Page 27 of Damsel in Defense
VICTORIA
I have never, in my life, worn a jersey.A sport jersey specifically.
I’ve worn charity-branded long-sleeves and Disney spirit jerseys…but never one that was for an actual team.
And damn if I don’t look good in one.
The black and blue of the Toronto Nighthawks logo looks brilliant against my skin tone, and the oversized boyfriend style is something I could definitely get behind for future styling.My record company always put me in tight, bright dresses, but I’m loving how I feel in classic jeans and this dark jersey.
As I turn to admire the back of the outfit, my heart skips a beat when I see the bold name cross the back:Warren.
Rationally, I know this is standard on hockey jerseys, and thousands of fans wear the exact same thing.Yet seeing his name on me sends tingles down my spine.Almost like he’s claiming me.That I’m his and he wants the world to know it.
Silly thought, I’m very aware…but still.
It gives me a sense of calm as I contemplate walking into a new unknown.
I’ve never been to a charity event that wasn’t all glitz and glam.Although Mason had been very sparse on the details, I did know that today’s event would be held at the arena and be more of an interactive occasion—whatever that meant.
Giving myself one more look in the full-length mirror, I decide that I want my hair out of my face today.The long waves look good down, but it covers the back of the jersey.Even if I’m fooling myself, I want others to see his name on my back.
After all, I have to support my man.
Grabbing my brush, I gather my hair and comb it back.I’m just securing the tie when my phone starts to vibrate with a call.Mason’s name flashes on the screen.
With hurried movements, I wrap the hair tie one more time, done, and then reach for my cell.
“Hey,” I say into the phone, nerves making my voice sound husky.
“Hey.You okay?”
“Oh.Yeah.Yes.Had to run for the phone,” I fib, not wanting to tell him the truth.“All good.”
He chuckles at my weirdness.“I’m glad.Look, I just wanted to let you know at any time today, if you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, you can leave.Just say the word and I’ll help get you back home or into a quiet space.”
My chin tucks to my chest as I try and hold in the emotion his words stir up.Even though today is his time to shine with his teammates, he’s thinking about me.
“Thank you,” I whisper.Unspoken words of gratitude dance on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t get them out.
“I got you, Victoria.Always.”There’s a pause.I’m not sure if he’s letting his words sink into the moment or if he’s giving me a second to get myself under control—either way, I’m thankful.“So, the car should be there to pick you up within the next fifteen minutes and take you to the arena.You’re on the list, so you should be directed to the team’s area.I might not be there right away, but I’ll come find you as soon as I’m done setting up with the guys.That sound okay?”
“Sounds great.But you still haven’t told me what the event actually is.”
“Ahh, I see you’ve caught on to my sneaky ways,” he jokes, a smile in his voice.“I’m not sure if you’ve heard about Goals for Good, but it’s a youth mental health charity started by a teammate of mine.We take the kids through some drills, do some one-on-one mentoring, and end the day with a speaker.I promise it’s a good time and a cause that you could get behind.”
I’m nodding, even though he can’t see me.God, this man.Yes, this sounds like something I could support.
“I haven’t heard of Goals for Good, but I can definitely see how a charity like that could really impact young athletes.But I have a very important question for you…” I trail off, heightening the anticipation.“I don’t actually have to get on the ice, do I?I’m in no way a good skater.”
His laugh is infectious, making me chuckle at his reaction.“No, you don’t have to get on the ice if you don’t want to.However, I’d love to take you for a spin.”
“And here I thought I’d be spinning around the dance floor, but instead, I’m trading a fancy dress for elbow pads,” I tease.Not wanting him to think I’m not excited for the event, I continue.“I may take you up on that offer if you promise to hold on to me.I don’t want to make a complete fool of myself today and fall face-first on the ice.”
“I’d never let you go, Victoria.You’re always safe with me.”There’s a noise in the background, and I faintly hear his name being called.“Shit.I gotta go, but I’ll see you soon.”
I hang up the phone with a soft smile still on my lips and a warmth in my chest I haven’t felt in…God, maybe ever.
He says things like “I got you” and “You’re safe with me” like he means them.That he’s taking our relationship—friendship and fake boyfriend/girlfriend pact—seriously.I don’t think I’ve ever had a partnership like this before.And the worst part, the part that makes my stomach flip and my heart flutter, is that I believe him.I know he’ll be true to his word.
