Page 299 of Playing the Pucking Game

I almost didn’t come. The temptation to distract myself by tidying the closet of messy athletic tape and other equipment in the trainers’ storage room was almost too much to deny. That or heading up to the friends and family box, where my parents and Casey are waiting.

My stomach twists again at the thought of my parents. I’m pretty sure they figured out what was going on between us when we met them for dinner the other night. They were at least suspicious enough to warn Rett that he should have called first.

Coach welcomes everyone before opening up the floor for questions.

“Congratulations on your win tonight,” the first reporter says. “It was an exciting game to watch, and of course, weall loved your celebration at the end, Lincoln. It seems that congratulations are in order all around.” Linc nods as bile rushes up my throat. I love being a part of this world, but the thought of being at the center of any of it makes me want to run and hide.

The moment I allowed this thing between us to develop, I knew I was opening myself up to this.

“Is this new relationship between you and Parker Donnelly the reason for Rett's rough play tonight and his eventual ejection from the game?”

A ripple of silence goes around the room as everyone waits with bated breath for what comes next.

“Yes, Parker and I are in a relationship. Thank you for your well wishes. I can’t talk for Rett, however. His game tonight was his own. As for our game, we knew it was going to be a close one, and we pulled together really well as a team, leaned on our strengths, and brought home the W.” I watch Linc with awe and pride as he so easily swerves the conversation away from both me and Rett. I know he’s had media training, but even still, watching him up there doing this blows my mind.

“I think the entire country gasped as you hit the ice earlier,” another reporter starts. “How are you feeling after that hit?”

“Well enough to go back out there and secure our win. It took the wind out of my sails for a moment, but it’ll take more than that to stop me.”

“You and Rett have played together for years. Have you always been close with Parker?”

“Parker and I have always been great friends. I’m honored that she’s finally given me a chance to be more. We’re both very happy and ask for privacy as she navigates this new chapter of our lives together.” His eyes find mine through the crowd, and his smile grows until it meets his eyes.

The heat of numerous people’s attention burns into my skin, but as much as I might want to hide from it, I can’t look away from him. He’s lured me in and is refusing to let me go.

“Does anyone have any questions about tonight’s game?” Coach asks.

Laughter rumbles around the room before someone directs a question at Fletch.

Hoping that my involvement in his press conference is over, I nod at Linc, letting him know that I’ll see him soon, and duck out of the room.

I can’t keep the smile off my face as I make my way to the friends and family suite.

Linc just announced our relationship to the world, and while I might be fucking terrified, I’m also incredibly happy. All the things I dreamed about as a teenager are coming true. It’s almost too good to believe.

The excited chat and laughter hit my ears long before I get to the door to the suite. The second I step inside, I hear an excited squeal before a blur of green and white runs at me and wraps me in a hug.

“I’m so fucking excited for you,” Casey cries in my ear.

“Thanks,” I muse, squeezing her back.

When she pulls away and looks at me, she’s got tears filling her eyes.

“I can’t believe it. After all this time, you two have finally figured it out.”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, come on, I never believed the ‘we hate each other’ thing. I always knew it was a cover.”

“Hell no. For a while there, I really did hate him.”

Casey shakes her head. “Sure, whatever you say. Come on, everyone is waiting.”

She takes my hand and leads me toward where my parents, Freya, her dad, and Sutton and Kodie’s mom are waiting.

“You really know how to end a game, huh?” Freya teases me before also giving me a hug.

“Can’t say it was planned. I thought we were keeping it under wraps for a while longer.”