It’s the first game of the new year, and I can tell how excited he is to be playing again after taking time off for winter break.
He flies across the ice, maneuvering around a player from the opposing team effortlessly. He makes it look so easy. He’s decked out in tons of pads with knives on his feet, and he’s moving faster than most people could move without all that gear on.
One of his teammates passes him the puck, and he takes off with it, speeding over to the other team’s net. An opposing player closes in on him, and even though Nick isn’t looking behind him, he seems to sense that someone is close. He picks up speed, his focus narrowing as he looks at the net.
My muscles tense, and I hold my breath. My whole life, I never cared about sports. But right now, I’m on edge as I watch my hockey star boyfriend play his heart out.
He glances around, probably looking for someone to pass the puck to, but none of his teammates are open, or they’re too far away.
“I wonder if he’ll go for it,” Nick’s mom says. She’s sitting next to me in the stands, grinning, looking so proud as she watches her son.
A half-second later, he smacks the puck. I gasp. I wasn’t expecting him to take a shot since he’s so far away.
When the puck lands at the back of the net, I’m on my feet, cheering along with his Mom and Anna. The rest of the home crowd at Hollis is hollering and going crazy, too. I spot Nick’s dad near the front by the glass, filming Nick on his phone, looking happy and proud.
Nick’s teammates surround him, smacking his shoulders and helmet in celebration. When they break apart, his gaze zeroes in on me.
He flashes a wide grin and winks at me. My tummy dips as I think back to what he told me.
Every goal I score is for you.
A giddy feeling swoops through me. He’s scoring goals for me. Because he’s crazy about me. Just like I’m crazy about him.
That giddy feeling settles at the center of my chest, all warm and soft.
I’ve never felt this before with anyone…this excitement that makes my tummy flop around, and my heart beat faster. This comfort that wraps around me like a warm hug.
What I feel for Nick is different in the best way…
The word “love” floats around in my head. Could I really be in love with Nick?
We haven’t even been together all that long…fake dating for a few months and dating for real for just over a month. I can’t really love someone after such a short amount of time, can I?
But then I think about Brody, how we were together for almost a year. My feelings for him were real and strong. But I don’t think I ever loved him. We never said, “I love you.”
Anna nudges me, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Your hockey boyfriend totally scored that goal for you,” she says in a teasing voice.
My cheeks ache, I’m smiling so hard.
Play continues, and the period winds down. The ref blows the whistle to call a penalty. It’s taking a while to sort out, so Anna and her parents head to the concession stand for snacks.
“You want anything?” Anna asks.
“No, I’m good. Thanks, though.”
When they leave, I run to the restroom. I’m walking down the stairs back out to my seat when I feel someone grab my shoulder.
I spin around, and a second later, I’m face-to-face with Brody.
I yank out of his hold. “What are you doing here?”
His jaw bulges as he stares at me. “I came to see you,” he mutters.
I scoff, annoyed and confused. “Why?
He pulls his lips into his mouth, his expression hard. “Because I want to talk to you. I’ve been trying to call you, but you never call me back.”
