Page 74 of Campus Crush
“Party at the house!” Drew announced to nobody’s surprise. Our post-win celebrations were legendary on campus.
I peeled off my sweaty equipment, wincing at the already-purpling bruise on my knee. Our trainer came by to check it, confirming it was just a bruise and nothing structural.
“You’ll live,” he said dryly. “Ice it tonight and try not to do anything stupid at your party.”
“No promises,” I replied with a grin.
After a quick shower, I checked my phone to find a text from Abby.
Abby
You were amazing out there! We’ll wait for you by the main entrance.
I smiled, typing back:
Be there in 5. btw my jersey looks good on you.
As I finished getting dressed, Coach came by to give mea fist bump. “Good leadership tonight, Kane. Way to battle through that shot block.”
“Thanks, Coach. Gordy’s the real hero tonight.”
“True,” he laughed. “But that pass to Farrell on the second goal was a thing of beauty. Keep that up and maybe we’ll make it to the conference playoffs.”
I gathered my gear bag and headed out to meet Abby, my body sore but my spirits high. The main entrance was crowded with friends and family waiting for players, but I spotted Abby and Sam immediately. Abby’s face lit up when she saw me, and she rushed over, throwing her arms around my neck.
“That was incredible!” she exclaimed, her eyes bright with excitement.
I laughed, wrapping my arms around her waist. “So I take it you enjoyed your first official game as the captain’s girlfriend?”
“I definitely did. You were amazing out there,” she said earnestly. “And that save Gordy made in the third period? I thought Sam was going to fall off her seat.”
“It’s true,” Sam confirmed, joining us. “I’ve never screamed so much at a sporting event in my life. Also, I’m pretty sure I’m in love with your goalie now.”
“I’ll be sure to tell him,” I teased.
Drew and Liam emerged from the locker room, immediately drawing a small crowd of admirers. Gordy followed a minute later, looking stoic as usual, despite the attention he was receiving for his stellar performance.
“Party at our place,” Drew announced to the group at large. “Starting as soon as we get there.”
As we all headed to the parking lot, I kept my arm around Abby’s shoulders, enjoying the way she fit perfectly against my side. My knee throbbed and my shoulder achedfrom the blocked shot, but I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this content.
“You’re limping,” Abby observed as we neared my truck. “Are you okay?”
“Just a bruise,” I assured her, touched by her concern. “Occupational hazard.”
She frowned slightly. “Maybe we should skip the party so you can rest?”
“Not a chance,” I said, kissing her forehead. “Captain can’t miss the victory celebration. Besides, I want to show off my beautiful girlfriend.”
Her cheeks flushed at the compliment, and she ducked her head in that shy way that never failed to charm me. “Fine, but you have to promise to ice that knee later.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I agreed solemnly, then I lowered my voice and whispered in her ear. “If you really want to make me feel better, you could always sit on my face while I’m icing my knee.” If I thought her cheeks were pink before, it was nothing compared to now as she playfully swatted me on my stomach with the back of her hand.
“Behave.”
THIRTY-SEVEN
The hockey house was already buzzing with energy when we arrived. Music thumped through the walls, and the living room was already packed with people celebrating the win against Bozeman Tech. I’d never been much of a party person before Foster, but being with him made me feel more comfortable in these situations.
