Page 15 of For Pucking Real (The Seattle Vipers #4)

ELEVEN

INTERLUDE

Okay, listen. If you’ve been watching the Vipers’ preseason and not losing your mind over the on-ice magic happening between Tobias Groves and Devan Scott, then I don’t know what to tell you.

Maybe check your pulse? Because hello, these two are playing like they’ve been stitched at the hip since birth.

I mean, forget preseason jitters—Tobias came in hot, like slapshot-to-the-teeth hot.

Pairing him with Dev-a-licious? Inspired.

Pure art. They’re calling them the Dynamic Duo, but I’ve dubbed them the Texan Terror Line, because the second they hit the ice together, the other team’s defense crumbles like week-old cookies.

It’s nasty. It’s beautiful. I’m obsessed. #TobVan #TerrifyingTwosome

Let’s talk Tobias for a second. Poor baby’s been passed around the league more than a cursed puck.

. .Miami, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, and now finally, Seattle.

And I mean finally. Because it looks like he’s found a team that actually knows how to use him.

The man is out there lighting up the ice like he’s got something to prove—and maybe he does.

Las Vegas didn’t know what to do with him, but Seattle?

We see you, king. You’re home now. And frankly, the Puck Bunnies have spoken: we are keeping him. #TobyStays #ViperForLife

Devan, meanwhile, is doing what Devan does best, wrecking people and making plays like he invented hockey.

Add Tobias to his line and it’s like watching two storm fronts collide.

In the last few games, they’ve been responsible for something like 70% of the Vipers’ even-strength goals.

The chemistry? Off the charts. It’s like they’ve got some telepathic thing going on, passes landing perfectly, moves syncing up like they’ve been practicing in secret for the last eight years.

Which. . .brings me to the rumor mill. Y’all, the tea is boiling.

My inbox has been flooded with DMs from old college teammates, ex-roommates, even a guy who swears he used to sit behind them in psych class.

The story? Tobias and Devan weren’t just linemates in college.

Apparently, they were inseparable. Always together.

Some say besties, some say more. One source even sent me a pride flag emoji and a zipped-lips gif.

Like, okay. SAY MORE. #TeaTime #CollegeSweethearts?

Now, I’m not saying they’re secretly pining for each other under those helmets, but also, I’m not not saying it either. Have you seen the way they look at each other after a clean goal? That eye contact is loaded. You can’t tell me otherwise.

Let’s talk about that celly after Tobias scored his hat trick against San Jose last week? The way Devan LIFTED him off the ice? Platonic my perfectly contoured ass. That was giving ‘we have HISTORY’ vibes. #HatTrickHugs #BromanceGoals

BUT WAIT. Plot twist! Because we all know Devan has a whole situation with his baby mama, the gorgeous Lia Masters.

The rumors about Tobias becoming her neighbor?

NOT rumors. Confirmed. My sources snapped pics of him moving in next door to Ridley Masters’ sister months ago.

So, we’ve got potential college exes playing on the same line while one lives next door to the other’s baby mama?

Baby, this is so juicy. . .I’m fanning myself.

Hockey gods, you’ve outdone yourselves this season. This is better than any reality show Netflix could dream up. #NeighborDrama #HockeyTriangle

Here’s what I think is happening. These boys have unfinished business from college.

Something went down—or didn’t go down but should have—and now they’re stuck in this weird limbo where they’re incredible on the ice, but off the ice?

It’s giving emotional constipation. Is the poor designer extraordinaire, Miss Masters, caught in the middle, probably not even knowing there’s history there?

OR. . .and this is me being a gossipy heathen, what if she DOES know? Phew! Puck bunny scandal of the century #ThreesCompany #ModernFamily

The numbers don’t lie, people. Since Tobias joined the team, Devan’s defensive stats have improved by 30%. His penalty minutes are down. His assists are up. It’s like having Tobias around has centered him somehow. Made him more focused. Less of that wild card energy we’re used to.

Just between us? My insider at the practice facility says Coach Lennox is obsessed with their chemistry.

Apparently during scrimmage last week, they didn’t even need to call plays—they just knew where the other would be.

That’s not training. That’s history. That’s muscle memory.

That’s knowing someone’s body like you’ve watched it move for years. #BodyLanguage #IceChemistry

Meanwhile, yes, I know what you’re all waiting for: Derrick Shaw and Sebastian Bergeron.

Don’t worry, babes, that goalie drama deserves a video all of its own.

Spoiler alert: I’m calling it “Goalie Love for the Win.” You’ll see why soon.

For now, we’re staying locked in on Tobias and Devan.

Because this chemistry could carry Seattle all the way to the Cup. I’m calling it now.

If they can keep it together, on the ice and off, we’re looking at one of the most exciting seasons the Vipers have had in years. So, keep your eyes peeled, keep those screenshots coming, and if you hear anything juicy, you know where to find me.

Until next time, keep your sticks sharp, your tea hot, and your group chats messy.

Hattie Out. #HockeyHomeGurl #ViperNation #StayMessy