Logan lifted a shoulder. “It’s not like it would be the first time I’ve gone to a Hawks game.”
Georgia leaned forward. “I was referring to Kovalsky, not the Hawks.”
“Yeah,” I said. “What’s the deal with those two? Your brother seems to really hate Carson.”
“You’re never going to believe this,” Logan said. “But they played together in Juniors, and Levi even lived with Carson’s family part time.”
“What?” Georgia gasped.
“I know, right?” Logan shook her head. “It’s difficult to believe it now, but for a while, they were actually really good friends.”
We all stared at her, stunned, but it didn’t seem as if she was going to elaborate.
“Back to Bryn.” Kylie polished off her wine before refilling her glass. “Regardless of whether you want to attend the games, we should probably work on a plan.”
My skin felt tight. “My family knows. My friends know. They’re the only people who matter.” Besides, we’d just started dating; there was no way I was ready to announce it to the world.
“I get that.” Kylie gnawed on her bottom lip. “But wouldn’t you rather have the story come out on your own terms?”
I’d rather not have it come out at all. Not because I wasn’t proud of Frasier or our relationship, but it was really no one’s business.
Georgia nodded. “She’s right, Bryn.”
“We’ve been together for a little more than a week,” I said, feeling as if it was all happening way too fast. “We want to keep it quiet for now.” I was trying not to get too ahead of myself or get too in my head. “We’re just enjoying being with each other.”
Frasier already had enough on his plate with the preseason starting. Not to mention the situation with his brother. I was relieved that he’d hired Hudson Security.
“I get it,” Kylie said in a gentle tone. “I’ll work on some options for when you’re ready.”
“Thanks, Ky.”
Selfishly, I wanted to keep our relationship a secret as long as possible. Part of me worried about what people would think—the media, the fans, the staff and players of the Hawks. I didn’t want to care what anyone thought, but I also wasn’t ready for our new relationship to be dissected under a microscope. I’d just reclaimed my happiness, and I wanted to enjoy it for as long as I could.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Three Months Later
“Come on.” I stood, barely catching the bowl of popcorn before it fell from my lap and onto the floor. “Come on!” I called again, louder this time, pushing all my encouragement through the screen and onto the ice.
Bacon and Biscuit sniffed around, eating the kernels I hadn’t been able to save. I didn’t even try to stop them, I was so engrossed in the game.
“Let’s go, boys!” Georgia cheered, and Kylie clapped, the three of us riveted to the screen while we watched the second period of the game.
The Hawks were playing one heck of a game against Dallas, especially Frasier. He might be a sweetheart off the ice, but he was intimidating as hell between the pipes. He had to be. He was one of the best goalies in the league. And he guarded that net like a mother bear protecting her cubs.
He’d kept out twenty shots on goal over the past two periods, and several of them had seemed like impossible saves. He was on fire tonight, and I wasn’t the only one who’d noticed. Thecommentators had said as much, and so had Logan when she’d last texted.
Kovi stole the puck and headed for the net, passing it to Gabe, who passed it to Holden. Holden made the shot, threading the needle with the puck, through the legs of one of the other players and right over the top of the shoulder of the opposing team’s goalie. It was a beautiful play, and the crowd went wild.
Dallas won the next face-off. They were good, but our guys were dominating. When it was time for the second intermission, we were in the lead by one. Logan texted us in the group chat.
Georgia, Kylie, and I refilled our drinks and snacks, talking about some of the highlights until play resumed. Allie texted me about the game. We’d texted or talked on the phone almost daily since I’d returned from Anguilla, and I felt closer to her than ever. I was really looking forward to visiting her in Boston.
As soon as the teams skated onto the ice for the third period, you could feel a shift in the energy. Both teams wanted to win. Allie might have texted again, but she’d have to wait for a response because my focus was on the game.
The third period was intense. There were a few times that I’d thought Dallas would score, but the Hawks had a strong defensive line. And anytime Dallas was able to make it into the crease, Frasier kept them from scoring.
With two minutes left in the game, one of the Dallas players sent the puck toward the crease. I held my breath, releasing it with a smile when Frasier caught it in his glove. The buzzer rang, announcing the end of the game. The score was one-nothing; the Hawks had won.
