Page 50 of Much Ado About Hockey

“You need ice,” Savage cautioned. “You’re swelling.”

Jett rolled over and put his face directly on the surface, wincing at the temperature against his sore lip. He rolled his face slightly, putting his jaw against it and sighed in relief. He was going to look awful when he got home and wondered what Karen would say.

“What are you doing here today?”

“None of your business,” Jett instinctively snapped protectively. He didn’t want to discuss his own private frustrations with any. “And I’m going home to explain how my team captain beat me up…”

“Oh mercy,” Savage groaned and looked at him. “Please don’t say that…”

“Man up and own it,” Jett retorted caustically. “Puff your chest, strut your stuff, and shake what your mama gave ya… not many people get the drop on ol’ Jett Acton. You get a gold star, bro – and I’m gonna tell the rest of the team that I ran into a polar bear.”

Savage started laughing awkwardly.

Jett smiled – before wincing again.

“It looks bad.”

“Maybe it will score some points with my girl…”

“Good luck, brother,” Savage said gently and sighed. “I think I’m gonna get Ashley some roses on my way home.”

“That ain’t a bad idea. I might steal it...”

“Go for it.”

“I think I will.”

Both men still lay there, silent before Jett started to get up. Savage did the same – and Jett sprang at him, shoving him face down into the ice, and noticed gleefully that the man banged his chin.

“There!” Jett crowed, leaping to his feet in one smooth move. “Ain’t nobody getting the drop on me without walking away with a bruise!”

Savage spat blood out onto the ice – and smiled at him.

“See you Monday for practice… and I’m bringing the bull.”

“BOOYAH, bro. Bring the bull, 'cause I’m tired of seein’ the heifer.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Good talk – now go away.”

“Deuces,” Jett quipped, holding up two fingers as he glided backward away from the man. “Don’t be surprised if I start referring to you differently at practice.”

“Oh?” Savage chuckled, getting to his feet. “Why am I scared?”

“You should be,” and with that, Jett walked out of the arena, cackling dramatically. He was rewarded with the other man’s laughter behind him and a split lip. “Ow, that really smarts.”

An hour later, Jett was carefully dabbing at the corner of his lip as the elevator door opened onto their floor. He walked up to the door, put in his key, and drew in a deep breath as if he were preparing for a possible battle. Opening it, he was greeted with silence.

Kicking off his shoes, he glanced at the clock and shrugged. It was still early and assumed Karen was sleeping. Walking into the kitchen, he started the coffee pot… and froze as he heard faint singing from nearby.

His wife was singing softly in the distance – and it was doing a number to his insides. He already thought she was incredible, sexy, and so wickedly smart but to add this little nugget to her personality was making his heart flip wildly in his chest.

Oh gosh, he was stupidly in love with her.

Padding silently, he moved toward the bedroom door and paused, listening. He stepped back, gathered up the surprises he’d bought for Karen and then looked at the door again as an idea hit him.

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