“That’s because our two brothers are on the team and nothing would give us more pleasure than to kick their butts,” Liam says as he comes out of the bedroom. “Right, Hunt? You ready for tonight?”
“More than ready,” I say seriously. “Max and Jared have been giving us shit since they beat us last year on their ice. It’s our turn now.”
“Damn right.” Liam reaches for his bag and hugs Cathy and Lulu. “See you after the game. Love you.”
I try not to notice the fact that Cathy pulls back from my brother’s kiss, or the eye roll she gives him when he whispers something in her ear.
I wave goodbye to her and kiss Lulu on the head. “See you soon, baby girl.”
Liam and I leave the house and get into my truck. We drive for about ten minutes before I say what’s on my mind.
“What’s up with you and Cath?”
Long exhale followed by a curse before he says, “Stay out of it, Hunt.”
“Is everything okay?” I press. “I’m just checking in. Seemed like there was some tension.”
“None more than usual.” I can feel his hard glare even though I’m not looking at him. “You’ll understand when you have a kid. It’s tough.”
“I’m sure it is. Why don’t you two go on a date night? I can babysit whenever you need.”
He goes silent, and I’m sure he’s going to ignore my offer. My oldest brother is a pain in the ass, but he’s got his reasons. He and Cathy were high school sweethearts, yet I never thought they’d marry. Something always seemed off between them, but when she got pregnant unexpectedly, they decided to tie the knot. It was none of my business, though I worried they were marrying for the wrong reasons.
“Standing offer if you ever need the help,” I say.
He waits until I’m pulling into the hockey arena before he says, “You free tomorrow night?”
“Sure.” I turn off the truck, and we step out.
He punches my arm. “Thanks, Hunt.”
* * *
Sometimes, a game goes well. Sometimes, it’s shit.
And sometimes, on rare nights, it goes exactly how you would draw it up in your dreams.
Tonight is one of those games.
The Montana Wild Kings come into New Orleans, and we’re ready for them.
And I’m more than ready to get out of my damn slump.
During warm-ups, I look up into the stands where I know Winter will be.
There she is, sitting next to Peyton and Ashley. I raise my stick in greeting, and Winter waves back.
“Hey!” Murph skates over to me and nearly checks me into the boards. “Don’t get distracted, remember? I still can’t believe your pet sitter is your fucking ex!”
“She won’t distract me,” I assure him. “And she’s not my ex.”Not exactly.
“Oh, yeah? Winter Allen and you may not have officially dated, but come on, man. Your history isn’t exactly platonic. And what’s she doing right now?” he says. “She’s giving you that flirty-as-fuck wave. For all you know, she’s rooting for the other team!”
I laugh. “Winter’s on our side, Murph. Chill the hell out, will you? I’m coming out of my slump tonight. I can feel it.”
As if to prove my point, I tap the puck at my feet, and with a short wind-up, slap that sucker twenty feet into the net. Right past the goalie’s outstretched glove.
Coach whistles from the bench. “Looking better, Hunt! Let’s keep it up!”
