Somehow, I missed her and Mia walking up to me.
I pocket my phone and take the offered soda and pretzel. “Thanks. What do I owe you?”
“Our treat.” She frowns at me. “Are you sure you’re okay? You looked super serious when you were looking at your phone.”
“Just concerned about Payton.” Before they can ask any more questions, I head down the steps to our row. This time, I wait for them to take their seats first. That way Sophie can sit by her best friend, and I can manage one of them at a time.
Not that I mind their company, but I’d rather not be the center of further scrutiny. And until I hear from Del, I’m on high alert for anything else suspicious.
Second period starts in a few minutes, but Payton won’t be the only player I’m keeping my eye on.
Chapter Nine
PAYTON
Who would have thought a text conversation could be so stimulating? I reread the messages from Lily, still amused and somewhat surprised at my comment about the penalty box. Seems I’m a new fan of innuendos, however, I suspect that’s because of Lily. She’s occupying more and more of my head space lately, and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about that yet.
I reposition the ice pack on my shoulder, stretching my neck to the side to subvert the ache radiating up from my shoulder. That last slam? Absolute corker. Might need to check if all my bones are still where they should be.
Our staff physical therapist checked me out, then gave me an ice pack and the all clear. I’m certain I’ll have a nice colorful bruise there by morning. Just a perk of the job.
Luke strolls over and stops in front of me. “How’s it feeling, Pay?”
I shift the ice pack down a little. “All good. Cleared for second period.”
“Good. Ethan and I will make sure Jennings doesn’t take another shot at you.”
Most of the time, hockey players shake it off. We knowwhat this game takes and that the fans love a few skirmishes. No big deal. It all stays on the ice. But Jennings is definitely holding a grudge. “Cheers. Guess he’s still pissed.”
Luke grins and smacks my other shoulder. “Yeah, man. That steal last season was epic. Just part of the game. He’ll get over it.”
“Hope you’re right. At this rate, I’ll require a complete bodysuit made of ice packs.”
Using his fingers, Wade peels out a whistle, which I’m sure would make those cows he talks about on his family farm come running. “Listen up. Score’s zero zero. You boys need to light the lamp.”
Luke mutters. “Here we go again.”
Mathéo smacks Wade on the chest. “You say that almost every game, cowboy.”
Hands out at his sides, Wade grins. “I know. It’s a tradition, Barbie Man. Can’t break the pattern now. That would be bad luck. And I’m itching for a shutout.”
When we head out to the ice, I glance toward the seats where the WAGs usually sit. Lily waves, smiling. And she’s wearing my jersey. I figured she would, as she’s quite dedicated to playing her role, but part of me wondered if she actually would.
My mouth goes dry, and I’m pretty sure my pulse took a detour. I lift my stick in acknowledgment but have to drag my eyes away. Seeing her wearing my number is a distraction I don’t need right now. Not with an overgrown toddler coming after me with a stick. I’m determined to get through second period without any more crosschecks or slams from Jennings.
Plus, we need to score some points so we can take this game home. So what if it doesn’t count in the standings? Starting the pregame season with a loss isn’t great for morale.
Halfway into the second period, Jennings is back to his tactics of chasing me down or staying in my face. He’s already taken a penalty for hooking Ethan when he played interferenceduring the last play. I have no intention of letting the bloke take me down again.
Ethan and Luke swap places with Elias and one of the rookies, joining me on the ice. The tension in my shoulders settles a margin, knowing they’ve got my back because I’m open and waiting for the puck so I can make a shot on goal.
Elias shoots it my way, and I’m after it. Problem is, Jennings is heading my direction like a bull on a stampede, as Wade would say. He’ll block my shot easily if I don’t change direction.
I skate behind the net with the plan to make a wrist shot into the corner of the net. Next thing I know, I’m flying up against the boards only to fall to the ice in a heap, trying to catch my breath from the impact and wondering what the hell hit me.
A quick upward glance confirms it was Jennings again. I’m guessing he anticipated my move and changed direction, surprising Luke and Ethan as well. The whistle blows as I struggle to get up. Luke helps me up, and Wade, of all our players, gives Jennings a strong crosscheck—something he rarely does as a goaltender—and zings some choice words at him.
Jennings makes the mistake of shoving back. Ethan drops his gloves. The two wind up hanging on to each other, throwing random punches into each other’s necks and faces, which knocks their helmets off.
