Page 172 of Desperate Pucker
“I won’t lie. I’m exhausted. It’s always tough coming back after being away,” I say. “But I feel good. I’m happy to be back on the ice. And I think I put in a solid performance during practice.”
He’s quiet as he studies me, arms crossed over his chest. “I agree. I think you’re ready to play again.”
I try and fail to contain my grin.
Coach Porter cracks a small smile. “Well, that’s the biggest smile I think I’ve ever seen from you.”
“Can’t help it. I really want to be back out there with the guys.”
“We’ve got our first game of the finals against New York tomorrow,” he says. “That game is going to set the tone for the whole rest of the series.”
My whole body buzzes. The Bashers managed to beat Toronto in five games during the third round of the playoffs. We’re officially in the finals. I’m this close to playing inthe Stanley Cup finals. This close to achieving something I’ve wanted my whole career.
“I won’t have you playing as many shifts as you normally would,” Coach says. “But I think you’re in good enough shape to be out there.”
“I’ll be ready, Coach.”
“Good. Now go get some rest.”
When I make it to the locker room, the guys are stripping off their gear and getting cleaned up.
“Well?” Xander says, staring at me. “What did Coach say?”
I huff out a breath. “I’ll be playing with you guys tomorrow.”
The locker room erupts in cheers and whistles.
Camden smacks my shoulder. “Fuck yeah! Georgie’s back!”
I can’t help but grin at the response from my teammates. When I leave the locker room, Maddy’s waiting for me in the hallway.
An eager smile plays on her lips. “How’d it go?”
I walk up to her. “Coach said I can play tomorrow night.”
She squeals and jumps up, then kisses me.
“Oh my god! I’m…so…happy…for…you,” she says between kisses.
I press her against the wall, ignoring the whistles and laughter from my teammates as they walk by us.
“Damn, Georgie. Get a room,” Camden hollers from down the hall. Still kissing Maddy, I flip him off. He just laughs.
Maddy giggles against my mouth. When we break apart, she grabs my face in her hands.
“I can’t wait to cheer you on,” she says.
“While wearing my jersey, right?”
Her smile is so bright and beautiful. “Absolutely.”
Chapter 59
Maddy
“This is rough,” Dakota says while looking out on the ice.
I let out a breath. “Yeah. It is.”
