Page 115 of On Ice

In the locker room, the silence is deafening. Noah stares at the floor, still in full gear. Rodriguez methodically removes his tape, face a mask of frustration. We came so close.

“Plane leaves tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. sharp. Let’s be on the bus by 8:30,” Coach says quietly, offering no comment on the loss. He won’t stay quiet for long. We’ll get an earful tomorrow. But even he needs time to process what just happened. I’m sure he’s well aware the team is starting to get squeamish about away games. He’ll need to address that at some point.

As I peel off my jersey, the sweat-soaked fabric clinging to my shoulder pads, I have to admit, I actuallyamstarting to feel like we’re cursed every time we play an away game. I don’t want to think like that. I don’t want to jinx us. But our playoff position grows more precarious with each passing game. Every loss is a nail in our coffin.

As I sit in my stall, unlacing my skates, Torres drops down beside me. “We’ll get the next one,” he says, voice low. “Right?”

He’s looking to me for comfort, but I’m struggling to dig my way out of my own fears. I’m gutted, just like he is. I nod, not trusting myself to speak yet. The sting is too fresh.

Torres gives a weak smile. “I mean, because in hockey, like life, there’s always another game.”

“Yeah.”

Until suddenly, there isn’t. Eventually, we’ll run out of road.

“Hey, Riley,” one of the trainers calls out. “You have a visitor.”

Frowning, I stand. I don’t know anyone in New York and there’s no way my brother flew here for our game. I stand and head out of the locker room to the hallway. When I see Lucastanding there I’m speechless. My mouth falls open and I gape at him in shock.

“What are you… Luca… you’re…” I sputter.

He grins and my pulse races. “I thought I’d surprise you.”

“I’m surprised.” I laugh. Even with a medium sized bandage on his forehead, he looks fucking gorgeous in a dark suit and blue tie. His black hair and deep brown sensual eyes make my dick throb. “Surprised but happy.”

“You’d better be happy.” He smirks. “Aren’t you going to kiss me hello?”

I grimace, looking down at myself. “I’m kind of disgusting right now. I haven’t showered.”

He shrugs, running his gaze over my bare torso. “That’s fine. Give me a kiss, Evan.” His voice is commanding.

A little thrill goes through me and I obey. He slips an arm around my waist and tugs me against him. He’s never been this openly affectionate with me anywhere near the team, so I’m self-conscious. But he doesn’t seem to care that there are people wandering past, or how I smell. He takes my mouth hungrily, and doesn’t lift his head until he’s good and ready.

When the kiss ends, I laugh self-consciously. His gaze is so intense, I feel jittery. “Do you have business in New York?” I ask.

He scowls. “No. I just told you I came to surprise you.”

“I figured you were already here for business, and you fit me into the schedule.”

He looks displeased. “You weren’t an afterthought. You were my reason for coming to New York. I thought I made that clear.”

I can see he’s offended, so I say softly, “I’m glad you’re here.”

His grumpy expression softens slightly. “Are you?”

“Yes.” I let out a shaky breath. “We lost again. I could use some cheering up.”

“I know.” He grimaces. “Go get cleaned up and meet me outside. I’m taking you to dinner. Then you’ll spend the night with me at my hotel, and we’ll fly back on my private jet tomorrow morning.”

I hesitate. “Are you sure this isn’t too much trouble?”

Scowling, he leans toward me. “If it was too much trouble, I wouldn’t be here. Do you wish I hadn’t come? Is that the problem?”

I blink at him. “No, I’m… I’m really happy to see you.” I laugh gruffly. “I’m sorry. I’ve never had a guy do anything like this for me before.”

That seems to please him. “Good. I like that I’m the first.” He adjusts his cufflinks. “Now go do whatever it is you do in there, and get outside ASAP. I’m starving.”

I smile, suddenly feeling much happier. “I won’t be long.” I hurry back into the locker room, ignoring the curious looks. I know it’s weird for the team that I’m dating Luca, but I’m not going to stop simply because they’re uncomfortable. I text Noah about my plans, just so he’s not worried, then I hit the showers.

---