This entire game, every time I’ve had a major play and looked up at her, Knox is there, in her ear, keeping her eyes on him instead of me.
He says he’s got my back, but after his comment in my bedroom, I’m not so sure. Circling around again, I’m so distracted, I don’t even notice the play’s back.
Everything’s moving fast. Seconds count at this point in the game, yet I can’t take my eyes off what they’re doing, his hand on her waist.
Dove looks down at that moment, meeting my eyes. Herface breaks into a smile, and she bounces on her toes waving at me. I’m starting to smile when I’m hit so hard, I lift off the ice.
I’m briefly aware of my body in the air… before I slam down hard, flat on my back and everything goes dark.
17
DOVE
Everything goes silent with my scream.
We were all so happy. Maverick was on the ice playing in a way that even I, a total hockey novice, could see was next level. Knox would lean over and explain what happened to me every time Mav made a big play, so at least I was learning.
Then, he’d tell me some fun story about the first time Mav made a similar play back in high school. It made me smile to think of him at fifteen or sixteen, close to the age he was when we walked in the orchard, on his way to being the star we all were watching.
I’d done my best to be ready every time I saw him glance our way. I bounced on my toes, waving my hands and cheering. Even if I’d decided it was pointless and there was no way we could ever be anything more than friends, I couldn’t help it.
Maverick Murphy is an incredible hockey star.
Then it happened.
He was on the outside of the circle, and I caught him looking up at us. I had just started to wave and smile when a player the size of a monster hit him so hard, he actually flew through the air.
I swear the guy had to be seven feet tall and three hundred pounds. Mav looked like a rag doll, which I know for a fact isn’t the case. My heart fisted in my neck, but when Mav hit the ice it plummeted through the floor.
I scream.
“Fuck,” Knox shouts, leaving my side as fast as the word leaves his lips.
He runs down the bleachers along with Austin and Edward. The game temporarily stops, and I’m out of my seat just as fast, following them along with Gina and Haddy.
Medical staff in black jackets with yellow stripes run out onto the ice carrying a stretcher, as his teammates circle around looking worried.
I hold Knox’s arm, stretching as hard as I can onto my toes, trying to see anything. All that’s visible is Maverick’s hand lying motionless out from his side on the ice.
“What’s happening?” I cry desperately, tugging on Knox’s sleeve. “Is he okay?”
He puts a hand over mine, his eyes fixed on the crowd in front of us. “I don’t know.”
Austin moves around the barrier, going inside to the bench to talk to one of the coaches. Gavin and Owen are with Maverick, each on a knee, listening intently to the medical staff and trainers.
After what feels like forever, they carefully move him onto the stretcher, and then just as fast, they carry him quickly off the ice and into the back area.
“They have medical facilities behind the stadium,”Haddy explains, carrying Lucy. “I’ll go back and see what I can find out.”
Gina holds out her hands. “Give me the baby.”
“Is Uncle Mav okay, Mama G?” Maddie’s brown eyes are round, and her hand is in Gina’s pocket.
It’s the first time Heather hasn’t been with us at a game, and I step forward, putting my hands on Maddie’s shoulders.
“He’s going to be okay.” I do my best to project confidence, but my voice cracks.
My heart is frozen in my chest, and I’m one breath away from a sob.
