Page 261 of Playing the Pucking Game

As I walk toward the ice, nerves erupt in my stomach.

I’m not nervous about not being able to play, skating is like riding a bike; you never forget. But I’m about to step onto the ice with a bunch of NHL players. Is there anything more intimidating than that?

“Oh shit,” Linc gasps the second he sees me.

He skates straight over, but the second his eyes drop to my shoulders, his expression tightens.

“Why are you wearing Rivers’ jersey?” he demands.

“Because, as you know, I’m borrowing Casey’s gear.” I fight my smirk. I could have chosen Casey’s Polar Bears jersey, but that seemed too easy.

This is a whole lot more fun.

“Nah, that’s just fucking wrong. Take it off,” he demands, his voice leaving very little space for argument.

“W-what?”

“Take it the fuck off. Monroe,” he bellows. “Go and get my spare practice jersey.”

“I’m kinda busy here,” he dares to argue.

“I don’t give a fuck. Go and get my spare practice jersey, or all extra training sessions are off.”

“Linc,” I soothe, reaching for his arm in the hope of calming him down.

“Take it off, Parker. I’m dead fucking serious right now.”

“What if I’m not wearing anything beneath?”

65

LINCOLN

Holy shit. I didn’t think it was possible, but I’ve just fallen even harder for Parker Donnelly.

I stand on the ice, watching in awe, as she plays hockey with my teammates, thankfully now wearing my number.

She’s still really fucking good. And she’s so small and light that she flies across the ice to the point that Killer and Monroe are struggling to catch her.

“Shoot,” I bellow, unable to move as she darts toward Handsy.

He’s ready for her; his eyes locked on the puck.

Just like every goalie, he’s competitive as fuck and hates to see the puck hit the back of the net, so I have no reason to believe he’s going to take it easy on her.

Hell, if he was going to take it easy on anyone, it would be Sutton, but he doesn’t.

It’ll pay off in the long run—it’ll make her an even better player—but it kind of sucks for her right now.

“Yes, yes, YES,” I scream when Parker gets the better of Handsy. I’m flying toward her before I’ve even thought about moving. “That’s my fucking girl,” I shout before I collide with her. Together, we slide backward until she hits the boards.

I pin her in place, gazing down into her excited eyes.

“I scored.” She laughs, a smile splitting her face.

“You did, babe. It was fucking incredible.”

Reaching up, I rip my helmet from my head and drop it to the ice.