Page 107 of Racking Up Penalties
“Hey,” I breathe out, just loud enough for her to hear over the din of victory. A wide grin splits my face, one that I can feel lifting years off my soul.
Her eyes lock onto mine full of pride.
I rip my helmet off and lean over the boards, my gloves finding the warmth of her cheeks as I pull her into an embrace that transcends the cold of the ice. She melts into me, her arms winding around my neck, her body pressed against the damp fabric of my jersey.
“Thank you,” I whisper into her ear, my voice low and thick with emotion. “Seeing you in my jersey was everything.”
She doesn’t speak, but her grip tightens, and I feel her nod against me. In this hug, in the shelter of her arms, the rest of the world fades.
As we finally break apart, her smile mirrors mine. I lean in and kiss her with all the adrenaline running through my veins.
“Your last goal was incredible!” she breathes out, voice quivering with excitement. Her words are like music after the symphony of cheers and skates that have filled my ears for the past hour.
“Only because you were here,” I respond, earnestly.
“I love you, Ethan. You were incredible out there.”
My heart stutters before picking up at double the pace. “I love you too, baby girl. You’re everything to me.”
We lean in and kiss one more time.
She gives my arm a playful swat, her smile softening into something warm and private. “Go celebrate with your team, Ethan. You guys earned it.”
With reluctance, I skate backward, not wanting to break the connection but knowing the moment belongs to the entire team now. I nod to Liam, who’s waiting by the gate with a knowing look in his eyes. We turn away, gliding toward the locker room.
The air inside is thick with the scent of sweat and elation. The guys are a chaotic mass of energy, all broad grins and brotherly shoves. Someone pops a bottle of champagne and the spray showers us, drawing out laughter and cheers.
Beating our rival this season was everything.
“Matthews! Johnson!” Coach bellows above the din, a proud father figure to us all. “That was some fine playing out there. Hell of a game!”
“Couldn’t have done it without the whole line backing us up,” Liam shouts, clapping his hands on the nearest shoulders, sharing the victory.
I lean against my locker, absorbing the camaraderie, the shared victory, the collective strength of our team.
“Hey, Earth to Ethan!” Liam nudges me, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “You’re missing the celebration.”
“Right here with you, man,” I say, pushing off the metal door to join the huddle, throwing my arm around his shoulder.
I’m dying to get back to Tessa and celebrate for real but for now I enjoy being a part of this team.
Chapter 47
Tristan turns to me at the end of the hockey game, that quiet confidence of his making him seem so much larger than the chaos around us. “I’ve got to head out, Tessa. My game is early tomorrow. Want a ride home or will you wait for the guys?”
“That’s okay. I’ll wait for Ethan and Liam.”
“Listen,” he leans in, and I catch the scent of his cologne mixed with the crisp winter air, “you’ll be wearing my jersey at the game tomorrow. It’s my turn. Be ready to cheer for me with my name on your back, okay?”
His request sends a flutter through me, like butterflies taking flight all at once. “Of course, I wouldn’t miss your game for the world.”
“Great.” He grins, that smile reaching his eyes and making them shimmer.
Tristan steps back, preparing to leave, and something akin to yearning tugs at my heartstrings. “I wish you could stay,” I admit softly, allowing my emotions to color my voice.
“Me too.” His expression softens, regret etched in the furrow between his brows. “I can’t give Tyler a reason to doubt me.”
“I know.” And I do understand. His dedication is one of the things I admire about him. It’s what makes Tristan, Tristan.
