Page 84 of Seal the Deal

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I grunt, shaking off the stars in my vision as I push to my feet.

The ref’s arm is up—boarding, two minutes for the other guy—but all I can think about is the ache spreading through my shoulder and the fact that Charlie and the kids just saw that.

It’s hell sitting on the bench, especially when I see a few scuffles breaking out on the ice. But I know better than to push it. The last thing I need is to make whatever this is worse.

By the time I’m cleared to get back on the ice, we’re in the final period, and the score is still tied. But then Eli wins the faceoff, and the puck lands on my stick.

I push forward, weaving through the defense like my life depends on it. As I approach the net, I glance up instinctively. Charlie’s watching, her face a mixture of nerves and hope, and the kids are on their feet, eyes wide with excitement.

It’s all the motivation I need.

I wind up and let the shot fly, the sound of the puck hitting the back of the twine like music to my ears. The arena erupts in cheers, and my teammates crowd me, everyone shouting and slapping my back.

We hold onto the lead for the remaining minute, and when the final buzzer sounds, the relief and joy that washes over me is indescribable. We did it.

All I can think about is getting upstairs to see Charlie and the kids. But as soon as the game ends, reality hits. The media is already gathering, waiting for post-game interviews, and I know what’s coming.

When I get back to the locker room, I pull off my gear and hit the showers quickly, knowing what’s waiting outside.

As I step back out, the media is already there, gathered around Ryan first.He’s answering questions with his usual calm, and then it’s my turn. I grab the nearest towel to swipe the lingering sweat from my face, plastering on a game-ready smile as the reporters close in.

“Jake, incredible goal tonight! How’s the shoulder feeling after that hit in the second?”

“It’s fine,” I say, keeping my tone steady. “Nothing serious. Just part of the game.”

“What was going through your mind during that last play?”

I shrug, leaning on the bench behind me. “Just focusing on getting the puck in the net. The team’s been working hard on creating opportunities like that, and it paid off.”

The questions keep coming, veering from the game to playoff prospects, and then inevitably, to my personal life.

“Jake, there have been rumors about someone special in your life. Any truth to that?”

I grit my teeth behind my smile, deflecting with practiced ease. “I’m just focused on talking hockey right now. That’s where my head’s at.”

I glance toward the locker room entrance, itching to get out of here. The thought of Charlie and the kids waiting for me upstairs is enough to keep me grounded, but it doesn’t stop the reporters from pushing for more.

“Jake, do you think having family in the stands tonight gave you an extra boost?”

The question catches me off guard, but I recover quickly, the grin on my face more genuine this time. “Having people who believe in you always helps,” I say simply, dodging the specifics. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve gotta catch up with them.”

I step away before they can ask anything else, making my way toward the private exit that leads to the suites.

My heart’s pounding, but it’s not from the game or the media—it’s from the thought of seeing them.

Chapter twenty-six

Just friends, really really good friends

Jake

When I finally reach the box, the sight that greets me is enough to make everything else fade away. Meadow is perched on Charlie’s lap, both of them chatting away, while Noah is excitedly chatting with Tamara and Zoe.

Charlotte stands when she spots me, gently setting Meadow down. Her eyes scan me, concern flashing. I smile, closing the distance between us.

“You okay?” Her voice is worried as her hand rests on my chest.

“Now I am,” I reply, pulling her into a hug and pressing a kiss to her temple. “Just a little knock, nothing serious.”

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