Page 55 of Rock Pucking Bottom

As soon as I got there, Suzuki said, "He lives."

I ducked my head and went to the stall to get changed into my gear. Most of the guys were putting their final touches on. Instead of hanging my stuff like I normally did, I just tossed it all in the locker since I had to get onto the ice on time.

As soon as I touched my hockey stick, I was pissed. I didn't have time to tape them myself and at least someone took the time to tape them, but it was all wrong. It didn't feel right.

So I swapped for the second stick. That felt off, too. I tried the third prepared stick, and it also was off, but it was closer to what I wanted than anything else. Then I got onto the ice.

Cartsy came up to me. "I hope I taped your sticks right. I know you're picky with them."

I wondered who did it for me. "Thanks Cap. I appreciate it."

I must have made a face since he said, "You're going to re-tape them all when we get off the ice."

I nodded. "You tried and if you didn't, I wouldn't have any sticks ready tonight."

He smirked at me. "I was watching the other team earlier. They like to play off the boards and their defense likes to play up."

Him filling me in on all those details really made me realize I'd lucked out with the team department. I knew they were good guys. This was super useful information, especially since I hadn't played in days. If this wasn't such an important game (especially for pre-season standards), I probably would be scratched.

"You're really covering my ass tonight."

"Yup. But you'll get me back soon enough."

I would. The next time he needed a favor, I would pay him back.

Chapter 47

Emmy

Foraseasontestergame, the competition was way fiercer than I ever imagined. For a guy who didn't think he would play much today, Eoghan was out on the ice way more than I expected.

After a brutal hit on Eoghan, I heard that voice in my head.

I'm okay.

While it was reassuring to hear Eoghan's voice, I still didn't understand why I could hear him in my head. I tried to respond back by closing my eyes and thinking out loud to him.

How are you able to talk to me telepathically?

Magic of mating. No one is really sure how it happens. But according to Jayden, it works across the country. But I'll only ever use it when it really matters.

Typical Eoghan. He really didn't like to impose on others. But it was nice to know I always had a direct line to my love. As he climbed over the boards to get back onto the ice, he added,Wait for me after the game.

There wasn't anywhere else I wanted to be. Knowing that he was near me just filled my heart with so much love and happiness. I would follow him to the end of the earth.

One of the best perks of the game was being able to catch up with Natalie for a bit. She and Annie were the only two that I'd gotten to know outside of the ice rink.

We walked together to go toward the family lounge, which she assured me wasn't too far away.

Three security guards had their arms folded across their chests. The middle one spoke first and said "Badges."

Natalie fished for the badge out of her purse and said, "She's with me."

"No badge, no entry." The security guard said with his thick German accent.

Natalie looked pissed as if she wanted a fight.

I frowned since I was stuck. It was a last-minute decision for me to come to this game. At least I had a ticket, even if I didn't have the proper badge for being with Eoghan.

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