Back on the ice, tension is high. We start out a point up, but it’s not long before the winger for the Hawks sweeps the puck out from Ripley scores on a slap shot.
Ronan's head hangs, just for a beat. Then he refocused on the puck in play. I quickly hop over the boards on the line change.
My focus takes over on the ice as I keep the players away from our goal. I’ve scored two out of the three points on the board. It’s not really the defenseman’s job but I can’t help but feel hopeful for a chance at another.
A hat trick would be not only a game highlight but also a career highlight for any player let alone a defenseman.
Just as I’m thinking of Alli’s plump lips parting into a perfect little ‘o’ of surprise when I dedicate it to her, the opportunity arises. I’m able to get a turnover on the puck behind our blue line, resulting in an odd man rush on our part.
Just as I’m winding up for the shot, TJ stops directly in my line of fire. I make it a pass over to our winger at the last second, who thankfully scored our fourth goal.
I try like hell to keep my head up and my temper down. The fucker just cost me a hat trick.I had it.Right there.
I slap my stick on the ice. To anyone else, it probably looks like enthusiasm for the goal.
Son of a bitch.
We won the game. I tell myself that’s what matters. That I got to dedicate a goal to both the boys here to watch me.
I’m stripping off my gear in the locker room as the celebration is immediately underway.
I know that Todd, our rink side reporter, and a few from the PR team are waiting to get some post-game interviews.
Ronan and Quade are doing some viral TikTok dance videos on a livestream; I expertly evadethat shit. I sidestep them but, in the process, Fitz gets pushed into it.
They should really move that away from the shower entrance.
Knowing Ronan, that was likely intentional for views. The man has no shame.
I don’t linger. I rush through a shower, burning my eye with soap. I comb my hair on the way back to my locker and a few strands fall into my face. I’m throwing my suit back on, as it’s required before and after games. I nearly get myself caught in my zipper. There’s no emergency other than my eagerness to get to Alli and the boys, which rules my movement.
I throw the door to the locker room open, nearly running a few people over in the process.
A flash of gold in my peripheral has me doing a double take. There. My pulse rises even as I calm. I stride towards her. She’s leaned against the wall, feet crossed and head angled down at her phone. I don’t see Hudson or Matty when I do a quick scan around.
Her eyes widen for a moment when she looks up. Then they do a slow sweep down to my feet and back up. She pushes herself off the wall and brushes her hair away from her face. Her hands twist in front of her as I approach.
“Emalyn’s taking Hudson back to the house to meet up with your mom, sister and Matty. They all went ahead.”
I check my phone and see the text from Mom. “Apparently, Ronan coordinated some catering and is having a mini afterparty at your house.” She smiles and shrugs at that.
“Of course he did.” I roll my eyes. Then freeze. “Wait… does that mean that we are completely kid free right now?”
She bites her lip and nods.
My eyes snag on the movement. I almost take it from her teeth with my thumb, but then I remember where we are.
We work together and there are several of our colleagues around. Still, I step closer to her. Her chest rises quickly, as her head tilts back to look up at me.
“Where do you want me, Allison?” I dip my head closer, just slightly. Her eyes flare with heat. “Please tell me I can have you. Here? Where anyone can catch us? Or somewhere more private? Safer?”
Her weight shifts and she tries to subtly squeeze her thighs together. A smirk tugs at my lips. I remember the look in her eyes when I said I’d dowhatevershe asked, that very first day.
“It’s your choice, Alli. I meant what I said before.Whateveryou tell me, I’ll give it to you.” Iwhisper near her ear. Her breath catches, and her hand falls to the lapel of my suit jacket. The smell of her sweet perfume and fresh shampoo covers the arena hallway scent.
I take a deep breath, trying to tamp down the erection threatening my suit pants.
Her fingers curl around mine and suddenly she’s pulling me through the hallway, taking odd turns leading away from the rink until we are in a vacant office area. She pushes open the door and drags me in with her.
