“Ready to get crushed?” Ryan teased, handing her a token.
Maddie smirked.“In your dreams, Harper. Prepare to lose.”
Their friendly rivalry took over immediately. They raced through skee-ball, competed at basketball hoops, and tried every racing game. Maddie laughed so hard at Ryan’s exaggerated reactions that she nearly dropped her prize tickets.
“Okay, okay!” he shouted, holding his hands up in mock surrender.“You’re good. But I’m not giving up yet!”
At the claw machine, they took turns trying to grab a stuffed penguin. Maddie watched as Ryan concentrated, his tongue peeking slightly from between his lips.“You’re ridiculous,” she said, laughing.
“Maybe,” he replied, smirking as he finally grabbed the penguin,“but I won!”
She pretended to pout, but her eyes sparkled.“Fine, you win this time. But I’ll get the next one.”
After the arcade, they wandered outside, ice cream cones in hand, the late afternoon sun warming their faces. Ryan stole alick from Maddie’s cone, making her laugh uncontrollably.“Hey! That’s cheating!” she exclaimed.
“Never in the history of love and ice cream,” he replied, grinning.
They sat on a bench, sharing jokes and stories, letting the easy camaraderie and playful teasing deepen their connection. Maddie realized that these moments — full of laughter, light competition, and warmth — were as important as any goal scored or practice won.
Ryan brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch gentle.“I like days like this,” he said softly.“No pressure. No stress. Just us.”
“Me too,” Maddie said, leaning slightly closer.“It feels… right.”
As the sun dipped lower, casting golden light across the street, they walked side by side, comfortable, playful, and entirely in sync. Hockey had brought them together, but it was these simple, flirty, joyful moments that were making Maddie fall for Ryan more with every passing day.
Chapter 16:
Rivalries and Reassurance
The rink was buzzing with tension. Today’s scrimmage wasn’t just practice — it was against the rival team from the neighboring town, known for their aggressive plays and sharp skills. Maddie Carter skated onto the ice, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves.
Ryan Harper was already there, his usual confident grin slightly muted. He noticed Maddie’s furrowed brow.“You ready for this?” he asked.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” she said, gripping her stick tightly.
The game began fast and intense. Maddie found herself in a heated face-off against one of the rival team’s top players. Every move Ryan made to assist her seemed to be blocked by the rival’s aggressive tactics, and Maddie felt frustration bubbling up.
“Ryan! Pass!” she shouted as she skated toward the net.
He froze for a split second, distracted by another opponent closing in, and missed the pass. Maddie’s heart sank as the puck slipped past her.
After the play, she skated toward the bench, fuming. Ryan caught up, his face apologetic.“Hey… I’m sorry. I got distracted. You okay?”
“I’m fine,” Maddie muttered, trying to calm herself, though her cheeks burned with frustration.“Just… focus next time.”
Ryan nodded, his tone serious.“I will. I promise. Maddie, I’m on your side — always. We’ve got this together.”
Her anger softened, and she realized he meant it.“Okay,” she said quietly.“Together.”
The rest of the game was a blur of speed, teamwork, and clever plays. Maddie and Ryan fell into sync again, passing, covering, and supporting each other flawlessly. By the final whistle, their team had pulled off a narrow victory, and the tension melted into exhilaration.
Ryan skated over, lifting her hand in a triumphant high-five.“See? Nothing can stop us when we work together.”
Maddie laughed, feeling the stress of the game wash away.“Yeah… nothing except maybe your occasional distractions.”
He grinned, brushing a strand of hair from her face.“Deal. I’ll stay focused. On hockey… and on you.”
As they left the rink, walking side by side, Maddie realized that challenges — rivalries, mistakes, or misunderstandings — weren’t meant to drive them apart. They were moments that strengthened trust, teamwork, and the quiet reassurance that whatever came their way, they would face it together.
