Page 116 of Risking the Pucking Defense

My parents aren’t here. There won’t be an empty seat.

But she’s not watching. You won’t have a pregame or a postgame message.

She isn’t supporting you.

My teeth grind.

She is. She’s watching, she’s supporting. She’s with me. Every single goddamn day. I have to remember that, and it has to be enough, because it’s all I’ve got left.

As the day goes on, the tension within me only grows. Darcy did as much as he could after our morning skate to relieve it, but unfortunately, it isn’t something he’s able to banish. The only person who can fix my issues right now is me.

Well, and maybe a fiery brunette who needs to respond to a message or ten.

I tried to stop myself, but apparently, my self-control vanishes when it comes to Hailee, because I’ve already sent her five messages today, and the need to send more only grows as the puck drop draws closer.

We’re not even at the arena yet, and already I’m starting to lose control.

Brody is gone, off doing whatever pregame shit he always does. Early last year, I tried to ask where he disappeared to, but he just glared at me, so I shut the fuck up. I haven’t asked since, and he’s never willingly offered any information.

I sit with my AirPods in, the High School Musical playlist already halfway through. I don’t usually start listening until I’m on the way to the arena, but I needed some extra luck tonight. The peanut butter and jelly sandwich has already been devoured, and now, the only thing I’m craving is my good luck kiss.

It was one time, before one game. But it was the best game I’ve ever played.

That can’t be a coincidence, can it?

Hayden: Call time is in fifteen minutes. Are you gonna be watching?

I watch as the message stacks beneath the other unread ones.

My heart is in my throat, anxiety churning in my stomach.

I might not be able to get the kiss I want, but right now, I’d take a response. I’d even accept seeing those little ticks turn blue, so I know she’s at least reading what I send.

Hayden: I think we’ve got a good chance to take the W tonight. The guys are pumped.

Hayden: If you’re watching, what are you wearing?

I shake my head the second I hit send on that one. The idea of her wearing my jersey might be a bit of a dream, but still, it’s one I’m happy to cling to for as long as I can.

The minutes tick by, but still, there’s nothing.

With five minutes before I need to head out, I put my cell down and finish getting dressed.

I hate the tremble in my hands. I hate everything about the way my clothes feel against my skin, how tight my collar is, and the wonky way I knot my tie.

I stand in front of the mirror, trying to stop a tuft of hair sticking up in a way I don’t want it to, emotion lodged in my throat, my muscles tighter than before Darcy got his hands on me.

I stuff my feet into my shoes, and I’m about to head out in the hope that some of the guys will be down in the foyer early and serve as the distraction I need, when my cell starts ringing.

Please, please be the one person I need.

34

HAILEE

Every message that comes through sends a fresh wave of pain straight through my chest.

It’s been the same every time his name has popped up on my screen over the last two days.