I would have fired him from the team if he weren’t so damned good. And to be honest, his bad boy reputation might just pull some people in to watch him. If nothing else to see if he’ll lose his shit on the ice. Or maybe to see the big, tattooed grump performing “Shake It Off”after he gets a penalty. Either way, he promises some entertainment.
And maybe not Quinn. I love Quinn Trahan. She’s great. She’s been a tomboy as long as I’ve known her and is actually a hell of a hockey player. But she’s not as good at the goofy stuff. She’s shy and very awkward unless she’s got a ball or a stick in her hand. That’s a long-running joke with her best friend, my cousin Jasper, in fact. Quinn has never had a boyfriend, so he thinks it’s even funnier that she handles “balls and sticks” sowell. Jasper is basically a thirteen-year-old boy in a twenty-five-year-old man’s body.
But Josh is a very good sport, and since he’s gotten together with Thea, he feels even more invested in the things that make Harley and this town happy.
Wes, the Revelers goalie, is also a nice guy and has embraced what we’re trying to do with the new league.
And then there’s Beckett Moore. My favorite person on the team, most days, truly. Beckett might be hamming it up and enthusiastically learning every step, donning every costume, and even bringing us additional big, fun ideas in order to personally gain followers on social media and grab the attention of a professional team, but he is the loudest advocate for this new kind of hockey. It’s perfect for him. Beckett is like a ray of sunshine, always smiling, laughing, and having a good time.
And thank God, he and Sutton moved home a few years ago. Not only is Beckett's attitude huge for this project, but his sister has turned into a great friend. She’s a dancer and figure skater, too, so not only does she teach dance lessons—everything from ballet and tap to little kids to ballroom dancing for our senior citizens—for my Parks and Rec department, but she’s also taken on the role of choreographer for the hockey team.
I approach the table, avoiding Alex's attention for a moment since he’s scowling at Beckett.
I need to “start dating him”. But what should I do? Go up to him and rub my hand up his arm? Kiss his cheek? Just pull a stool close and sit pressed up against his side? All of those are appealing. But suddenly, the prospect of launching our relationship here in publicright nowmakes it feel really real. And I’m not sure how to do this. Or if I’m ready. Not for the town’s interest and questions, but forAlex. He specifically said this would involve spending a lot of time together, hand-holding, kissing, and sitting close.
That means I’m going to be perpetually horny for the next seven months. I’ll admit it.
Am I ready forthat?
“Say that again,” he demands.
“There are still three periods, like in regular hockey, but in the first period, every goal counts for one point. In period two, goals count for two points, and in period three, goals count for three points,” Beckett says.
“No.” Alex shakes his head. “That’s ridiculous. Scores could be like fifty to twenty.”
“Exactly,” Beckett says with a grin. “Fun, right?”
Alex just growls.
And my stomach and girl parts have evidently not gotten the memo about this all being just for show and to be careful because they definitely respond to that gruff, masculine sound.
My gaze is immediately drawn to his big hands and thick fingers splayed over the binder pages.
A shiver goes through my body.
It’s just to make him more popular in town. You’re not going to get to feel those hands anywhere important.
Disappointment jabs me. Which isreallystupid.
“This also says that the last minute of period one and period three everything that even touches the net counts as a point.” He looks up at Beckett accusingly. “The puck doesn’t even have to go in the net?”
“Nope. Super exciting. Fans love big scores.”
I can see Alex’s jaw clench.
“What else?” he asks, looking at everyone around the table. “I’ll read this later. Give me the highlights. What are the absolute craziest rules in here?”
“Fans get to vote on what happens when you get a penalty,” Quinn says.
Yeah, I agree that one’s a little wild.
“What does that mean?” Alex asks.
“There are two options each time there’s a penalty,” Quinn explains. “The fans get to vote on what happens. For instance, there might be a song the players have to sing, or maybe the player has to play for a minute with a tiny stick.”
“What the hell is a tiny stick?” Alex interrupts.
“A smaller than average stick. It’s shorter and thinner,” Wes helps.
