Page 79 of Wildcat
“Where are you heading today?” I put a foot of distance between us when a couple of teammates appear in the hallway.
“I’m not sure, but I’ll be at the game tonight,boyfriend.” She brushes her fingers against mine and starts down the hall. “Do me proud.”
We have a light practice, and then I go home to nap before the game. Ash stops by when it’s time to go to the arena.
“Knock, knock,” he says as he walks through the front door. “Ready?”
“Yeah. One more minute.” I set the vase of roses on the kitchen table. The entire first floor is romance central—candles and flowers on every surface.
“What in god’s name happened in here?” Ash looks horrified as he takes in my attempt at romance and seduction.
“Scarlett’s staying over tonight after the game. Too much?”
“It’s… intense.” His brows climb up toward his hairline.
I may have gone overboard. “We made things official last night. I wanted to do something big for her.”
“Congrats. You sealed the deal with your dream girl.” He claps me on the shoulder. “I’m happy for you.”
“Okay.” I step back and scan the room one last time. She’s either going to be pleasantly surprised or run out the door. Here’s hoping she’s wearing heels, so I can catch her if she chooses the second option.
Ash and I are both due in the media room before the game. As much as I dread interviews, the best time is always before the game when I can wax poetic strategy and optimism.
We’re playing Pittsburgh tonight. We’ve tinkered with the lines enough that we’re starting to get into a rhythm. Those early season nerves and worries are abating, and it’s just pure excitement rushing through my veins during warmups.
As I stretch near the bench, I scan the seats Scarlett sat in last game with her mom, but they’re empty. A ping of disappointment hits me, but then I see her making her way down the aisle with a drink in one hand, popcorn in the other. Jade is a step behind her. Warmth spreads through my chest, and another dose of adrenaline floods my bloodstream.
She looks up and catches me staring. Two fingers around her drink lift in a small wave, and my heart beats faster.
My family doesn’t come to my games that often anymore. They’re supportive, and I know they’re proud, but we weren’t a hockey family growing up. In fact, my family wasn’t really into sports at all.
Having Scarlett here for me feels nice. I forgot what it was like to look up in the crowd and have people there just for you.
I don’t have time to bask in it for long. The game is a full-out war. We lost to Pittsburgh in the playoffs last year and the hard set of Ash and Declan’s jaws during the first period tells me I’m not the only one out for redemption.
At the first intermission, we’re up by one and head to the locker room. I glance up at Scarlett, and she winks at me. Yeah, I think I could get used to this.
We pull out a victory, and after cooling down and showering, I’m the first dressed and ready to go. I don’t have any after-game media tonight, so I slip out and text Scarlett.
She replies back with a selfie of her standing next to my car. Hell yeah.
Ash stops me before I leave. “Wild’s tonight?”
“Got plans,” I say with a grin.
“Right. The fiery seduction. Don’t burn the place down. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
I make a beeline for the parking lot. Before Scarlett can see me, I hit the unlock on my car, and she jumps back.
She looks up, smiles, and jogs toward me. I let my bag fall to the ground and catch her.
“First one out. Impressive.” Her breath is visible in the night air. “I missed you all day.”
“I had incentive.” I place a quick kiss to her mouth. “Missed you too.”
“What are we doing tonight?”
“The guys are going to Wild’s, but I was thinking we could celebrate by ourselves at my place?”
