Page 6 of Puck and Prejudice

“Dude! You’ve been robbed!” Logan shouts from across the ice.

Shaking my head, I laugh. He isn’t wrong.

When practice is finally over, my team has lost, two to zero. In the locker room, everyone is buzzing about Chad’s out-of-this-world save.

“If that had happened during a real game, they’d be playing that shit until the end of times,” Alex says.

“Kids are so impressionable,” Wickham mutters under his breath.

Alex must have missed it, or he’d be in Wickham’s face in a heartbeat. The Kaminski twins aren’t known for their mild tempers. I choose to ignore Wickham’s malicious comment and keep the peace. I need the team to continue to work like a well-oiled machine. We’re in the final stretch. Only four more wins stand between us and the Stanley Cup.

“You were terrific today, buddy.” I tap Chad on the shoulder.

“Thanks. I feel like I’m on top of the world.”

Hehasbeen in an excellent mood, and I don’t think that can only be attributed to winning the Eastern Conference Cup.

“It showed. We haven’t talked much lately. Wanna grab a beer?”

He shakes his head. “Sorry. Can’t. I have to take care a few things before the craziness resumes.”

I want to ask what things, but one thing I’ve learned about Chad is that he’s very private. He won’t share anything until he’s ready. It doesn’t make me worry less about him though.

“Anything I can help you with?”

His cheeks flush. “Uh… no, it’s okay.”

“Why is Chad blushing?” Logan asks. “Jacks, did you tell him a dirty joke?”

I level the young forward with a glare, and that’s enough to wipe the smirk off his face. I’m not bothered by his comment, but I have a reputation to uphold.

When I turn, Chad is already fully dressed and ready to head out. “See you later at the party?”

I blank for a second. Then I remember the Miami Lions’ owner is throwing a party tonight for the Lions’ organization at his mansion.

“Yeah. See you tonight.”

ChapterFour

IZZIE

Iusually only bartend at Triana, but when Paco, my boss, called me earlier asking if was interested in working as a waitress at a private event he was catering, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity for two reasons. One, I need the extra cash, and two, the private event is hosted by the owner of the Miami Lions, and that means Jane’s fiancé will be there. I haven’t had a chance to meet him yet, and I’m damn curious about the young goalie.

I’m about to head out the front door when Jane comes bursting through, out of breath and with a panicked glint in her eyes.

“Jeez, where’s the fire?”

“I have to get ready. We were just booked to perform at the Miami Lions’ party.”

“Wait? Really?I’mworking at the party.”

Her blue eyes widen. “You are? Do you have to leave right now? We could drive together.”

I look at my watch. “I need to be there early to help with setup. Can you be ready in ten minutes?”

“Yes, I’ll take a quick shower and grab my things. I’ll put on my costume and makeup on-site.”

The front door opens again, and Lydia strides in with her manic pixie energy, followed by Mari Carmen. The teens couldn’t be more different than one another—Lydia takes after my mother with her high energy and no-filter mouth. Mari Carmen is quiet and shy. But they’ve been friends since kindergarten.

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