The game is fast and intense immediately. I’m skating hard, wanting people to see that I’m good. That I recovered well.
We’re eleven minutes in when Toronto scores, my head dropping in disappointment.
Shaking it off, I get my head back in the game. We equalise almost immediately, Moore scoring the next goal.
By the second intermission, we’re up three to one. Relief washes over me, but I know the game isn’t over yet. We just need to hold this lead.
The final period begins, sharp and strong. The guys are tight, skating clear lines, and everything looks promising. We're looking good.
I’m handling the puck, shooting a pass off to Calloway before something heavy collides with me and I slam into the boards before crumpling into the ice.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
SCARLETT
The arena collectively gasps, Gigi and I clutching each other as we watch helplessly as Levi gets smashed into the boards before crumpling down onto the ice, not moving.
The arena is so silent you could hear a pin drop. Every fan holds their breath, eyes fixed on him.
We hold our breath as Moore skates to check on him. Levi lifts a hand, waving to show that he is okay as he makes his way off the ice, collapsing on the bench.
Gigi and I relax as Levi turns to find me, shooting me a wink to tell me that he’s alright. Within minutes, he’s back on the ice, moving as strong and focused as ever.
It’s three-all with a minute left on the clock before it goes into overtime. Reid passes to Hudson as the Rainiers skate up the ice.
Hudson scans, spotting Levi before passing the puck to him. Levi snaps the shot, finding the top left corner, and the buzzer blares.
The arena erupts, Gigi and I cheering as his teammates drag him into a hug. Skating around the rink, he finds me, pointing his stick at me and winking.
Heat rushes to my cheeks. I lower my gaze, overwhelmed by the attention, as he fist bumps the bench and heads off to prepare for the next puck drop.
…
I meet him in the family room downstairs, leaping into his arms the moment he steps into the room placing a firm kiss on his lips.
“God, you were incredible out there,” I murmur, trailing kisses across his face. “So fucking good, Lev.”
“Want to come back to mine tonight?” I ask as he places me back onto my feet, sliding his arm around my waist to pull me flush against him.
The rest of his team files in and they all say goodbye before parting ways.
Levi grabs my hand, and we step into the brisk evening air, a sharp shock against our warm skin. He draws me closer as we make our way to his car, climbing inside.
He’s quick to turn on the ignition for the car to start heating and we sit for a moment, letting ourselves heat up.
“How’d you enjoy the game?” He rasps, turning in his seat so that his body is facing me.
“It was amazing. Electric. And it was incredible to see you back out there again. You were made to play hockey, Levi Carter.”
He smiles at my words, leaning across the centre console to press a firm kiss to my lips. I thread my fingers through his hair, parting my mouth to deepen the kiss, his tongue tracing mine.
I pull him tighter into me, wanting to get him even closer when he begins to pull away. “Let’s get back to yours before we continue, Scar.”
I whine softly, protesting, but he settles back into his seat and starts the short drive home.
We pull up outside my apartment, and Levi parks before we head upstairs, not able to keep our hands off one another.
Levi flicks his gaze toward my door and pauses, and I catch myself stumbling too. I glance up and freeze.
