Linking my arm with hers, we take the elevator up a few floors before we’re led to a suite.
With the game already started, everyone is in the seats beyond the glass divider. Trays of food and tubs of drinks are laid out in front of us. Grabbing a beer, I crack it open and find two empty seats in the back row.
If there’s one thing I don’t like missing, it’s a Knights game. I’ve always loved hockey. Before my parents passed away, I would always watch the games with my dad. He was a huge fan. He’d love how they’re playing now. Ever since Coach Andrews came on board, they get closer and closer to winning it all.
Will thisfinallybe our year?
I hope so.
“Why have you never brought me to a hockey game before?” Claire asks. “It’s like a boy aquarium in here.”
I choke on my beer. “I’m sorry, what?”
“They’re all just down there skating and looking hot doing it.”
“And this is why I’ve never brought you to a hockey game.” I shake my head.
“Maybe I’ll bring Matt for our anniversary. I think he’d like this too.”
“Are you going to call it a boy aquarium to him?” I quirk a brow at her before shifting my attention back to the game.
“He’ll get a kick out of it.”
“I’m sure.”
While everyone is focused on the ice, my gaze flits back to the bench.
Sure, Claire might have a point about how good-looking all the guys are, but I only have eyes for one hockey player.
Jasper.
He’s talking with Noah, hand pointing toward the action on the ice. It’s sexy to watch him as he surveys the game. Having watched the team for years, it’s been easy to see how his passion for the game has floundered as of late.
Tonight? Tonight he looked excited. When he hops off the bench and goes over the boards, I’m ready to watch him play.
“You’re giving validity to my boy aquarium with how hard you’re staring at all of them.”
Her voice startles me out of my thoughts. “I’m only paying attention to the game.”
“Sure you are.”
She pats my arm and pulls out her phone to start scrolling. I’ve lost her. Even the “boy aquarium” can’t hold her attention for that long. And before I know it, she’s heading back into the suite to grab some snacks, bringing a plate for each of us.
Noah and Jasper are working together in perfect sync, passing the puck back and forth to each other. It’s a thing of beauty.
Jasper shoots the puck back to Noah who sends it to him and?—
“He scored!” Claire jumps up beside me as the entire arena erupts.
“Hell, yeah!” I high-five her. Jasper’s goal? Fucking perfect—hitting the cross bar and going in. A bar down goal. Something he used to be known for when he first came into the league.
Goals for him aren’t as common as they once were, but I still love getting to see him play.
Jasper heads back to the bench as play resumes. It’s more of the same. The Knights are dominating the game over Florida. Marcus and Bode are the clear stars—expertly moving the puck down the ice and scoring another two goals before putting the game away.
“Tonight was fun,” Claire says, wrapping me in a hug, waiting as fans filter out of the arena before leaving. “It was good for you.”
I sigh. “It felt normal.”
