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I leaned over the barrier so that we could talk better.

“I’ve been trying to text Noah, but he’s not answering.”

“He’s practicing.”

Her eyes widened before falling into a squint.

“Of course he made the team.” She said with a sigh. “I’ll talk to him later.”

“You could stay.” I said before she could even move an inch. “Watch us practice.”

“Is that even allowed?”

No.

“Of course.” I said before leaning closer, as if I was about to reveal something confidential. “Make sure coach doesn’t notice.”

She giggled.

“He won’t even notice I’m here.”

I almost called it a day, but my urge to impress her was too strong. I placed my helmet back on and skated to Noah and Kellan.

“What’s my sister doing here?”

“She’s watching us practice.”

“Why?”

“I invited her.”

To distract him from his burning questions, I stole the puck from him and kicked my legs into the ice to launch an attack on Miles, our goalie. My cheer echoed throughout the rink as I raised my hands above my head in victory.

I looked over my shoulder to find Sawyer already looking at me, clapping her hands. I beamed with pride.

The rest of the practice was as adrenaline-filled as possible since I wanted to impress her. From the wide grin and excited applause, I think I succeeded.

She was already waiting for me at the barrier as I skated over. I tossed my helmet to the side and shook my unruly hair.

“You’re fantastic.”

“Thank you.” I said. “I have to be since I’m captain.”

I had to throw that in there.

“I can see why.”

My cheeks were sweltering. I cleared my throat and squared my shoulders.

“My friend Kellan is having a party Saturday night.” I said. “You’re welcome to come.”

She bit her lip, and I felt an unfamiliar feeling of anxiety wash over me. Had I been too forward?

“It sounds like fun.”

It’s as if she had taken the longest pause in history before delivering the verdict. I breathed out a sigh of relief.

“Great,” I said. “You can ride with me.”