkling liquid. “It’s sparkling apple cider,” she adds in a whisper.

I take it from her and take a sip. The bubbles soothe my stomach. They’re all my friends, so I don’t know why I’m nervous. Probably because I hate being the center of attention and they’re all staring at me.

“Thank you all for being here.” I shift on my feet, peeking over at Madison who is still standing at my side, hoping she’ll take over and tell us what she’s got planned.

“Come sit.” Becca pats the cushion next to her, and I take a seat.

“Dinner should be here in about thirty minutes. I have a few fun games planned, but if you’re not up for that, then we can skip them and watch a movie. I promise we’ll keep things relaxed,” Madison says.

“Thank you,” I mouth to her.

“I thought about hiring someone to come give us massages or do our nails, but the logistics didn’t work out with the food and everything else.”