"Alright, you degenerates," Coach finally says, though he makes no move to break up the party. "Let's call it a day before Eli decides we need a full parade through town."
"Don't give me ideas," Eli warns, already gathering empty bottles.
As everyone starts to disperse, Blake stands and looks around at all of us scattered across the ice. There's something in his expression. Pride, maybe, or just the satisfaction of a captain who knows his team has become something special.
He turns to follow the rest of the team out, and an hour later, the arena has emptied.
Empty… except for me and Mia.
The janitor's already been through, the lights are dimmed, and the ice gleams empty and perfect under the emergency lighting.
"Hard to believe this is where it all started," Mia says, her voice echoing in the quiet space.
"The fundraiser night?"
"All of it. You coming back to Iron Ridge, the community program, us finding each other again." She leans back against my chest, both of us still sitting on the players' bench. "This place changed everything."
"Nah," I correct, pressing a kiss to her neck. "You changed everything. This place was just the venue."
She turns in my arms, those hazel eyes sparkling with mischief. "Awww… so romantic. No wonder I married you."
"Among other reasons," I murmur, my hands sliding to her hips.
"Other reasons?"
"Well, there's my devastating good looks," I tick off on my fingers. "My incredible hockey skills. My modest personality. And didn't you once mention… my enormous—"
"Ability to help out!" Mia cuts me off, smothering my mouth with her hand. "Yes. I shouldn't forget your renovation expertise."
I nip at her palm until she pulls her hand away with a squeal. "That's not what you were screaming last night when I—"
"Public place!" Mia hisses, glancing around the empty arena like the janitor might pop out from behind the goal. She rolls her eyes but kisses me softly. "But hey, the house turned out perfect."
"It did."
"After Bear fixed everything you broke," she reminds me, still smiling.
I stand, pulling her up with me. "Speaking of the house..."
"Yes?"
I lean down until my lips are brushing her ear. "It's finally finished. Every room. Including that new king-size bed in theguest space with the headboard that won't bang against the wall."
Her breath catches, and I feel her shiver against me. "Ohreally?"
"And the soundproof insulation I had installed," I continue, my voice dropping to that deep gravel that I know drives her crazy. "Which means you can be as loud as you want when I do that thing you like with my tongue."
"The thing where you—"
"Yes, babe," I finish, my hands sliding down to cup her ass. "That thing."
Mia's eyes have gone dark with want, and she presses closer to me. "How fast can we get home?"
"Depends." I nip at her earlobe. "How much of a head start do you want to give me?"
"Head start?"
"I'm thinking… I chase you through the house, catch you in the bedroom, and then spend the rest of the night showing you exactly how perfectly silent our new mattress is."
