Page 63 of The Love Penalty

“But you still have to be in the same games as him, unless he gets traded to another division. Aren’t you worried he’ll try to retaliate further?”

“No, I’ll be smart around him. Not let him rile me up. Beat him with kindness and penalties.”

Robbie chuckles and kisses me. “That’s my girl.”

“As for you, are you sure about retiring?” I ask, watching his face more closely. I really don’t want him to give up hockey for me.

He smiles and says, “Hold that thought. Let me go get my tablet.” He comes back and pulls up a presentation for the nonprofit. “Alex and I met last week, and we put this together.” The presentation is very thorough and talks about how they will collaborate with the Grand Marquee Manticores to set up auctions and fundraising events. “Things are becoming more official. Alex is doing most of it, but as soon as the season is over and I’m available, I plan to join him.”

“This is great, Robbie! You’re really excited for it.”

He gives me a bashful smile and I can see he’s going to be perfect at this. “Yeah. I really am.”

WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?

Robbie

Will you be my Valentine?

Olivia

The answer is always yes. And also, that’s a week away…

I was thinking about catching a flight and spending a couple of days with you. Our schedules line up. I’d like to take you to dinner if you’ll let me.

How did I get so lucky? You’re thoughtful AND considerate. Swoon.

Yes, I will definitely be your Valentine :)

Love you, always.

Love you the most.

Impossible.

THIRTY-FOUR

Robbie

March

We havea month and a half left in the season, and that’s if we don’t make it to the Calder Cup. Right now we’re in the wildcard position which is great for us and the closest we’ve come in years. On the one hand, I’d be so excited to play in the Cup, but on the other hand, I don’t want this season to be extended so I can spend more time with Olivia and start focusing more on the nonprofit.

A week after the All-Star break, I flew to Minnesota to see Olivia and spent Valentine’s Day together. I didn’t surprise her this time, but I did take her to a nice restaurant and got her a new ring to replace the one she always fidgets with and turns her finger green. The new one is a simple rose gold band with an infinity symbol on it. When I handed her the box at the restaurant Olive said, “This better not be an engagement ring, Robbie. I love you, but we haven’t been together long enough for that kind of commitment.”

I laughed and assured her it was just a token of my affection, and maybe a promise too of what’s to come. I agree with her, we’ve only known each other for a few months, it would be way too early to think about marriage. But I do know in my heart that she is the one for me and I know Olivia feels the same.

Tomorrow night is another home game and we are playing the Vermont Vortices. I’ve been dreading this game ever since Olivia told me about Mitchell cornering and blackmailing her. My blood boils just thinking about it, but I promised Olivia we would handle this like professionals and not let our feelings affect the game. I’d be more than happy to clock him in his stupid face and knock him out on the ice but that will certainly get me suspended if I do it with intent to injure.

Olivia is traveling from Ohio after officiating a game there, so instead of picking her up at the airport, I meet her at the bus station and we head straight to the game. My whole family got tickets and they are super excited to see us both on the ice. The few times Olivia has spent time with my family, they’ve gotten along great, which makes me happy. I know my mom can be a bit of a helicopter parent, but Olivia doesn’t seem to mind the fuss and attention.

I drop Olivia off at the arena’s back entrance then go park the car so that we’re not seen entering the building together. I suggested we do this just in case Mitchell is looking for proof to report us.

I head to the locker room and start to get ready, then go out for warm-ups with the rest of the team. Michael brings my nieces down to the glass and I wave and do some tricks for them before throwing them each a puck. They don’t come to the game often, but when they do, I make sure they have a fun time. They’re both wearing my jersey and waving excitedly at me. I got them seats in one of the upper level boxes that has the best view of the ice. When I skate away from the glass, I see Mitchellhovering on his side of the ice, smirking at me. I lift my chin up and then promptly ignore him.

The first period is rougher than I expected. Mitchell and his goons are coming in hot and keeping the pressure on us. They’ve managed to draw two penalties so far and I swear every time Mitchell is on the ice, I see him talking shit to Olivia. It’s messing with my head and I’m definitely distracted and angry, which gets me a couple of penalties as well. The whole crowd is booing at Olivia and the other officials as she escorts me to the box.

“What has gotten into you?” she asks out of the corner of her mouth.

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