Page 28 of Damsel in Defense
This whole relationship is supposed to be pretend.Smoke and mirrors.Strategy for both of us.
But then he goes and says things like that, and it doesn’t feel like a game anymore.
It feels real.
And that’s the most dangerous part.
***
The buzz of the arena hits me the second I walk through the back entrance.The cool, icy air sends shivers through me, making my next breath deeper.I’m shaking, but that has nothing to do with the cold and everything to do with nerves.
I’ve never been in this arena except for when it’s been modified for a concert.Seeing the rink for the first time is invigorating and a little intimidating.Their playing area is huge.
No wonder Mason has the sexiest legs I’ve ever seen.He’s got to skate back and forth on that mammoth for hours on end.
As I walk deeper into the arena, I see a huge banner hanging up over the ice:Goals for Good: Building resilience both on and off the ice.
There’s a swirl of chatter all around me as I walk further down the aisle.Kids are running between the stadium seats, while others are lacing up their skates on a nearby bench, with parents huddled nearby.Volunteers with dark blue and white shirts are everywhere, watching the action and helping with setup.
Smiling as I take it all in, I then notice familiar jerseys zipping around the rink.There are Nighthawks players scattered across the ice and sidelines, talking and what I assume is warming up, with a handful of eager kids trailing after them.
And in the middle of it all is Mason.
He has his back to me, but I know it’s him.At this point, with how connected I feel to him, I bet I could find him in a dark, crowded room by feel alone.
His helmet is off, dangling in one hand while the other gestures wildly in the air as he tells some amusing story to his friends.A man who looks oddly familiar throws his head back on a laugh and lightly punches Mason in the shoulder.The stranger’s eyes connect with mine, and a second later, he gestures over to me.
Mason turns, smiling so wide it knocks the breath right out of me.Like an absolute idiot, I wave.
With my awkward greeting, I think his smile gets even bigger.I watch as Mason pivots his skates and is about to make his way toward me when a tiny body crashes, then slides on the ice into Mason.
Without hesitation, Mason crouches beside a little boy, helping him back onto his feet and holding him until his balance is restored.Adjusting the boy’s gloves, his hands move carefully, patient in a way I didn’t expect.He says something that makes the kid laugh and fist-bumps him before they both start moving in opposite directions.
…Mason coming right to me.
Oh boy.
My body lights up as he makes his way toward me, tingling all over and feeling electrified.His long glides get him to me extra quick, and before I can prepare myself for the impact that is Mason, his skates click against the rubber mats.Then he’s here, right in front of me.
Before I can say a word, his arm slides around my waist, and he drops a kiss right on my temple.
The tender kiss is flawless, perfect.Expertly executed, like he’s done it a thousand times.
On the outside, I’m sure I look perfectly comfortable.My cheeks are no doubt turning a bright pink, and my eyes may be a bit wider than usual, but that can all be attributed to the cold.
Inside?I am nothing but sparks and spirals of emotion.I feel like I’m about to come out of my skin, absorb into Mason and curl up in his warmth.That one simple kiss to my temple has rocked my world.
And I want more of it.
“You made it,” he says, voice low, lips still near my ear.
“Obviously,” I manage, not trusting my voice with anything more.Needing to touch him, to anchor myself to this moment, I reach out and grip his jersey in both hands.Pulling him closer until our faces are only inches apart, I smile up at him.“After seeing how good I look in a jersey, I couldn’t stay at home.”
His eyes twinkle as he moves slightly backward and takes me all in.
“You look spectacular,” he agrees.Then a mischievous expression grows on his face.“You look damn good in my jersey.With my name on your back.”
Claiming you.
