Page 46 of Guarded Love

Not that I would ever admit that to him.

"Your brother's having a hell of a game," Isla says, snapping away.

"Yeah, he is."

During a break in play, Isla sets her camera down and stretches her arms above her head. "So, any other questions for the article while we've got a minute?"

I grab my pen and notebook again to take notes."What's your favorite part of being the team photographer?" I ask. "Something that surprised you about the role?"

“I like capturing the quiet moments, actually. Everyone sees the goals, the big hits, the celebrations. But there's this...intimacy to the moments no one else notices. Like when a player's sitting alone, getting in the zone before a game.”

I scribble this down, nodding. "That's perfect."

"Oh, and another thing—" Isla starts, but the buzzer sounds, ending the intermission. She quickly lifts her camera again as the players skate back onto the ice. "I'll tell you after."

The third period is pure chaos. The opposing team scores twice in quick succession, tying the game and sucking all the energy from the crowd. I find myself gripping the edge of my seat.

"Come on," I whisper as Knox narrowly misses a shot.

With two minutes left, Blaise intercepts a pass at our blue line and immediately fires it up the ice to Levi. The crowd rises to their feet as Levi fakes out a defenseman and slides the puck to Asher, who slams it into the net.

The arena explodes. I'm jumping up and down, screaming with everyone else. Isla captures it all, her camera clicking furiously as the guys pile onto Asher along the boards.

"HOLY SHIT, ASHER! That's game!" she shouts over the noise. It's easy to see how proud she is of her boyfriend, let alone the whole team. Her hands fly to her cheeks as her eyes dartfrom me to the ice and back again. "Unless they do something stupid in the next minute."

They don't. When the final buzzer sounds, I'm genuinely disappointed the game is over. I watch as the players congratulate each other, tapping helmets and gloves.

"I should go get some shots of them heading to the locker room," Isla says, gathering her equipment. "Want to come? We can try to grab those quotes from Dad after, but I make no promises. And then I have to meet with the content creators Bailey mentioned."

"Sure," I say, surprising myself with how quickly I agree. "Lead the way."

Both Isla and I pack our things and then I follow her through the crowd, down a set of stairs, and into a corridor I've never seen before. The hallway is narrow, lined with concrete walls painted red and white with bright fluorescent lights.

Isla flashes her media badge at a security guard who nods us through. "They'll be coming off the ice any minute."

We position ourselves along the wall where the hallway widens slightly. Isla lifts her camera, ready to capture the players as they file past. "Here they come," Isla whispers, and sure enough, I hear the distinctive sound of skate guards clicking against the floor.

Asher comes through first, his expression breaking into a wide grin when he spots Isla. He makes his way toward us and leans down to press a quick kiss on her cheek. “Hey, sunshine. Get any good shots?”

"Only about three hundred of you looking like a hero," she replies.

Asher notices me standing awkwardly beside her. "Willow? Didn't expect to see you down here."

"Just getting some final quotes for the article. That final shot was incredible," I explain, hoping he doesn’t pick up on how nervous I actually am.

"It was nothing," Asher says with a self-deprecating laugh. "That pass from Levi was ridiculous. I just had to not miss."

More players walk past us, some nodding when they see Isla with her camera at the ready. Knox emerges next, his hair plastered to his forehead with sweat. When he spots me, his eyebrows shoot up.

"Twice in one month? Who are you and what have you done with my sister?" he asks.

Touché. "Just doing my job," I reply, lifting my bag. "Great game, by the way."

"Thanks." He looks genuinely pleased at the compliment. "You sticking around after?"

"For a bit. Need to talk to Coach Johnson if I can."

Knox nods, then looks past me as more players emerge. "I'll be out in fifteen. Don't disappear." As he walks away, I turn to look at Isla, but she’s busy chatting with Asher and taking more photos. It’s then I feel like someone is watching me. I look slightly to my left and find Blaise standing there. Our eyes lock for a moment that stretches for far too long in my opinion. Much like Knox, his hair is damp with sweat and there's a fresh red mark along his jawline from what must have been a high stick that didn't get called. My throat goes dry.

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