“That’s right.”
“Did you bring any extra underwear with you? It’s going to get hot in here,” she says and points at the ice.
The moment I spot Jasper, I know what she means. If I thought he was one of the hottest men I have ever met in my life outside the rink, it’s nothing compared to how he looks wearing his purple jersey and full uniform.
I squirm in my seat, and both women chuckle.
“I told you so,” Haisley sing-songs.
“It definitely should be illegal to feel this hot sitting next to the ice,” Em says, and I notice her glancing toward the goal where Felix is doing his warmups.
“Wait, why aren’t they on the ice anymore?” I ask when the players skate off later.
Em answers. “There’ll be player introductions soon. It’ll be interesting to see how the Peacocks crowd greets Jasper and what the Woodpeckers fans' reactions will be.”
A few minutes later, the lights in the arena suddenly dim, and the announcer’s clear voice booms around the space.
“Welcome to the first Peacocks home game of the year. We have a great lineup today with our latest addition…”That makes the crowd cheer, and there are a few boos as well. I want to kick every single person who dares to react like that.“…let’s invite our visiting team, the Woodpeckers, onto the ice.”
I watch with bated breath as the announcer calls out the players' names and numbers. I recognize some of the names since Jasper showed me photos and told me stories about them.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your local heroes, the Peacocks!”
The crowd erupts into thunderous applause as the first players of the team are introduced. They skate onto the ice one by one, their names and numbers called out by the announcer. I only recognize three Jasper mentioned yesterday after his practice—Felix Hildebrand, Silas Howard, and Shane Donahue.
Jasper, still number seventeen, is the last to be introduced.
“And finally, we have our newest addition, number seventeen, Jasper Åkerman!”
As his name echoes through the arena, everyone goes wild in the Peacocks fan section. I can feel the energy pulsing through the air as Jasper waves his stick in acknowledgment, his eyes scanning the crowd that’s shouting his name.
“Holy shit,” I whisper under my breath, my heart pounding fast. It’s one thing to see Jasper in his hockey gear, but it’s another thing entirely to see him in action, skating on the ice with such confidence and grace. And all the love he’s getting from the fans of his new team makes me feel emotional for him.
“Are you happy you joined us today?” Em asks.
I only nod as an answer, unable to find the words while swallowing my happy tears. Tonight has been so good for Jasper so far.
* * *
As the game progresses, I find myself completely absorbed in the action. The speed of the players is just mind-blowing. How can they do that only by wearing those thin metal pieces attached to their feet? I will never know.
I also don’t know what’s happening most of the time, but I have to admit, it’s still fun to be here watching the game with Em and Haisley. They both know the rules and shout their comments at the referees whenever they disagree on the decisions those ‘dickheads’ make—Em’s words, not mine.
I watch Jasper, who’s entirely focused on the game, as he skates to the bench after his shift. His eyes never leave the ice, and I can see the fierce concentration etched on his face whenever they show him on the big screens. He’s like a predator stalking his prey, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And seeing him like this makes me all hot and bothered.
The second period ends just as I’m ogling Jasper for a millionth time and I get up to find a restroom. The game has been intense, and I don’t know if I can hold it in for another period.
“I need to go to the powder room real quick,” I say. “Where’s the nearest one?”
“Let me take you to the Owner’s Suite. That’s the quickest,” Haisley replies, getting up.
“I don’t want to be a bother.”
“Oh shush, you could never,” Haisley reassures me. “Em, are you coming?”
“Nah, I’m all good. I need to send some emails, so I’ll be here waiting for you.”
Haisley grabs my hand and leads me up the stairs. We then turn to the left and walk until there’s an elevator in front of us. My new friend presses the button, and we wait.
