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The stands started filling just as I finished and Sam rushed in. It would be a late start but I definitely couldn't complain. She'd moved mountains in two freaking hours. As far as I was concerned, she was a goddess.
Or really a witch with those results.
"Alright, cheerleader, get your ass out there," Sam ordered as she tied on an apron and threw her black hair in a messy bun.
"Don't you need me?"
She shook her head. "Appreciate all the help, but I cook alone. It's best for everyone that way."
"Good luck," I said, writing down my number. "You call if that changes."
I made my escape just as the teams were being introduced. I sat in front by the Hawks’ bench. They skated out as the announcers called out their information, starting with the Paytonville Pillagers. The crowd booed along and I couldn't help but join in, giving into the rising excitement thrumming through the stands.
When it was our turn to be announced, it was the opposite. The energy skyrocketed in the rink and I hoped the guys felt it, too.
Brock and the other team's center faced off. The referee held the puck in the air and I barely breathed as he dropped it to the ice, both players moving so fast it was hard to see who got the puck at first until Brock hit it further away and Tate took control.
They were amazing to watch. There was a grace to the way they moved, dodging the other team and working in perfect synchronicity. It was easy to see that they were more than just teammates, but friends. The chemistry between them was undeniable. There were no words exchanged, Tate and Elias just seemed to know what Brock was thinking.
The moment the puck went past the Pillagers’ goalie the rink erupted into screams. My voice rose above and I stood on the bench, screaming out and doing a happy dance as Elias landed the first goal.
Of course, hockey isn't a boring sport. The puck was flipped between players almost faster than I could keep up with. They joked about being old men according to hockey standards but they were just as amazing on the ice as any NHL player. I might have been a bit biased, though.
By the time the first period ended and intermission hit, people were milling over to the concession stand. Sam had a line going and was easily filling orders. I made a note to see if she wanted someone in to help with the register but right now she was in her element.
A bit of worry lifted from the stack on my shoulders. One thing was already handled. It was a step forward to getting this rink back to its former glory, if not better than ever.
My attention drifted to the Hawks’ bench and Tate caught my attention, waving me over before they could escape to the locker room.
I hopped down and walked over to him. He swung open the door and pulled me inside.
"Told you that you're a good luck charm," he said. It was the most animated I'd ever seen him. His hair was slick with sweat and cheeks rosy from the adrenaline and bite of the ice. Hazel eyes locked onto me and my stomach flipped.
"I was cheering out there," I admitted. "This is the most I've been into a game... ever."
"Well, you do have someone to watch it for now," he shot back, leaning in and brushing a kiss over my forehead. Dad was far enough away I could avoid further commentary.
"You better be at every game or I'll drag you here myself," he warned with a laugh. Tate was a different man mid-game. I wondered if this was a side of him I'd see more if I gave into them.
Elias stumbled over, shaking out his limbs as he walked in the bulky gear.
"Hey there, princess. Everything go smoothly with Sam?"
"She's a freaking witch. She kicked me out and is handling everything herself."
"Sam's like that," Brock said, leaning back on the bench to see us but he didn't get up. He had been listening to the coach until then but he gave me a wink that had me biting back a smile.
"You look good in my jersey," Elias said.
"Mine's next." Brock's words had Tate throwing him a glare. Though somewhere in that look was a fire I only saw when they looked at me before. Fuck, were they together, too?
The thought of the two powerhouses kissing had heat pooling in my stomach and spreading heat through my body. That was an image to get off to later.
They reluctantly let me go and went off to the locker room for intermission. The zamboni was smoothing the ice and the stands were emptying out as everyone took a break from the intense game.
When intermission started winding down, I slipped out so Dad could give them their usual pep talk.
The stands started to fill again as I jumped into the crowd, heading for my seat.
