Page 48 of Desperate Pucker
I knew he would play well after recovering from injury. He’s in great shape and has been doing well in our skating lessons. But to see just how fast and powerful he is on the ice is impressive.
He checks a player from the opposing team. The guy goes flying while Ryker takes off with the puck across the ice. Heweaves around another player before passing the puck to his teammate.
I stare at my phone screen, mesmerized. Ryker is huge, but he moves with the speed of someone half his size. His transitions are quicker, and his edge work is stellar. He has better balance and posture than everyone else on the ice too.
I watch as he gains control of the puck and speeds ahead, way faster than his opponent. He’s far enough ahead that no one can catch him. And then he winds up for a slap shot, smacking the puck into the net.
He pumps his fist in celebration as the home crowd goes nuts. I catch him smiling as the guys on the team surround him.
I can’t help but smile too at how well he played. All that work he put in paid off.
When I finish watching the rest of the highlights, I watch Ryker’s interview during post-game press. I swallow hard. He looks really, really sexy after a game. The dark gray undershirt he’s wearing is soaked in sweat and shows off his sculpted arms and shoulders. His shaggy dark hair is messy in that super hot, just-fucked way.
“You moved a lot faster on the ice than you did even before your injury. How did you manage that?” one of the reporters asks.
“All credit goes to my skating coach, Madeline Macer. She’s incredible.”
Warmth blooms through me unexpectedly. I wasn’t expecting him to say that.
“She’s a former figure skater, right?” that same reporter asks.
“Yes. And an Olympic medalist,” Ryker says. “I wouldn’t have been able to play the way I did tonight if I hadn’t been training with her.”
“Sounds like she’s your secret weapon.”
“She definitely is.”
My tummy does a somersault at the way the corner of Ryker’s mouth tilts up when he talks about me. I never thought I’d ever hear him compliment me as a coach.
I text Ingrid back.
Me: This was really cool to see, thank you!
Ingrid: You should come to a game so you can watch the guys up close. See how all the training you’re doing with them is paying off :)
Me: Yeah, maybe
I hadn’t thought about attending a Bashers game. I’ve never paid much attention to any sport other than figure skating. But maybe Ingrid’s right. Maybe I should start attending Bashers home games. It would show the team that I’m invested in their performance.
Ingrid: Hey, what are you up to tonight? If you’re not busy, you should come out to Spanky’s with us! The guys want to celebrate their win.
Me: You sure it’s okay for me to join? I’m not dating anyone on the team lol
Ingrid: Of course it’s okay! We love hanging out with you, Madeline. You’re our friend <3
That warm feeling inside of me deepens. Ever since Ingrid and the girls took me out for drinks to console me the day I found out that my ex got engaged, they added me to theirgroup text chat. I’m usually pretty quiet. I mostly just skim the messages they share and reply with emojis.
After spending most of my life friendless while I made figure skating my sole focus, it means a lot to know that my new friends want to include me in so much.
Me: Okay :) I’ll join you guys
“Madeline! You made it!” Ingrid hops up from their usual big table at Spanky’s and pulls me into a hug.
Sophie hugs me. Dakota, Maya, and Bella greet me too, along with the guys on the team.
Coach Porter is there too and nods at me. He’s sitting next to a pretty blonde woman who looks like she’s in her thirties.
“Madeline, this is my girlfriend, Abby,” he says.
