Putting on my equipment felt more akin to a ritual, a form of worship. I almost luxuriate in the weight of my gear as I head down the tunnel to the rink, like a familiar friend I haven’t seen for far too long. The irony of that thought lands deeper than expected.
But when my skate touches the ice, that listing sensation fades away. My world as a goalie rights itself again.
And for the next few hours, that’s enough.
Coach runs us through some demanding defense scenarios to check for any weak spots in anticipation of Saturday’s game. The E-team—Ethan and Elias—look like they’re ready to drop from exhaustion.
After an hour and a half, I’m feeling the strain myself since it’s my first full day back on the ice. Coach had me take a couple of breaks, but overall, I feel good. By Saturday, I know I’ll be ready.
Coach blows his whistle. “Head in.”
The relief on Ethan’s and Elias’s faces is palpable.
Luke glides over as I pull my helmet off. “How’d that feel, Cowboy?”
I couldn’t suppress my grin even if I tried. “Like a pig reunited with its mud.”
Luke shakes his head. “I’ll take your word for it.”
As I leave the ice, I notice Bree standing at the end of the tunnel. She’s dressed in wide-legged black slacks and a tight-fitting white top with a black and white cropped jacket that reveals her small waist. She’s also wearing some kind of black platform shoes, making her taller. Her hair is swept back into ahigh ponytail, which accentuates her cheekbones and makes her gorgeous blue eyes the focal point of one incredible smokeshow.
My gut twists at the sight of her—that familiar feeling I always get when I see her, but even more so. She’s stunning. Eloquent. Perfection.
“Bree.” Her name floats from my mouth on a breath filled with relief. Only then do I realize just how much I’ve missed her. But then I remember I owe her an apology.
The corners of her lips lift in a slow smile as I come closer. “I heard you’re cleared to play.”
I stop in front of her, sweat dripping down the sides of my face, jersey soaked, and wishing I could hold her as if she were mine. “Doc gave me the go-ahead today.”
Eyes glassy with moisture, she glances away, her expression guarded. “I bet you loved being back out there.”
“Understatement of the year.”
We both laugh softly, but a foreign awkwardness lingers between us.
I swipe my sleeve along the side of my face, wiping off the sweat tickling my cheek. “Listen, Bree, I owe you an apology.”
She rolls her lips inward, then nods for me to continue.
“I got caught up in my head about Langston when I should have been more concerned about what he did to you. I never meant to imply that you couldn’t handle yourself.”
Smile gone, her gaze darts back and forth as if she’s studying me in an entirely different way. “But you did, Wade.”
“I know. I was wrong, and I’m sorry. I, um… I made it about me instead of being there for you.”
She blinks away the sudden moisture in her eyes, but her grin returns. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“So, are we okay?” I swallow the emotion in my throat. “Because I really miss my best friend. A lot.”
Her expression warms, and her shoulders settle. She bobs her head. “Right as rain. But I’m not letting you hug me.”
I snicker, then hold my arms open and take a step toward her, catching a whiff of my stench. “You mean you don’t want a piece of this?”
She wags her hand in front of her as she backs away. “No, thank you.”
Turning serious, I lower my arms. “Want to hang out tonight? I can make dinner for us?”
“Will it entail vegetables?” She side-eyes me.
