Page 88 of Arresting the Hockey Player

It’s another five minutes before he lets me in and takes Cole Stephens out. I make up for my mistake, ensuring that the puck doesn’t come anywhere near the goal when the Bruisers head down to our side of the rink.

* * *

We win by one, which is all that matters. The close game may have been brutal, but at least we were the victors tonight.

Coming off the ice, the guys are heading for the locker room.

Charlotte and Abbi are standing, waiting for the guys to clear out.

“That was so much fun!” Abbi shouts over the noise of the arena. The fans are still celebrating the win.

I don’t expect to see Charlotte tonight at the bar to celebrate, given that she’s got a kid with her, which is probably for the best. I’ve got to head home to Zayn anyhow.

I’m starting to understand why Kyler and Em don’t hang out with us after the games when we win. Priorities. Sure, I realized he put his kid and family before partying, but the feeling of doing what’s right makes my chest swell with pride.

“Thanks for supporting us tonight,” I say, my gaze on Abbi.

“Of course!” she squeals, delighted that an Ice Dragons player is talking with her.

I’m not sure which team Charlotte was cheering on tonight. Maybe it shouldn’t matter, but it does to me. I want her to wear my jersey and support me.

I exhale a heavy breath. “I’ve got to hit the showers.”

“Good game, Reece,” Charlotte says and tugs her bottom lip between her teeth.

Is she still thinking about the kiss as much as I am?

I offer her a crooked smile and step closer. “How are you two getting home?” I ask.

“We’re going to take the subway,” Charlotte says.

“If you can wait twenty minutes, I’ll give you girls a ride home.”

“Are you sure? I need to swing by and drop Abbi off with her parents,” Charlotte says, glancing at her watch. She’d be hard-pressed to get on the train in less than twenty, and I don’t want to risk her losing Abbi in the crowd.

“Myfosterparents,” she says. “Please, can we?” Abbi grabs Charlotte’s hands, her wide eyes pleading up at her.

I like this kid.

“Yes, we’ll wait outside the locker room for you.”

* * *

It takes a little longer with Coach yammering on after the game, and I take a quick shower. While I rode the bus to the arena with the guys, one of the requirements for away games, I arranged to have a car service take me home. Not that I don’t love traveling back to our turf with the guys, but I wanted to get home to Zayn a little quicker and not be tempted to go out for drinks after.

When I’m finished in the locker room, I say goodbye to my teammates and head out into the hallway to find Charlotte and Abbi waiting patiently.

I like that Charlotte is good with kids. For someone who told me she never wanted any, I thought she’d hate kids.

“Let's get out of here,” I say. I lead them through the maze of hallways and pull out my phone, texting the driver that we’re on our way.

“You drove?”

“Not quite,” I admit.

Landon, my driver, is already waiting at the side exit. He steps out and opens the back door of the SUV to let us pile inside.

It’s three rows of seats, and Abbi climbs into the very back row, leaving me room next to Charlotte.