Knowing my sister as I do, I wouldn’t be surprised if she manipulated Sophie into wearing my jersey. Just what I need—another matchmaker trying to make us a couple. Guess I’ll have to apologize for my sister’s antics as well.
Again, Coach walks us through some strategy ideas because the team we’re playing is known for amping up their speed in the last period.
Coach pulls me aside. “Mathéo’s not going to finish the game.”
“Is he okay?”
He nods. “Probably just a sprain, but he can’t skate. I’m replacing him with Jayce.”
I huff out a humorless laugh. “Jayce?You sure about that?”
“He’s one of our fastest. And we’re going to need it. Keep an eye on him, okay?”
I want to argue, but we’re due back on the ice. “Sure thing.”
Once we’re out there, Jayce is full of himself, but he manages to steal the puck during a breakaway, which is impressive. Then he shoots back down the ice so fast I’m worried the play will wind up offside.
I race to catch up with him and match my pace when he slows, waiting for Ethan to get out of the offensive zone. Good to see he’s using his head.
Unfortunately, that margin of delay gives the other team time to go after him. Jayce barrels down like he’s going to make a play, but he can’t see what I do. They’ll slam him into the boards before he gets a chance.
I’m about to look for Payton for backup when Jayce sends the puck my way.
Shock slices through me. He did it. He made the pass.
No time to think more about it. I take the puck down toward the net. About ten feet in front of the crease, I spin to my left and make the shot.
And score.
The fans go nuts, loving that I did a hat trick. I can’t believe it myself, especially considering it happened with an assist from Jayce. We skate by the bench, fist-bumping our teammates, then leave the ice as the second line flows over the wall.
Jayce sits between Payton and me. I spit out my mouth guard. “Good pass, Jay-man.”
He snickers, then shrugs. “I did it for the team.”
Payton shoots me a slanted grin, marking the moment as a success.
Maybe I’m getting through to this kid after all.
CHAPTER 16
SOPHIE
Ihadn’t planned to wait for the guys to come out after the game. Just like I hadn’t planned to wear a Sun Kings jersey. But Kinsley had insisted both times. She’s tough to resist. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone with so much wit at such a young age. And sarcasm. The girl has it down to a science, and I find it incredibly amusing. I can already tell she will make an amazing journalist.
The first of the players walks out, freshly showered and back in his suit. His girlfriend rushes at him and throws herself into his arms. It’s heartwarming…a real picture of what goes on after a game. I yank my camera out as fast as possible and take a couple of shots of them embracing, then walking down the hallway hand-in-hand.
I hadn’t planned this either, but I’ve no doubt a glimpse of these guys dressed so voguish with their sweethearts will go a long way in connecting the fans to the players. A peek into the real side of the hockey persona that comes with the job. And then it hits me—it’s kind of romantic, too.
That’s a spin I can easily add. If the fans go nutty not just over the sport but also the romance of it, what better way to transition my coverage of the team into a regular column?
I’m so giddy over the idea that I have to bite my lip to keep from squealing. More of the players file out, so I continue snapping shots of them either reuniting with a loved one or bro hugging each other in celebration of their win.
Finally, Luke walks out. His damp hair curls over the collar of his white button-down, and he’s neatly shaven. I want the Sun Kings to make the playoffs so I can see what he looks like with a beard.
And that suit… I think my face just turned fifty shades of pink. The jacket emphasizes his broad shoulders, then narrows down to his waist. I’ve always loved a man in a suit. There’s simply something about it…
“Great game, big bro. Loved the hat trick.” Kinsley wraps her arms around him, her head barely reaching his shoulder.
