In the third period, the Commanders get desperate. They're throwing everything at us, but our defense holds strong. Ethan delivers a bone-crushing check that echoes through the arena, and the Boston crowd falls silent.
With two minutes left, I get my chance. A perfect pass from Ryan finds me alone in front of the net, and I bury it topshelf. The goal seals our victory, and my teammates mob me in celebration.
Final score: Renegades 4, Commanders 1.
As we skate off the ice, my gaze finds Harper in the Commanders' family box. She's the only one standing and cheering in a sea of disappointed Boston fans, completely forgetting she's supposed to be rooting for the other team.
The sight makes me grin like an idiot. She's so caught up in celebrating our win that she's blown her cover. I just hope Brett doesn't look up and see his sister cheering for the enemy.
An hour later, I'm showered and dressed, heading to the rooftop bar we've rented out for the night. The team always goes all out after beating Boston, and tonight is no exception.
The entire top floor of this downtown hotel is ours, complete with an open bar and a view of the city skyline.
The party is already in full swing when I arrive. Music pumps through speakers, drinks flow freely, and the guys are riding high on our victory. Wives and girlfriends mingle with the team, creating a celebration that feels more like a family reunion than a typical hockey party.
I spot Harper near the bar, talking with Olivia, Theo's wife. She's changed into a black dress that skims her figure beautifully, and I have to force myself not to stare.
“Cap,” Jake calls out from across the room. “Get over here, you have to see this.”
I make my way over to where half the team is gathered around someone's phone, all of them laughing hysterically.
“What's so funny?” I ask.
“Novak's gone viral,” Ryan says, barely able to speak through his laughter. “Show him, Blake.”
Blake holds up his phone, and I see Liam's Instagram Live from two nights ago. He's in his kitchen at two AM, clearly threesheets to the wind, trying to make what he claims is the world's best grilled cheese sandwich.
“The key,” drunk Nova says to his phone, “is to butter the bread on both sides. Trust me, I'm a professional.”
He then proceeds to drop the sandwich on the floor, pick it up, and declare it seasoned with authentic kitchen floor spices.
The video has over two million views and thousands of comments calling him everything from hockey's Gordon Ramsay to the drunken chef we never knew we needed.
I'm laughing so hard my sides hurt when I glance around the room and freeze. The man himself is standing way too close to Harper, leaning in to say something that's making her laugh.
His hand is resting on her lower back, and the intimacy of the gesture makes my blood boil.
I don't even think. I'm crossing the room before I realize I've moved.
I step right into their space, my body language leaving no room for doubt. I drape my arm around Harper’s shoulders, pulling her firmly into my side. She looks up, surprised, but then relaxes against me.
Novak’s eyes flick from her to me, a smirk spreading across his face. “Well, hey, Captain. You staking a claim here?”
The words are a challenge, wrapped in a joke. I meet his gaze dead-on, no humor in my own. “Yes.”
The smirk on his face falters, replaced by a flicker of genuine surprise, then something like respect. He raises his hands in a peaceful gesture. “Alright. Fair enough. Message received.”
He looks at Harper and gives her a friendly smile. “See you around, Harper.” As he turns to saunter away, he throws a final tease over his shoulder. “Damn, Cap. Guess you’re not a complete robot after all.”
He saunters away, leaving Harper and me alone.
“Cole,” Harper says, her voice low and warning. “People are going to see.”
“I don't care anymore.” The words come out rough. “I need to see you. Privately.”
Her breath catches, but her eyes are full of the same hunger that I'm feeling. “I should leave soon. My flight is in three hours.”
“Harper. Please.” I take her hand and pull her towards the exit. I need some time alone with my girl.
