“Well then, I’ll add you to our group chat and we can set up an official night.” Em takes her phone out and quickly types before pocketing it. At the same time I feel my phone buzz and look to my watch, seeing that she’s added Hannah to the Chaos Girlies.
“Alright you two, let’s get going before we actually get in trouble. We still have a job to do.”
“But this is so much more fun,” Emilia teases as we all walk out of the locker room.
As we’re walking by the team, I can’t help but look around for Jake. As much as I don’t want to distract him right now, I need to see him just to calm my racing heart.
I walk down the line behind Hannah, saying hi to various players and making sure that everyone has what they need. When I’m almost at the front, I spot Jake standing with my brothers and Beckett. They’re all laughing.
I take a second to pause and stare at him.
The way his smile lights up his whole face, the laugh lines that crease his eyes and the sparkle behind them that I’ve missed so much. I forgot what looking at him like this was like. He’s the most attractive man I’ve ever seen, and he’s only gotten hotter with age. His chiseled jaw and sharp edges highlight how handsome he is, and I can’t help getting lost as I stare at him.
How could I have let him go all those years ago?
He turns my way and makes eye contact with me, a knowing look on his face. It shakes me out of my thoughts, and I make my way over to them. “Hey guys, you all ready for tonight?”
“As ready as ever. Florida isn’t gonna know what’s coming for them,” Brayden cheers as some of the other team members around shout in support. Brandon rolls his eyes, a small smile evident on his face.
“It’s definitely going to be an interesting game tonight. This rivalry usually creates a lot of work for your staff.”
“My team is ready for anything. Just promiseme you’ll all try and be safe out there?” As I plead, I turn my attention to Jake.
I want my brother to be safe, but a part of me is terrified about Jake truly getting hurt. Earlier this season when he hit his head on the ice, I was scared, but I knew he would be okay. Knowing how hard core this rivalry can be, I’m a little nervous.
“C’mon little Taylor, you don’t need to worry about us. We know how to handle ourselves,” Beckett chimes in, but I still can’t take my eyes off Jake, waiting for an answer from him.
“We’ll be as careful as we can be out there. You do know what sport we play, right?” He finally answers, his tease causes the tension to bleed from my shoulders as a sigh escapes my breath. I know he’s right, it's the sport they play, and the job I signed up for.
It doesn’t mean that I can’t be worried for them.
“I know, but I worry about you guys.”
“We’re glad to have you looking out for us, little Taylor.” I roll my eyes at him, as I take a step back, going to join the rest of the staff.
“Yeah, yeah. I won’t say it because I know how you all get, but have a great game guys.” The guys all smile at me before turning back around, ready to skate on the ice. Just as they get called on, I look over and see Jake staring at me, and when he notices me looking, he winks at me and then skates out to the cheers of the crowd.
“Come on, let’s go watch your man kick some Florida ass.” Hannah teases.
“He’s not?!” I splutter out. There’s no point in playing dumb when I can see the expression on her face, but I try anyway.
“Oh please, it’s so obvious that you two have something going on if you truly pay attention,” she winks.
“Please just don’t say anything to anyone.”
“My lips are sealed. Unless it’s with Emilia. Then, we may have had numerous conversations about it already.”
Sighing, I cover my face with my hands as it becomes red.
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. He’s so smitten with you, honestly I’m jealous.” She heaves a dreamy sigh, bumping my shoulder with hers.
“Really?”
“Yes, he looks at you like you’ve hung the moon.”
“We can talk more later, for now we have a game to focus on.” Hannah grabs my hand and walks me out to the bench, where we set up and get ready for puck drop.
Chapter 20
