Page 82 of Wicked Minds
“Thanks,” I say as he hands them over, and closing the door, I go back to my apartment. Setting the bag on the kitchen counter, I look at my name scrawled across the front of the envelope in what looks like Logan’s familiar scrawl. I know his handwriting well enough after months spent tutoring him.
Opening it, tickets to tonight’s game fall out, and a smile lights up my face. There’s also a piece of paper inside, so I slide it out, unfolding it to read:
I could have just left the tickets at will-call, but I wanted to make sure you had them, along with some goodies for Isabella. There’s also something special for you in the bag, but I’ll understand if you’re not ready. Regardless, I’ll be the one with your name on my jersey. Can’t wait to see you tonight.
Yours,
Logan
I set the note aside and open the bag. There’s a husky soft toy wearing a Huskies jersey and holding a hockey stick in his paw. It’s so cute and I decide I will send Aurora one. There’s also a pack of Huskies stickers and beanies for the three of us, and beneath all that are three jerseys. One is obviously for a child,so I lift out one of the others, unfolding it to readLarssonin big letters across the back.
I’m pretty sure that’s the name of their goalie, and I’m fairly certain that it’s not for me. Folding it up, I lift out the other one, not the least bit surprised to find Astor stamped between the shoulder blades. I’m guessing this one is mine, and I can’t wait to see the look on Logan’s face when I show up wearing it.
“That thing drowns you,” Royce comments as we navigate the crowd, everyone funneling into the stadium for tonight’s game.
I glance down at myself. He’s not wrong. The jersey is massive on me, but I equally don’t care. It’s not about how I look. It’s about supporting Logan.
“You better hope Logan doesn’t come in his pants in the middle of the rink in front of everyone. He’d never recover from that.”
A shocked laugh escapes me and I gape at Royce. “Is that what you’ve been worrying about since you picked me up?”
Smirking, he merely shakes his head and I press onto my toes, searching for Ava and Isabella. When Royce found out I was coming tonight, he said he was coming too. Didn’t even blanch when I said I had tickets for Ava and her daughter, even though I’m sure he’d prefer it if it was just the two of us.
Since I have to go to work afterward, it made sense for them to come separately so they can head home afterward and Royce can drive me to Lux.
“Do you see them?” he asks as I spot them standing near the ticket kiosk.
“Over there.” I point in their direction and we push our way through the throng of fans toward them.
“Hey!” I call out, waving. Isabella spots me, pointing to her mom before racing toward me.
I bundle her into my arms. “Hey there, squirt. You shouldn’t go running off on your mom like that. It’s a busy place and you might get lost.”
Ava gives her daughter a stern look when she catches up, and with her head ducked, Isabella mutters, “Sorry, Mommy.”
“It’s okay, baby. I know you’re excited. I just don’t want you to get lost and miss the game.”
At that notion, Isabella shakes her head, and I put her down so she can hold her mom’s hand.
“This is my… uh, this is Royce,” I introduce, ignoring his smirk over my fumbling as he holds out his hand for Ava to shake.
“Royce, this is Ava and Isabella. Tonight’s their first hockey game.”
“And you came dressed to impress, I see,” he teases.
“Gotta support the uh…” Ava looks down at her jersey. “Huskies.”
The three of us burst out laughing before Royce urges us through the turnstile. “We better get inside so we can grab food before the game starts. Logan might miss the puck drop if you’re not there.”
I roll my eyes at him, catching Ava glancing between us, probably wondering what the situation between Royce, Logan, and me is. Yeah, that’s not a conversation for little ears, so I’ll leave it until we have our adult girl’s night.
We queue up for food, and when it’s our turn, Royce ushers me forward with a hand protectively on my lower back.
“Hot dog with all the toppings, nachos with cheese, and a beer, right?” he queries with a teasing glint.
“Ass.” I playfully shove his shoulder, even as I grin. “You forgot the popcorn, though.”
His lips twitch in a semblance of a smile, however his eyes shine with amusement, betraying his otherwise stoic expression. The one he dons for the world to see. His armor. Just like his leather jacket and tattoos. A carefully constructed shield to stop people from getting too close. Intended to have them casting displeased glances and steering clear.
