Page 78 of Blindsided By the Enforcer

“Well, we did a good job of breaking in the jersey. Tell me you’ll wear it tonight. Although, seeing you in it might make me hard when I’m playing.” I am not kidding.

“Don’t give in to your dad’s pressure, Cade,” she says going from playful to serious. “You should be able to play how you want.”

“He’ll be watching the game. I’ll never hear the end of it,” I say to her.

“Over break I stood up to my mom and told her how I felt for the first time in my life. It was liberating.”

“I don’t doubt that. We’ll see. I’m sorry to run, but I have to head home and shower and get to the arena.”

“Okay. I’ll see you later. I’m going with Charlie and Ruby.”

“I got you the seat beside theirs. You can also invite Briar. The seat beside you is saved. I’ll email you the info,” I say to her.

“Thanks for thinking of her too,” she says, leaning in to kiss my mouth.

I get up and get myself dressed, and Annie walks me to the door. I head to my car. Before Dad called, I was on cloud nine. I can’t let him bring down or affect me anymore. It’s easier said than done. I choose to focus on Annie and a smile spreads my cheeks. I turn on some music and tap my thumb on my steering wheel as I make it back to the house. Maybe I will play on my own terms tonight and if anyone has a problem with it, then screw them.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Annie

Briar is driving us to the arena. I couldn’t be more excited to see my first hockey game.

“Tell me what to expect,” I say to Charlie and Ruby.

“I didn’t realize how hot guys are when they play hockey,” Charlie says. “My dad and I always watched basketball together, but hockey is different. Be prepared.”

“I don’t get how guys skating on ice can be sexy,” I tell her.

“You’ll see,” is her only response.

The drive isn’t long. We pull into the parking lot at the Sports Complex.

We all get out of the car and head to our seats.

“Wow, we’re really up close,” I note as we take the seats behind the plexiglass.

“They are the best seats here,” Ruby says.

The girls take off their jackets and Charlie is wearing Finn’s jersey and Ruby is wearing Macklin’s. I take off my jacket to show off my own jersey.

“Look at you.” Briar laughs.

“Cade brought it over this afternoon.”

“Why are you blushing?” Charlie asks.

“Things are really heating up between me and Cade. I’ve never had such intense. . .”

Ruby’s mouth drops open. “Are you trying to say the big O?”

I nod. “It’s been so good with him. I think I may be developing feelings, and I know Cade doesn’t want anything serious.”

“Did he tell you that?” Charlie asks.

“Pretty much when we made our little fake relationship pact,” I answer.

The game is about to start. The anthem is playing and so we quiet down.

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