Page 108 of Uniquely in Love

Brooks nodded at me as we started our next shift. It was a silent reminder that yeah,we got this. The two of us had played together for so long that I could read his body language with ease. The second line was still on the ice as we swapped out with Sorensen and Tremblay, giving us a shift on the ice with them.

After a few blocked shots—one that bounced off my skate—we had a two on one coming up the ice, and I kept possession past their blue line, my gaze focused on the goal. It was open. The perfect play set up. Ottawa’s defense was behind us—a failed turnover they definitely wouldn’t be happy about.

This.This right here was one of my favorite parts abouthockey. The ice under my skates, the puck between my stick, and the net in front of me.

“I’m open!” Mav shouted. He was in front of me, at the perfect angle to get a beautiful tip-in goal. I passed it to him and he sunk the puck into the net.

Their goalie didn’t even have time to respond, thanks to our speed, and looked stumped as it crossed the goalpost line. The buzzer went off, and Maverick pumped his fist into the air. “YES!” The arena burst out into screams of applause. Our home crowds were always amazing, and tonight was no different.

“Fuck yeah!” I cheered, throwing my arms around him.

“Let’s fuckinggoooo!” Stefan said, joining our group huddle. All five of us were grinning as we all celebrated the first goal of the game—even Rhodes, the grumpy bastard, cracked a smile. Skating over to the bench, our teammates fist-bumped us down the line.

Coach gave a nod of approval.

We needed that.

Damn, but we’d needed it.

They announced the goal, giving me the assist, and the crowd went wild.

I looked up, and my gaze collided with Ellie, who looked so proud.

Right at this moment, no matter how everything else played out, I felt like I was on top of the world.

Driving homewith Ellie in my car was something I’d never imagined after a game, but fuck, I’d liked it. I loved going into the wives’ room, finding her chatting with the other women as she waited for me. We’d never had this before.

A few of the guys had invited me out to the Penalty Boxafter the game, going to grab some drinks, but tonight, I just wanted to be with my girl. I’d promised them we’d come together soon, which had satisfied my teammates, so at least there was that. It felt like ages had passed since Ellie had met me there at the beginning of the season, and here we were.

I had my hand on her thigh the entire drive, trying to ignore how good she smelled. God, she was beautiful. Beautiful andmine.

Her wearing my name all night had riled me up. It did something to me. I wanted it there—always. Wanted her to have my name, my ring on her finger.Everything.

When I pulled into the parking garage under the apartment, I squeezed her thigh. “Thank you for being there tonight.”

“Of course, babe.” Her expression was soft. Serene. “I’d go anywhere you asked. Follow you anywhere.”

I dipped my head down, kissing her softly, wishing we were already upstairs in the apartment and not still in my car. Winning had me all amped up, the adrenaline in my system giving me a high. There was no way I was sleeping anytime soon, despite the late hour.

She brushed her hand up my leg, and my dick twitched. “Is it weird I miss your old truck?”

Laughing, I shook my head. “I was just thinking the same thing. It had a lot more room for… extracurriculars.” I winked at her.

She bit her lip. “And to think, we didn’t take advantage back then.” Her eyes were full of heat. Desire.Need.

“Fuck me, Ellie. Get that sweet ass of yours upstairs.” I held in a groan. “We’re making up for lost time right now.”

Her lips tilted up in a tiny smile, and then she was out of the car, heading up towards the elevators. I followed right behind her, crowding her inside the empty elevator car. My lips were a mere brush away from hers, and I wondered if she had any idea how badly I wanted to take her right here. I’dnever been into exhibitionism before, but I was pretty sure I’d be into anything with her.

The lift stopped on our floor, and I swatted her ass as she walked out of the elevator in front of me, letting me see the back of her jersey. Damn, I wanted to fuck her in it. Wanted to take her behind, so I could see it as I thrust inside of her, as I made her scream my name over and over till she came.

Goddamn. I adjusted my cock in my suit pants. I couldn’t wait to get my girl into bed.

When we got inside, I went over to the crate to let Zamboni out—luckily, she was proving to be alright when we left her for a few hours like this, but she definitely needed to go out. “I’m gonna take Zambs outside, El.” We’d fed her dinner, and I’d taken her on a walk right before we left for the game, but I didn’t want her having any accidents. There were puppy pads still—though she was mostly going outside. I was a proud dog dad. After we came back, I’d give her a bone to chew on, so she hopefully gave us some alone time.

“Okay!” She disappeared into my room—though it really felt more likeourroom now.

I hooked on our puppy’s harness and leash, heading back down the elevator and outside into the chilly November weather.

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