Page 117 of One Good Puck
“Aww, look at you,” Bella says, grinning. “The woman who didn’t know anything about hockey is now a die-hard Bashers fan.”
I laugh and shrug. “Crazy, right?”
Dakota aims a teasing smile at me. “All it took was one hot hockey coach.”
I roll my eyes and smile. I glance over at Gavin standing at the Bashers bench, a serious look on his face, even though his team just won.
A second later, he catches eyes with me. I beam at him, and the corner of his mouth quirks up in a smile before he turns away and disappears down the tunnel with his team and staff.
“Ingrid says the guys want to head to Spanky’s for a drink,” Maya says. “You wanna join? Sophie’s coming too.”
Bella and Dakota say they’re in.
“Do you have to pick up Emma?” Dakota asks me.
I shake my head. “She’s staying with a friend tonight. I’d love to join you and the guys, if that’s cool?”
“Woo! Mama’s night out!” Bella says. I laugh, and we make our way out of the stands.
I pull out my phone and text Gavin.
Me: Congrats on another win!
Gavin: Thank you.
Me: The girls invited me out to Spanky’s to celebrate. Are you coming too?
Gavin: Probably not. I don’t like to be the kind of coach who inserts himself too much into players’ spaces.
Me: Aww :( Please? For me? Just for one drink, and we can leave.
Gavin: Okay, you convinced me.
When we arrive at Spanky’s, we head for the big table in the back. Bella says the guys are regulars at this bar, and this is their usual spot.
We order a bottle of Prosecco to share between us, a pitcher of beer for the guys, a Scotch for Blomdahl, and a non-alcoholic drink for Sophie.
A little while later, Sophie and Ingrid join us. I hand her her drink and smile.
“Dakota told me that Xander asked for a special drink for you to be added to their menu,” I say. “That’s so romantic and sweet.”
Sophie beams. “He’s the best. I love him so much.”
Dakota pulls her into a side hug. “Aww, my bestie is so smitten.”
“Very, very smitten,” Sophie says.
A little while later, Xander, Del, Blomdahl, Sam, and Gavin walk in. We congratulate them on their win.
Gavin sits down next to me right as Camden walks up to our table. “Another pitcher of beer, boys?” he asks.
They all say yes. Camden’s smile drops when he sees Gavin. “Oh hey, Coach. I, uh, didn’t know you’d be here.”
Gavin frowns. “Don’t worry, Connors. I won’t be here for long. One drink and I’m gone.”
Camden lets out a breath, clearly relieved. “Oh. Cool.” He heads for the bar to order more beer.
I chuckle and look at Gavin. The corner of his mouth twitches like he’s fighting a smile.
