Page 137 of Slap Shot Scandal
It’s more than a seat—it’s a statement. A sign of acceptance. Acknowledgment of my place on this team.
A quiet, public nod that I belong. Here, out in the open, where everyone can see.
We slide into our seats behind the glass as the lights flash and the team skates back onto the ice. The crowd roars, a wall of sound, and excitement vibrates through the arena.
Weston skates out last, eyes scanning the rink. Sharp. Searching.
Then he sees me.
His deep blue gaze locks on mine, a slow smile spreading across his face as he glides past and taps the glass twice with his stick.
My breath hitches, heart skipping in my chest.
Weston’s mine.
And I am his.
And now the entire world knows it.
No more hiding, no sneaking around.
Weston Steele declared to everyone tonight that we’re a couple—and he doesn’t care who knows it.
The buzzer blares and the puck flies across the ice. Prince clenches his hands, his whole body swaying in the direction of the black disc with every drive toward the net.
Portland takes a shot and Callum gets wide, his huge body covering most of the goal. He snags the puck in his right glove, making the save.
“Yes!” I cheer along with the crowd.
Both teams play great defense and the score’s still 2-1 after eighteen intense minutes.
Then Portland pulls their goalie with one minute left.
Six skaters crash into our zone, passing fast and pressing hard. I glance up at the bright time clock.
Ten seconds. Nine, eight…
A rebound bounces wide, straight toward the corner. Straight toward Weston.
Seven, six…
He snatches the puck, wheeling around and taking off down the ice.
All power and speed, and my heart pounds hard.
Five seconds, four…
He crosses the blue line and flips the puck toward the empty net.
Graceful, effortless.
I hold my breath as the puck slides in just as the buzzer sounds.
The Crushers win and the crowd explodes, blue and white lights flashing.
Weston lifts his stick high in the air and his teammates swarm him. Clapping his back, hugging, and fist bumping, together they celebrate the win. Callum skates out of the goal and bumps Weston’s helmet, then embraces his brother in a fierce hug.
Happy tears prick at the corner of my eyes and I blink hard to keep them at bay.
