Page 25 of Pucking Off-Sides With My Brother's Best Friend

I want this win so badly I can almost taste it. Not only for Jax but also for Aiden, he deserves a victory. And I also know what Jax gave up to start on this new team and at least part of the reason why he did.

He and Aiden have spent years dreaming of being on a team together, which never would have happened with Aiden being stuck in the minors. This team is both their shots to make a name for themselves.

“Yes!” The scream rips from my throat as Aiden makes a break, his skates carving the ice. Katarina’s right there with me, our combined shrieks joining the roar of the crowd. When the puck hits the net, it’s like an electric current runs through the stadium. We’re hugging, jumping, lost in the pure joy of the moment.

“All right, Aiden!” I yell till I’m hoarse, not caring that he can’t possibly hear me. I raise my camera, capturing the ecstatic faces in the crowd. This moment, this feeling—it’s indelible. No matter what happens next, I know I’ll carry this with me forever.

****

“That was amazing!”

I laugh loudly, happy in agreement with Katarina’s words. The game’s beenawesometo watch. Jax didn’t give up a single goal, and after his initial, the team snatched another to keep them on top until the final buzzer rang out, declaring theirfirsthome victory.

As we file out of the arena with the still-buzzing crowd, the excitement of the win lingers in the air. Katarina and I can’t stop rehashing every play, every save, every goal. It’s like we’re trying to bottle this feeling to make it last just a little bit longer.

I look down at my phone with a wide smile as I update the teams’ social pages. I’m still too hyped up and happy to even think about calling it a night.

“Are the guys going straight home or celebrating with the team?”

We stop to pick up cupcakes on the way. I took it upon myself to preemptively order victory treats a couple of days ago. Call it wishful thinking, though I’m starting to wonder if maybe I should make it a tradition.

“They said they’d be coming home,” I reply, looking at my text chat with Jax. Katarina leans against the counter, her smile mirroring my own.

“That was so thrilling. I don’t know why I never went to these games before.”

I giggle. “Well, you’ll have to make it a standing date that you join me for the home games at the very least.” Before I can say anything else, I hear the front door open.

“The winners are here!” Jax’s voice rings out loudly, and before I can say anything, he scoops me up in his arms. “Did you see that shit, sis? We shut them out.”

I laugh at his clear excitement and hold onto his shoulders as he spins me around in the kitchen. When Jax sets me back on my feet, the world spins for a moment before I’m once again hauled up.

“Aiden,” I squeal, grabbing hold of his shoulders. I hear Katarina make a similar noise, her laughter ringing out clear as a bell as she’s also spun by Jax.

“I know you saw that shit,” Aiden exclaims. “Those bastards couldn’t stop me from knocking that fucking puck in good.”

I giggle when Aiden’s arms tighten around my waist. The strength in his arms knocks something in me, and I slowly become aware of the heat of him and the enticing scent that always curls around me when he’s near. It isn’t artificial, but more just him. It’s both comforting and arousing, making me swallow hard as something deep inside me responds.

With my excitement bubbling inside me, almost too much to contain. I blurt, “You guys played so well,” letting my praises flow freely. They were amazing tonight, and I’m not about to pretend otherwise. One thing I’m not is stingy with praise, especially when it’s earned, and they definitely proved themselves worthy of it tonight.

“I got you celebratory cupcakes!” I beam, practically bouncing on my toes as I present the baby blue box with silver snowflakes because, of course—this is a hockey celebration, after all.

“I may have gone a teeny bit overboard with the sprinkles.”

Aiden looks at me and smiles, and I swear I feel my heart skip a beat. I force a casual expression to stay plastered on my face, hiding where my mind is wandering.

When he sets me down, I swallow a groan of disappointment and head for the cupcakes.

My legs feel as weak as a newborn foal’s, but I cover up my reaction to being in Aiden’s arms with copious amounts of sugar.

“Damn, these are good,” Jax groans as he shoves an entire cupcake in his mouth.

I snort, shaking my head, “Are you sure you can even taste it?” When he picks up a second cupcake, my eyes widen. I only ordered twelve, but clearly, that was a mistake.

“Kat, if you want one of those, you better grab it now before they’re gone.”

I eye the rapidly diminishing box, wondering if I can sneak another without anyone noticing.

Hey, these curves don’t sculpt themselves.

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