Page 118 of The Closed Off Captain

He nods. “Okay. I’ll be ready at seven-thirty.”

I glance at the clock and see it’s after one. “Are you sure? You won’t get much sleep?”

“I’ll be fine. You won’t either.” He steps towards me and wraps an arm around my waist.

“Yeah, but I don’t have practice tomorrow and—” My words are cut off as he leans forward and kisses me. I can’t help the sigh that escapes, and I lean against him.

He pulls back too soon. “I’ve been waiting for this all night.”

I grin up at him. “Me too. Are you done already?”

He scowls at me. “I’ll never be done with you.”

I stare up at him, trying to determine if he’s teasing or not. “Never?” I can’t help but ask.

He reaches up and tenderly tucks a hair behind my ear. “Never.”

And then he kisses me again. I don’t push him for more. That’s Gunner. He doesn’t say much, but he always says exactly what he means. And I have a feeling he just might mean forever.

After

Chloe

I finally make it to my seat, seconds before the game begins. Bri turns to me with wide eyes. “You made it!”

“Barely,” I tell her, blowing out a breath.

“Are you doing okay?” she asks with compassion in her gaze.

“I’ll be better after tonight,” I tell her honestly.

“After we win,” Stephanie yells over the crowd.

I point at her. “Yes. That.”

I take a moment to look around the arena at the thousands of screaming fans. It’s been a long time since the Green Thunder took home The Cup. And tonight, if they do, it will end the twenty-four-year drought. I take a breath and try to steady my nerves as Teddy takes the mic.

“Green Thunder fans, tonight is the night you’ve been waiting for.” Thunderous applause surrounds us, and I can’t stop my smile. I’ve been to some pretty amazing games over the years, but the excitement in this arena tonight is beyond anything I’ve ever been a part of. “Welcome to game seven of The Cup finals! Tonight, we will witness history and end this drought and bring the Cup home where it belongs.” I join the cheering and try to quell my nerves. “And now, let’s welcome the team that will do it. Your Green Thunder!”

The flames shoot and lights flash all around the arena as Teddy begins announcing each of our players. I stare down at them as pride fills my chest. They’ve had an incredible season, going 64-14-2, the highest in the league. Whether or not theywin tonight, they have every right to be proud. Of course, tonight would be the icing on the cake.

It’s been a tough series with Indianapolis. We thought we had them in game six, but they pulled off a win at the end. So now, it’s game seven. I wouldn’t tell the guys this, but I’m kind of glad they lost in game six. This way, we can be home for game seven. The home crowd will make all the difference in this game, and it will make winning even better when they do it at home. I still can’t believe we’re even playing Indianapolis for the finals. I would have never guessed they’d make it this far, but they really turned their season around. Even though I don’t like them, I can respect the fact that they had a really good season as well. And now, it will all come down to one final game. I rub my hands together in anticipation.

“How was Gunner today?” Bri asks loudly.

“Silent.”

Bri nods. “So was Aiden. He’s totally locked in and ready.”

“Sebastian hasn’t stopped talking for a week straight,” Stephanie says with a grin, and we laugh.

“What about Rico?” Bri asks Amber.

“He’s been quiet most of the time. He’s ready, and I’m ready for the stress to be over. Even my arm pits are sweaty! I’m so nervous, and I don’t even have to do anything but watch!”

I can’t help but laugh. “I hear you, but there’s nothing to be nervous about. They’ve got this.” I am absolutely confident. I don’t think it will be easy; they’ll have to play their hearts out tonight. But I know they will, and I know they’ll take home The Cup. That’s exactly what I told Gunner when he stopped into my office briefly this morning. He kissed me deeply and held me a moment. “You nervous?” I asked him.

He met my eyes. “Ready.”

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