“That we were right.”
I grumble and snag the puck from Pierre, skating down the ice. There is something else I should say … to someone else. Namely, April and that I want to be her boyfriend if she’d like to be my girlfriend.
The entire team chases me until I’m surrounded. They’re all wearing matching smirks.
“When’s the wedding?” Hayden asks.
“We’ve been dating for two days.”
“And you’ve been in love with her for ten years,” Fletch points out.
Liam says, “So really, you’re behind schedule.”
I can’t help but laugh. “You’re all terrible.”
“Terrible friends who are happy for you,” Grady corrects.
Our captain adds, “Don’t screw it up.”
“Wasn’t planning on it.”
Coach Badaszek’s whistle pierces the air. “Less talking, more skating! This isn’t a social club!”
We scatter back to our positions, but as I settle into the net, I catch Coach watching me with an expression I can’t quite read.
Before we break again, I’m taping my stick when he says, “Culpepper, a word.”
The guys make “ooh” sounds like we’re in high school and I’m headed for detention. I shake my head and follow Coach down the hall.
He studies me for a long moment that makes me twitchy. “You and April.”
“Yes, sir.”
“About time.”
I blink, thoroughly confused. “Sir?”
“Clark, I’ve been coaching hockey for thirty years. You think I can’t spot a man in love?” He shakes his head. “With that whole fake dating thing, I knew from day one it wouldn’t stay fake. Not with the way you look at her.”
“You knew?”
He chuckles. “Why do you think I didn’t object when Whitaker pitched the Love at First Wag campaign?” He leans forward. “Sometimes people need a push. You two needed a whole pack of hounds.”
I’m speechless.
“But don’t get distracted for playoffs. We needyou in top form,” he continues and tips his head from side to side. “But also don’t let hockey distract you from her either. Balance, Culpepper. That’s the key.”
“Yes, sir.” I nod, thinking back to our conversation yesterday.
“Good. Now get ready to win. And tell April I said congratulations.”
I head back into the guest team locker room in a daze. Did Coach Badaszek just admit to playing matchmaker?
The guys are waiting like vultures.
“What did he say?” Mikey demands.
“He knew about everything between April and me and he approves.”
