Previously, that would have terrified me. But nothing seems so scary now that I’ve got Kodie by my side.
87
KODIE
Ifollow Coach and Fletch into the press room after the game to an explosion of flashes and excited chatter.
Fuck, it feels good.
Obviously, winning is always a high, but beating Nash, and having my girl in the front row to see it, was fucking euphoric.
The only person that was missing was Sutton. But despite her protests, we decided that it was better for her to watch from home until things calm down a bit.
I’m aware that I’m never going to be able to keep her out of the media. It would be easier if she wasn’t so hockey obsessed and always begging to be at the arena. But it is what it is. I’ll do everything in my power to protect her, but I won’t squash her dream.
“Congratulations on your win tonight,” the first reporter says once we’re settled.
My eyes scan the room as question after question is fired toward us. Thankfully, Coach and Fletch are keyed in, and they answer each as I search for my girl.
She said she’d be here.
She no longer needs to hide in the shadows and pretend she doesn’t have a vested interest in one player. Now, she can support me as openly and as loudly as she likes. Just like I can her.
“And how did it feel to take the final shot and secure the win for your team tonight?” one reporter asks, focusing on me.
“It feels fantastic. The whole team really did a fantastic job tonight.”
“We all know the rivalry between you and Cooper Nash. I can only imagine how sweet that victory must taste.”
I smirk, but keep any words locked down. Everyone might know that there’s tension between us, but I’ve never voiced anything about our relationship to the media, and I never will.
Nash might be okay with letting everyone know how much he dislikes me, but I’m not so petty.
“You’ve been killing it on the ice these past few weeks. Can we assume that might have something to do with the new lady in your life?”
Now my smile grows, and as it does, the crowd parts in just the right way, allowing me to see Casey standing toward the back of the crowded room. She looks phenomenal in my jersey.
Her eyes meet mine, and a smile spreads across her lips.
“Proud of you,” she mouths, making me feel all warm and fuzzy.
“Yes,” I state confidently. “How I’m playing, how I’m feeling, has everything to do with the new woman in my life. She not only makes me a better player, but a better person, and I couldn’t be more grateful that she gave me a chance.”
Heads spin around, noticing where my attention is focused, and Casey’s cheeks blaze as they find her.
“We’re happy for you, Kodie. And long may it continue. Keep up a winning streak like this, and we could have a first-class ticket to the playoffs.”
The questions continue, and I listen as Coach explains how proud of his team he is, and Fletch focuses on what we need to tighten up going into the next games. All the while, my eyes are on Casey.
I can’t fucking wait to get her home tonight and have her lying on my bed in nothing but that jersey.
I’m so lost in my own thoughts that I don’t even realize whenour time is up. Coach teasingly slaps me on the shoulder, and when I look over, he and Fletch are already standing to leave.
“Shit,” I hiss, making Coach chuckle.
His hand clamps around my shoulder, stopping me from retreating to the dressing room once we’re free of the press room.
“I’m proud of you, Kodie. As a player, as a part of my team, and as my future son-in-law. You’re not the only one who’s happier. Casey is, too.” My chest expands as I take in a deep breath. “I didn’t say it the other night, and I’m sure it doesn’t even need saying, but Casey is my little girl, she means everything to me. If you don’t take care of her properly?—”
