“Way to go! Way to finish! Keep following the puck like that, boys. You’re doing great.”
I keep up the encouraging words as the second period turns into a battle. The Eagles keep firing away at Simmons, but he’s hanging tough.
“Alright, come on. Come on,” I’m muttering to myself.
Another line change and it seems the longer we skate, the faster and harder we pound away at them.
We end the second period tied, and heading into the third, the energy is high. But Edinburgh comes out firing on all cylinders.
Simmons lets in an easy goal and it amps up the Eagles. From there, it’s hard for us to keep up. The guys are giving them everything they’ve got, but it’s to no avail.
The game ends 4-2 in favor of Edinburgh.
Heads are hanging as the guys skate off the ice toward our locker room. I’m already making mental notes about where we can work in practice to improve.
“Men, that was a hard-fought game. The score might not have turned out in our favor, but I am pleased with everything I saw. You played hard all game long. Simmons, you blocked over twenty shots. From the league’s top team. I want you to be proud of yourself. We’ll study film, clean up some things in preparation for tomorrow’s game, okay? I want an early night from all of you. No going out and getting pissed.”
“Oooh, look at Coach with the slang,” someone chirps.
“Alright, alright.” I laugh. “Hit the showers and get cleaned up before we head out.”
Even though we lost, I feel good about what I saw. We worked as a team out there. Sure, there were some sloppy passes and missed opportunities, but you can’t turn one of the worst teams around overnight.
But I’m excited with our potential. About where I see this team going.
And I, for one, can’t wait to share that with a certain brunette in the business department when I return on Monday.
Chapter Fifteen
TAG
“You know, I have to say I’m glad your boss is on board with you showing me around.”
Liv rolls her eyes at me. Her arms are wrapped around my waist as I hold on to the strap hanging above my head. Even this time in the afternoon, the tube is packed to the brim with people.
I don’t mind it one bit if it means I’m standing with Liv like this.
“Joe did say to make you feel welcome. I’m only doing as he asked.”
“And it has nothing to do with you liking me?” I quirk a brow at her.
Liv holds her finger and thumb close together. “Only a little.”
Grabbing her hand, I pull her toward me and seal my lips over hers. Damn. I like this woman.
A lot.
The Tube rattles to a stop, and Liv links her hand with mine as the doors open and spit us out. I follow behind heras she leads us through a maze of tunnels before the tower comes into view.
“Well, then. Since you like me only a little, does that mean this is all we’re going to see?”
Liv pulls me close to her, wrapping her arm around me. With a biting wind blowing through the city, it’s colder than usual. I didn’t want to waste any time, so threw on the first thing I could find in my closet—a gray turtleneck sweater. Not the most comfortable, but I don’t need it when I have Liv to keep me warm.
Liv, on the other hand, looks stunning, as usual. In a long camel coat, white blouse, and black pants, her long hair is flowing around her back. I like that she’s not as buttoned-up as she was when we first met.
“Don’t worry, I’ll give you a tour of the inside too. Only since you’re being good.”
“If I’m really good, do I get a tour of you tonight?”
