Rocco raced out just as the game resumed.
“Nice of you to join us.” Jax skated next to him.
“What happened?”
“Their goalie caught it, and I had Kong barreling into me.”
“It’s all right. We got this. No one can get past Trane.”
Play began again, and the other team raced down the ice with the puck. When Zane came at the wing, Rocco crouched down, ready to cradle the puck. And sure enough, Zane knocked the guy off his feet and sent the puck away. Rocco raced toward it and snatched it up, booking down the ice, faking out two guys, and rounding behind the goal before swinging out in front and slamming that puck toward the upper right corner.
And their goalie blocked it.
The game continued with more of the same, both teams taking shots, both teams getting blocked. Rocco’s frustration rose in a slow build. It was looking like whoever got the first goal was going to win the game and the prize money. And Rocco needed that shot to be his. He needed them to win. His skates dashed across the ice; he moved in and out and weaved. He was wherever the puck went, reaching, cradling, stealing, up and down the ice.
Until they were at thirty seconds left. Then twenty.
He and Clint raced down the ice together, the puck passing easily between them. “I think I’m gonna rebound.”
“What?”
“I’ll send it off the goalie’s chest, be ready.”
And because Clint was so awesome, he didn’t question, he just nodded and got ready. Rocco went in, racing toward the goalie from the left, took a shot, and hit the goalie square in the chest. Just like he’d hoped, it rebounded off his chest and right into the control of Clint on the opposite side of the goal, who sent it straight into the open corner.
Rocco raced at Clint, and they jumped onto each other. The rest of Northbrook joined them in a mass group hug. The buzzer sounded. And Northbrook won the game.
They stayed together in a big family circle, Rocco ripping off helmets so he could kiss his teammates on the cheek. They made their way in a full loop around the rink as a team and then skated off the ice down their team ramp.
“Woooo!” Rocco shouted into the echoing tunnel. The other players joined in. Some traditions were made to last.
In the locker room, they were greeted by a teary-eyed coach. The team went silent.
“No, it’s okay, boys. It’s great! You played well. That was a well-deserved win.”
They gathered around, sensing there was more.
“I didn’t want to tell you going into the game, but now seems as good a time as any to let you know this might be my last season coaching. And that win, wow, boys, that win means a whole lot to this old guy.”
“What!” Rocco couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“Nothing’s certain. So don’t go telling anyone what I just said. But I wanted you to know how much that win means to me.” He wiped his eyes.
The guys were more subdued as they moved to their lockers until Rocco called out, “So, what’s wrong?”
They turned back to watch their beloved mentor, and again his face pinched. He looked like he might cry, not just a few tears but some real crying. And then he cleared his throat and said, “They’re not sure. Doing tests, you know. It might be as simple as take it easy a few months, but we’ll address those kinds of things if they come up later.”
When no one answered, the coach jumped up on a bench like he used to. “But shake it off, guys, we have a win to celebrate. You’ve all but saved the arena, saved our club and all we’re trying to do to develop good players. We’ll have enough extra to keep the place going for a couple years at least and add sponsorships for more boys.”
His gaze always drifted to Trane when he talked of sponsorships. Fenwick viewed their enormous goalie as a prodigy of some sort or even as a son. Rocco couldn’t tell which, and really, what was the difference? Coach played them all, built their character, pushed them farther than they thought they could go, and reaped the results of some good hockey players after.
“Moment of silence for the coach.” Trane’s voice was quiet, but it carried, and everyone took off their helmets if they were still on and some took a knee. Trane put his hand on the coach’s shoulder, and a few others joined him. Everyone did their own thing and took a minute to think of Coach or pray or whatever.
Then Coach wiped his eyes again and called out, “Huddle.”
They gathered around him.
“This is it, boys. Family.”
“Family,” they shouted.
They all showered and packed up. Rocco didn’t know if he’d ever get to play with his Northbrook guys like that again, but he planned to remember those moments forever.
The locker that no longer belonged to Rocco stood empty, ready for the kid who usually used it. Rocco thought about that kid. Maybe one day, he’d be a wing and score the only goal in a winning game. Rocco had had no idea, back when he’d been using that locker every single day, that all his hard work would pay off like it had.
When he moved to the door, he grinned. Tonight was going to be epic. And right now, he got to leave with Summer. And they were going to dress up and dance on the ice, and he just couldn’t imagine anything better than that.
As soon as he walked out of the door, she was waiting for him. She leaned up against the wall right across from the locker room door, her eyes shining, her hair shimmering, and everything looking more kissable than ever.
“Hey.”
“Hey.” She stepped up to him, stood on tiptoes, and reached for just what he was wanting.
He happily covered her lips and pulled her close.
“Good game.”
He took her hand as they walked toward the parking lot. “Thanks. I was worried there for a bit.”
“Yeah. That was tough. But that goal. Wow. I already told my brothers about it. That was pretty epic.”
“I owe it all to Trane. We worked on that before the game.”
“Wow, is he teaching you how to score off him?”
“Sort of. More like just helping me practice. I don’t know if that move would have worked on Trane again. He doesn’t let the puck rebound a lot. He normally catches it. He’s sick good.”
“Yeah, maybe we can get him on the Steers sometime.”
“I’d be over the moon.”
Rocco had called a car, and they hopped in. “You ready for someplace quiet to eat before we get ready for tonight?”
“Do we have time?”
“We always have time for Chubby’s.”
“Chubby’s?”
“Oh yeah, best sandwiches around.”
“Okay, I’m in. Let’s do this.”
The driver turned down a side street. Rocco sat as close as he could. “Wow, what a night.”
“I’m so happy for you. That was an amazing win, and all that money for the center…”
“Yeah, that was awesome, but I was just talking about being here with you. Everything about today has been better ’cause you’re here. I think taking you with me is the key.”
She looked uncomfortable, and Rocco found that curious. Was he moving too fast? Was she getting the wrong idea about how things would go with him? “I mean, only when you can, and only if you want. Like on weekends or something.” He waited, watching her face.
“You’re serious?”
“Of course, I am. You could come for the weekend when I have away games. Maybe take off work now and then. I’m sure the library could spare you.”
“Well, maybe they couldn’t. Do you know I actually head up the library? Like, it’s technically my library?”
“No, I didn’t know that.”
“It’s true. And I’m working on my PhD. I work. It’s important. And I don’t always have time to just follow you around to your away games.”
Okay, wow, he’d hit some kind of trigger spot. “That’s not what I meant at all. Hey, we can talk some more about this if you want. It was just an idea. I’d love to hear about
what you do, your education, all of it.” Did he dare bring it up again? He decided he dared. “And maybe a weekend, now and then?” He grinned his most charming smile. At least, he hoped it was charming to Summer. She was tough to impress, apparently. He held the door open as they entered Chubby’s.
Her expression softened. “Of course. I’d love to. This is fun and nice. I’m so happy I was here for all of it.” Then she laughed and started recounting some of the plays, the bloopers. “And why were you carrying Declan’s stick?”
He tipped his head back. “You saw that? We were just playing a prank on him. If a guy drops his stick, his teammate is bound to try and hide it from him.”
“I never knew that. I guess I don’t notice usually.”
“Your support was amazing. I loved seeing you over there. And the penalty box.” He laughed.
“The jumbotron.”
“Yeah. It’s a casualty of the job. I try to keep them well away from my personal life. Star Valley is amazing for that. It’s small enough most of the national press stay away, and the locals are respectful. At least so far.”
“They will be. At least for the most part. My dad might be the craziest fan you ever meet.”
“And I like him, so it looks like I moved to the perfect place.” They ate and talked of comfortable, fun topics. Then he said, “Tell me more about your plans.”
She stumbled a minute over her words. “I’m trying to figure that out right now. Sorry if I sounded stressed in the car. I just hope that everything works out like it should.”
“I get that. I’m sure it will. You have so much potential to do whatever you want.” Rocco paid, and they left. The car pulled up as soon as they walked out the front door.
“And now, off to get ready for tonight.” Rocco rubbed his hands together. “Is it weird that I’m almost more excited for this part of the night than I was for the game?”
“Not weird at all. I’m excited too! Tell me again what we’ll be doing.”
“Okay. So, everyone comes in formal clothes and skates. We will be announced, have a grand entrance, and lap around the rink, and then it’s sort of like a free skate and dance.”
Summer’s soft smile reminded him of their first dance on the ice.
“And if you’re thinking what I’m thinking, we agree that we need to get back out on the ice together.”
“Yes, I was totally thinking that.”
They stepped out of the car and walked into their hotel. They separated at the elevator.
“Meet you down here at seven.” Rocco watched Summer until the elevator doors closed.
20
Summer practiced a few dance moves in her dress. Her hair stayed put, so that was a relief. She had it pulled up in a large pile of curls on top of her head. She picked up her small duffel that held her skates and headed toward the elevator to meet Rocco in the lobby.
Her dress hugged her and fell to her knees, but if she spun, it rose in a beautiful circle all around her. She’d tried it out about five times since she’d put it on. The jade color made her eyes pop and seemed perfect for her particular shade of blond. She brought a snug sweater to wear when she went out on the ice, and she had earmuffs and gloves. But she’d probably be warm enough once they got moving.
As she stepped out onto the main level and entered the lobby, she paused to take in the room full of beautiful people.
She spotted Rocco immediately. He and the Northbrook guys towered over everyone. And all of that masculine strength dressed up in a tux was more than any room could handle. Clint had Bree on his arm. That was a fun match. Summer wondered if the two of them would become close, official. Clint’s brother, Grizz, stood with them. Then a man with white-blond hair and a woman who looked familiar—she sucked in her breath—there stood one of the top names in movies right now, Trista McKinney. Wow, this was a high-profile event. Were they all pro players? She searched the room full of tuxes and recognized a few more. At that very moment, she wanted to turn around and hide in her room.
Rocco appeared at her side. “Summer.”
His eyes told her everything his lips did not. He was completely glued to her. Before she could respond, she was pressed up against him, his mouth greeting her in just the way she’d been wanting since she saw his goodness in a tux.
He murmured against her lips, “You’re stunning.”
Her lips curled up in a smile that stretched large and happily and became impossible to kiss properly. Then she softened her expression and responded to his welcome with an urgency of her own. “I missed you.” She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck, standing up on her toes and kissing him again until they almost forgot where they were. But they had an audience.
He put her hand on his arm. “I suddenly don’t want to share you with anyone, but let’s go say hello to the guys.”
A heady sense of expectation filled her as she felt eyes on her and Rocco. She kept her head high as they walked straight to the guys and their dates, movie star and all.
“Wow, is that…?”
“Rabbit? Yeah, we’ve got the Belltown Six Pack here tonight too. They helped us get the foundation started.”
“The six pack?” She wracked her brain.
“Do you follow baseball?”
“Not much. We’re more hockey people.”
“That’s what I like to hear. But don’t worry, they’re awesome. All six of them played at the same university and then went pro the same year. They’re a huge deal in the baseball world ’cause that never happens.”
“Kinda like Northbrook, right? All you guys went pro. That’s pretty rare.”
“It really is. And I don’t think people talk about it much ’cause it was before our college days.”
“Makes sense.”
“I’m happy they don’t. I don’t really like the press digging into my private life.”
“That’s a bit tough considering that you’re a pro athlete.”
“Yeah, I know. But so far, no one has crossed the line.”
Summer stood closer as they approached the guys.
“Summer!” Zane stepped forward and kissed her cheek. “Good to see you.” He fist-bumped Rocco.
“Hey, everyone, remember Summer?”
The guys nodded or winked.
Trista smiled, and Summer was dazzled by the perfect row of white teeth. “Happy to meet you, hon. If you don’t already know, these are some of the best people you’ll ever meet.”
Summer looked around at their open expressions and had to agree. “I’m so happy to be meeting everyone.”
The white-haired man at her side held out his hand. “I’m Ryker Stone. That’s Grizz, or David, Clint’s brother.”
Summer wasn’t sure how she stacked up against all the good-looking people surrounding her. And then a guy walked over who she thought she’d seen in the same magazine spread that had Grizz in the top ten best-looking men. Rocco interrupted her thoughts before she could analyze things any further.
“Cole Hunter!” Rocco hugged him. “Hey, I want you to meet Summer.”
Cole’s large hand was around Summer’s, and the force of his gaze shook her up a little bit.
“Hey there, sunshine.” He nodded to Rocco. “He’s a keeper.” Then he winked. A tall woman with hair similar to her own joined him. “And this is Harlow.”
Summer was becoming overwhelmed with all the new names and faces, but an overflowing happy kind of emotion carried through what she might remember only as a dream. Even though she was about the furthest thing from a professional athlete, she had to wonder at the comfortable ease she felt. These were her people.
Clint and Bree started walking out toward the front doors. “The cars are here.” Bree waved.
Their group filed into a couple limos, and Summer loved sitting in the crook of Rocco’s arm. Clint and Bree sat across from them.
Clint smiled, warm and friendly. “So, Summer, you live in Star Valley near the De Lucas?”
“I do. They’re up on
the ridge. We’re probably ten minutes away.”
Practically half the car moaned.
“That would be so nice, to have at least home games in the same place as someone you care about.” Bree waved her hand at the car. “I think every one of us has done long distance for a time.”
“Yeah, it’s the worst.” Trista snuggled into Ryker.
Summer’s emotions swirled around her. If she took a fellowship, could she and Rocco make it work? How long would they want to do something like that? Was she getting way ahead of herself? Probably.
Rocco’s thumb started running along the back of her knuckles, and the motion was comforting. They were together now. He was into her. They could figure this out.
Once they were in the Flyers arena, in the team room, Jax moved around, offering drinks from the fridge and playing host. Then a woman stepped in with a clipboard.
“Hey, it’s Bree!” Clint pointed to the new woman.
“What?” Bree looked up.
And then everyone laughed.
“No way. I’m off duty tonight.”
The new woman held up the clipboard. “I’m Julene. I’m here to explain how things are going to work tonight.”
When she explained that they would each be announced and have their own victory lap around the ice, Summer turned to Rocco. “What should we do?”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. Do you want to plan how we do it…” She let her voice trail off and then felt her face heat. “Oh right. You do this every game.” She looked away, remembering just how much she sat outside of these guys and their lives.
Zane snorted. “No way, we may do this every game, but tonight is totally different, especially for some of us.” He winked at her and looked between her and Rocco.
“I can guarantee skating a lap with you will be different.” Rocco’s sincerity, his deep brown eyes, equally calmed her heart and sent it racing. “Maybe we just hold hands,” he murmured in her ear. “Or if you want, we can show off a little bit.” His eyes sparkled with challenge, and she wondered what he had in mind.
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