Page 23

23

Blaze

“You ready to lose in front of the entire town, Blaze?” Blake smirks from across the locker room, already in his gear.

The crisp bite of the ice under my skates is pure adrenaline. I lace up with practiced ease, the hum of the crowd just loud enough to remind me why we’re here. This is the first of many Blades she can handle herself just fine. But she does deserve someone who’s willing to try.

And I’ll be damned if I let anyone else be that guy.