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“It’s already sorted out. You just need to accept the offer,” Coach grins.
Xander looks at me, a question behind those dark eyes. “I think you’d regret it if you didn’t,” I tell him honestly. And besides, when would he ever have another opportunity like this?
He nods, and I see the excitement in his eyes. I know hockey isn’t what he wants to do, but he loves being on the team, and no matter how much he loves fighting, hockey will always be part of his life.
I’d hate to hear later down the track that he regretted not playing the championship with the Dragons. It’s an opportunity he will never get again, and he needs to take it with both hands and hold on tight.
Xander looks at Jaxon before turning to Coach Harris. “Alright, Coach. Count me in.”
Chapter 26
XANDER
We’re in New York for the Frozen Four, the ice hockey semifinals and finals.
We competed yesterday in the semifinals and won, which means today is it. The fucking championship game. The day we’ve all been waiting for. Miller Cain led our team to victory last year, and now it’s Jaxon’s turn. We all know he can do it, and he will most likely end up with a contract with the NHL by the end of the night. Hell, that goes for Bobby too.
But I’m doing this for myself. It will be the last game of ice hockey I ever play. Well, except when Charli gives me a beautiful little boy or girl who I can teach, but until then, this is it.
I managed to pull a few strings when it came to my business degree, not that I really wanted it, but I had to study something while I was still playing. I managed to take a few extra classes to fast-track my degree, and now I’ll also be graduating in a few weeks. That way, with school and hockey out of the way, nothing is stopping me from opening the gym I’ve always wanted and competing in the professional circuit as a fighter.
Everything is finally happening for me, and having Charli by my side supporting me has made all the difference.
I’ll never forget this trip. It’s been amazing so far. Well, the amazing bits have all been because Charli has never set foot on a plane before. She completely freaked out. Her nails tore holes in my hand when the plane took off, and then she scratched the shit out of my arm on landing. If it had been anyone else but her, I would never have put myself through it. Hell, I would have kicked the person out of the seat beside me, but I’d do anything for Charli.
When we pulled up at one of the nicest hotels in New York, she was in awe. She couldn’t believe her luck that she was going to spend the next few days in a place like this, and then she went on to tell me over and over again how the place has its own gym, day spa, and jacuzzi. I’m just lucky Zara is here to go and do all that girly shit so I don’t have to go with her.
It’s bad enough she begged to practice her makeup looks on me the other day. I know I tend to say whatever Charli wants, she gets, but I had to draw the line somewhere. So instead of giving up, she waited until I fell asleep. I woke up the prettiest damn drag queen you ever did see.
I stand in the locker room, all suited and ready to go. Skates are on, helmet is on, and stick is in my gloved hand.
Coach Harris comes forward, and I don’t doubt he’s preparing for one of his famous pep talks. He takes a deep breath and lets us have it. “Alright, boys. We’re here defending our title. This is going to be the hardest game of hockey you’ll ever play. Hell, for some of you, it might be the last,” he says, his eyes briefly flashing to mine. “I want you to go out there and annihilate this game. Show that crowd that you deserve to reclaim the title, that we’re the hardest working motherfuckers in this league.”
Wow, he’s really laying it on thick today.
The boys roar their excitement as the adrenaline pulses through our veins. “Are you ready?” Coach calls out.
“Yes,” we respond in unison.
“I said, are you ready?” Coach says a little louder.
“Yes!” we all scream out.
“Then get out there and own that ice.”
With one final shout, we break out into the Dragons’ war cry before lining up by the door and shuffling out of the locker room. Coach stands at the front of the line, clapping each of us on the back as we pass him, then takes up the rear as we head out into the arena.
