“When we were stranded in Cabo together, that’s when Liam admitted that he’s liked me this whole time,” I say.
“Wow,” she says. “This is wild. All these years he’s had a thing for you.”
I bite back a smile. “Yeah.”
She wags an eyebrow. “Sothat’show you and Liam passed the time when you were stuck in Cabo.”
My cheeks heat. I nod. Micah bursts out laughing.
“I’m guessing by the orgasmic glow you’ve got that he’s rocking your world?” she teases.
I let out a giddy laugh. “Yup.”
She gives me a playful shove. Just then, the lights in the arena dim for the opener. We watch as the teams are introduced. Aidan comes back with a giant bucket of popcorn and a beer just in time for puck drop.
I watch Liam take his place at center ice. The ref drops the puck and Liam passes it back to one of his teammates. For the next few minutes, players race across the ice, fighting for possession of the puck. The opposing team takes a shot at the Wolves net, but the goalie blocks it. Liam grabs the puck and takes off toward the other net.
I hold my breath as I watch him move on the ice. He’s so fast and powerful. He makes it look easy as he moves past a defender on the opposing team. He zeroes in on the net and moves his stick like he’s going to shoot, but at the last second, he holds back. The goalie falls for his fakeout and dives forward. A half-second later, Liam sinks the puck into the back of the net.
The entire arena is on their feet, cheering. It’s so loud, I can feel the vibrations through my whole body.
The first goal of the first game of the season.
I’m jumping up and down, screaming for him. His teammates crowd around him to congratulate him.
He skates off and heads toward me. He holds my gaze as he flashes that sexy grin. And then he winks at me. My stomach does a million somersaults.
Micah nudges me and grins. “He’s so into you.”
I catch myself hoping that she’s right.
Chapter 42
Liam
When my teammates and I walk into the crowded bar on the edge of 12 South, everyone cheers.
“Hell yeah, first win of the season!”
“Way to kick it off, boys!”
“Go Wolves!”
We tell everyone thanks as we walk to a table in the back, where Aidan and Micah are sitting. They congratulate us on the win.
As soon as I sit down, Aidan smacks me on the back. “First goal of the game. And of the season. Nicely done.”
He hands me a beer, and I hold up my glass. “Thanks, dude. And thanks for coming out to watch the game when you and Micah have been so busy.”
“Of course. We wouldn’t miss it.”
Aidan comes to almost all my home games. When he and Micah got together, she started coming too. If we’re all free and feel up to it, we’ll meet for a drink after the game. Sometimes a few of my teammates join us too if they’re not busy.
Aidan pours beers for Mack Mason and Wes Casey. Everyone holds up their glasses.
“To starting off the season with a bang!” Mason hollers.
We all holler, tap our glasses, and sip our beers.
