Page 156 of Desperate Pucker
But Maddy cares. She’s on her feet, celebrating her heart out for me, proudly calling out my assist.
My chest goes tight at just how much it means to have her here by my side, supporting me.
I never thought I’d have this. But now I do.
I wink at her and skate off to rejoin my team for face-off.
“I saw that,” Sam says when I skate past him.
“Saw what?”
“That look you just gave Maddy.” He grins. “Something’s going on between you two.”
I fight a smile and stay quiet. We haven’t told anyone we’re in a relationship yet. I’d be happy to, but I don’t want Maddy to feel pressured. Especially when she’s been so skittish about relationships after her breakup. And we both want to be professional at work too.
I shrug at Sam. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He just laughs and pats my shoulder. “Whatever you say, dude.”
We manage to pull off a win against Nashville. The fans are going wild as we walk off the ice. We’re all hollering and cheering when we enter the locker room.
I’m buzzing with adrenaline and excitement as I strip my gear off. One step closer to the finals. One step closer to the one thing I’ve wanted my entire hockey career.
When I head out of the locker room, I see Maddy standing at the end of the hall, that beautiful smile I love so much on her gorgeous face.
“Congrats on the win,” she says when I walk up to her.
I lean down and kiss her. She cups my face in her hands and moans against my lips. Fuck, I love it when she does that.
We walk down the hall together toward the parking garage.
“Sam knows we’re dating, by the way,” I say.
She looks amused. “Really? How?”
“He caught us looking at each other during the game.”
“Maybe that means we should make an official announcement.”
“Yeah?” Excitement flickers in my belly.
Maddy nods.
“What’d you have in mind?”
She beams at me. “It’s a surprise.”
Chapter 53
Maddy
Iget to my seat at the Bashers arena extra early, before Maya, Bella, Dakota, and Abby arrive.
Excitement flickers in my tummy as I gaze down at what I’m wearing. I can’t wait to see their reaction.
But I’m most excited for Ryker’s reaction.
“Hey! You’re early,” Dakota says.
