“Great job, guys!” Troy claps us each on the shoulder pads.
Fans are banging on the glass as we skate back to center ice to resume the game. We’re able to get the puck and put one more on the board before I’m heading back to the bench.
Damn, does it feel good to have an early lead. Still plenty of game to play, but skating with this group of guys? It feels fucking amazing.
“Great job out there, Paddack,” Coach Barney tells me.
“Thanks, Coach.”
I love how even-keeled he is. He never gets too excited about the wins or too down about the losses. I’ve only beenplaying for him since the middle of last season, but it’s the kind of coach I’ve always wanted.
We keep Anaheim at bay during the second period, even getting another goal, but they start off the third period by scoring.
“Shit,” I mutter, knocking my stick against the board.
“Paddack. Williams.”
Cash and I take our positions on the ice.
“Let’s do this, man.” He bumps me in the chest with the butt of his stick.
“Fuck, yeah.” I grin back at him.
I’m not going to let one goal get to me.
We win the face-off and Cash is on a tear. He charges straight toward their goalie, faking a shot before passing the puck back to me.
Pulling back, I aim and send the puck sailing over the glove and into the net.
“Yes!” I pump my arms in the air, jumping on Cash.
“Way to go, Paddy!”
It always feels good to get the first goal of the season under my belt. Takes the pressure off the need to score.
I skate back to the bench for the line change, and Troy is able to get another goal within a few minutes.
After that, it’s smooth sailing.
We’re able to hold them off until they get an easy shot late in the third. But it doesn’t matter. By the time the final horn sounds, Colorado wins 5-2.
Everyone is jubilant as we skate back to the locker room, talking of celebrations and delayed workouts in the morning.
Me? All I can think about is getting to celebrate with my favorite person.
Hell, yeah.
Chapter Twenty-Four
ALICE
“Ican’t believe you found us a drive-in to come to tonight.”
“Did you want to do something else tonight?”
“What? No.” I laugh. “I didn’t think they existed anymore.”
Declan kisses the palm of my hand as he backs the truck into our designated spot. “This might be the last one.”
