When we break apart, she’s panting, and her cheeks are flushed.
“I can’t wait to cheer you on at your next game,” she says.
“I can’t wait to score another goal for you, wild girl.”
She beams. I kiss her again, feeling like the happiest, luckiest guy in the world.
Sweat drips into my eyes as I catch my breath.
I push up my helmet and wipe my face, then get in position for face-off.
It’s my first game since I was suspended, and even though I never had to sit out a game, it was still wild. Seeing all the media attention and fan support I got still blows me away.
I glance out at the stands, which are packed. Hockey games at Hollis U are always pretty well attended, but there’s not an empty seat in the crowd tonight.
News of my suspension being cancelled made the rounds on social media and local news. Tons of people showed up to support me and the team tonight, and it means everything.
Coach said there are scouts here tonight too, to watch me play. A wave of nerves courses through me. I want to play my best, but I can’t let myself think too much about the scouts. I’ll psych myself out.
So I do the one thing that always calms me in the middle of a game. I look over at Poppy in the stands, wearing my jersey, cheering me on.
It’s a second before she notices me. She grins wide. I wink at her. The nerves inside of me settle. I’m ready.
The ref drops the puck, and I manage to grab it and pass it over to Blake, who takes off across the ice.
I sprint ahead and try to get in a good position so he can pass the puck to me if he can’t get a clean shot.
A defenseman from the opposing team is all over him, so he shoots it over to me, just like I anticipated.
I notice another defenseman gunning for me, so I smack the puck at the net. Their goalie is a half-second too late with his stick blocking it, and it sails right in.
I pump my fist and holler. My teammates surrounded me, smacking my helmet and shoulder in celebration.
“You should get suspended more often,” Blake jokes. “You’re on fire tonight.”
I laugh. “Very funny.” I glance over at Poppy, who’s on her feet, screaming and smiling for me. “That’s not why I’m playing so well, though,” I say.
I skate over to her. She smiles, her eyes bright and warm. My heart feels like it’s about to burst. I love her so damn much. I can’t believe this amazing woman is my girlfriend.
I wink at her. “Told you I’d score a goal for you, wild girl.”
“You’re so cocky,” she teases.
“Yeah, but you love it.”
Her cheeks flush, and her smile grows. “I absolutely do.”
Epilogue
Poppy
5months later
“Yo! Everybody!” Nick hollers.
The entire house quiets down and turns to Nick, who’s standing in the middle of the living room.
He raises the glass of sparkling wine in his hand. “I’d like to make a toast to my amazing girlfriend.”
