TWENTY
EASTON
When I arriveat the arena for Saturday night’s home game, I feel unstoppable. We fought hard with UMass at yesterday’s away game and came out on top when Elijah scored the winning goal with a beautiful wrister. Tonight we’re playing against them again and I already taste victory.
Noah’s waiting at the bottom of the steps outside the back entrance to the locker and equipment area, phone at the ready. I smirk, smoothing a hand down my tie.
“Captain arriving an hour and forty-five minutes early before game time, that’s what we like to see,” he says. “Strut it, East. That suit looks sharp on you. People go nuts when I post the team’s arrival looks.”
Giving a salute with my sticks, I start down the steps. As I reach the bottom, I hear girls cheering. I spot Maya hanging out with Reeves and her friend from work nearby. He nods with his chin.
My attention locks on Maya. I’ve been waiting all day to see her. She looks cute as hell wearing a navy crewneck with Heston U Hockey emblazoned across the chest, and has her hair pulled half up in two sections of braided pigtails. Her cheeks arepainted with #24 inside green hearts, making me break out in a slow smile.
A smug chuckle leaves me when she stares at me in a suit like a slab of meat. She steps into my embrace when I open my arms.
“You’re here.” My gaze dips to her sweatshirt again. “Still not wearing my jersey. At least it’s the right team colors this time. You’re also early.”
“There was a free cookie on the line,” she says. “Clocktower Brew House has a tent set up in front of the arena. We had to show our school spirit to get them.”
I open my mouth and she gives me the last small bite. Then I have to kiss her pretty grin.
“Mm, tastes sweet. You like the suit?”
Her lashes flutter and she tries to fight a smile. “Um, that would be a yes. Definitely.”
“More reasons for you to come to my games.” I waggle my brows. “Are you going to be warm enough? I still have time to get you one of my alternate jerseys to wear over that.”
“God, I almost forgot how needy hockey players are as boyfriends,” she sasses, dropping her voice in imitation. “My girlfriend has to go to my games, wear my jersey, chant my name?—”
Grinning, I swallow her words when I capture her mouth for another kiss. She keeps mumbling against my lips until she melts into it, wrapping her arms around my waist. I could kiss her like this all day.
“I wouldn’t complain about any of that, but I only want it if you want it.”
Her gaze flickers between mine. “I know.”
“Good.” I touch her cheek, carefully grazing the face paint with my number, then bring my lips to her ear. “Scream my name nice and loud for me, baby.”
She shivers, peering up through her lashes with a look I love seeing in her gorgeous hazel eyes.
“Good luck, captain.”
My chest expands, filled with a sensation that’s soft and warm. A happy laugh slips out of me.
“Thanks. Have fun tonight. When we’re done, I’ll meet you back here and we can all head to The Landmark together.”
“Okay.”
She presses on her toes to claim one more kiss, and I’m not about to deny her. I don’t think there’s anything I’ll ever be able to deny her.
Hiking my gear bag higher on my shoulder, I back away in the direction of the player entrance, keeping her in view for as long as I can.
“Where’s my good luck, captain? You gonna give me a kiss, too?” Cam falls into step with me, elbowing my side.
I return it with a smirk. We both snicker. He can give me shit for being all sappy now that I have a girlfriend. It does nothing to conquer the way being with her makes me feel.
We pass the open door to the coachs’ office on our way to the locker rooms. Neil Cannon is talking with Coach Lombard. They pause their conversation and he lifts his coffee in greeting.
“Give ‘em hell tonight, boys,” he says.
