Page 98 of Snapping the Ice
I slapped Leo’s hand, and then Zoma did the same. My heart soared. “My man did it!”
“He sure did. I don’t think he’ll play with his old team anytime soon.” Leo beamed at me.
Ace scrambled across the ice while Mason and Jett huddledaround Lucas, hugging and slapping him. As Ace reached them, he launched himself and they all fell to the ice, laughing and rolling around.
“Archer’s got to be dying to run out there.” Shaking his head, Leo sipped his beer.
“Yeah, but he’s happy to give Lucas his moment. You know that.” Zoma gave Leo a knowing grin.
Following our victory, Lucas, Jessica, and I waited near a side entrance to the press room. I raked my gaze over Lucas, his hair still wet from the shower, his blue suit snug on his muscled body.
“Okay, you remember the plan, right? We’re focusing on how you met and we’re not discussing Tate. If they ask about him, defer the question as a legal matter.” Her stark blue gaze peered at us, her brown hair pulling into a high ponytail.
“Got it.” With a glance at me, Lucas squeezed my hand. “You ready, babe?”
“I’m ready.” He was trembling. I needed to be his strength right now. “I’m right here.” I kissed his cheek.
The hint of a grin passed over his mouth. “Coach is already in there, right?”
“Yes.” She touched an earbud lodged in her ears. “Okay, they’re ready for you.” She up-nodded at the door.
“Okay.” Lucas popped the door open, straightened his shoulders, and led me inside, a tight grip on my hand.
With my pulse bucking, I focused on the stairs to the raised platform and followed Lucas up. I only noticed the crowd after I sat down.
Lucas took the middle chair while I sat beside him. Coach Dupont sat on the far end in a crisp gray suit, his handsthreaded on the table. You’d never know the guy had spent the last three hours hollering at players from the bench. He was the epitome of well-put-together.
The clicking of cameras slashed through the room and people wearing business casual sat in folding chairs. The room’s gray walls displayed a pattern of the team logo. I focused on the microphone in front of me. It was less overwhelming than the crowd.
Lucas cleared his throat.
“Hopkins, tell us about your boyfriend. When did this happen? We’ve only seen you with women,” a man yelled out.
With a glance at me and a soft grin, he said, “I met Ezra during a photo shoot for the Firebird’s charity calendar. He does amazing work, catching the male form in a unique way. Pick it up for your wives and girlfriends.” He smirked. “Or your boyfriends, depending.”
The crowd chuckled.
“What made you rethink your sexuality?” A woman asked.
“He did. He’s irresistible. Just look at him.” Lucas held his palm out to me. “I’m not sure what else to say about it.” He furrowed his brows. “I was told that sexuality is fluid. So, I won’t dwell on what was or define labels for myself. I only know that I am deeply and hopelessly in love with Ezra Turner. And if you don’t like it? I don’t give a fuck.”
“Hopkins, language.” Coach tsked and chuckled.
“What’s it like dating a hockey player, Ezra?” The woman asked.
As my cheeks heated, I forced my gaze to hers. “It’s always an adventure.” I chuckled. “I’ve never been in the spotlight. But for him, it’s something I’ll get used to.”
Another woman in the audience said, “Aw, that’s sweet. You really love him.”
Glancing at Lucas, I twined my fingers through his. “Yes, in fact, he’s my first genuine love.”
As Lucas’s gaze swung to mine, it sparkled.
After taking some sports-driven questions, we left the rink through a back door and Lucas drove me to his place. I had scheduled no clients in the morning, so we could be alone together tonight. After everything we’d been through, we needed this time.
In the car, my phone buzzed in my pocket, and I held it to my face. Staring at Lucas, I said, “Lucas, it’s Stella.” I set the phone on speaker. “Hello?”
Lucas flashed a glance at me.
