“Maybe,” he admitted, flashing a mischievous grin.“Works every time.”
The final minutes of the game were a blur of speed and adrenaline. Maddie managed to score the winning goal for her team, and Ryan immediately skated over, lifting her in a celebratory hug that left her slightly breathless.
“You did it!” he exclaimed, spinning her lightly on the ice.
“I did it with a little help,” she said, smirking, though the warmth in her chest told her it wasn’t just the team’s support she felt.
As they stepped off the rink, sweaty and laughing, Ryan grabbed her hand.“Same time tomorrow for practice?”
Maddie grinned, squeezing his hand.“You bet. But don’t think I’m going easy on you next time.”
Ryan laughed, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.“Wouldn’t dream of it, Carter. I like a challenge.”
Walking side by side through the cheering crowd, Maddie realized something important: hockey wasn’t the only thing she was chasing this season. And for the first time, she didn’t want to stop.
Chapter 7:
Heart-to-Heart on the Ice
The rink was empty now, the echo of skates and laughter from earlier practice replaced by the soft hum of the lights. Maddie Carter sat on the bench, lacing up her skates, when Ryan Harper skated over and plopped down beside her.
“You stayed late,” he said, nudging her gently.
“I wanted to practice my shots,” she replied, trying to sound casual.“You know… perfect my technique.”
Ryan chuckled.“Right… sure. I think you’ve got it down already, Carter.”
For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, listening to the faint scrape of skates against ice. Then Ryan spoke, quieter this time.“You know… it’s not just the game I like about these practices.”
Maddie looked at him, curious.“Oh?”
He leaned back, glancing at the ceiling.“It’s… this. Being here with you. Watching you push yourself, laugh, get frustrated… and still keep going. It’s… inspiring.”
Maddie felt her cheeks warm.“I… I like being here with you too,” she admitted softly.“Even when you’re teasing me or blocking my shots.”
Ryan laughed softly, brushing a hand through his damp hair.“Even then?”
“Especially then,” she said, smiling.
There was a pause, a quiet tension that made Maddie’s heart thrum.“Can I tell you something?” Ryan asked, his voice low.
“Of course,” she said.
“I… I wasn’t expecting to like anyone this season,” he admitted, eyes meeting hers.“But… you. You make it… different. Fun. Exciting. And not just on the ice.”
Maddie felt her pulse quicken.“Ryan…” she whispered.“I feel the same way. I wasn’t expecting… any of this. But I like it. I like you.”
A shy, easy smile spread across his face.“Good. Because I don’t plan on stopping.”
For the rest of the evening, they skated together slowly, side by side, sharing stories, jokes, and dreams. Maddie realized that hockey was no longer just her passion — it had become the backdrop for something else entirely. Something warmer, more thrilling, and far more unpredictable.
As they finally left the rink, the cold night air nipping at their cheeks, Maddie felt a certainty she hadn’t known before. This season was about more than goals, speed, or trophies. It was about him — Ryan Harper — and the possibility of something lasting, beyond the rink, beyond the game.
Chapter 8:
Teamwork and Tension
The gymnasium was packed with cheering fans, the sounds of pucks hitting sticks echoing off the walls. Today’s friendly rivalry match against the neighboring town’s team promised excitement, and the energy was contagious.
