Page 28

28

QUENTIN

W e were tied with five minutes left in the game. The guys were tired. Indiana’s offense was relentless, and they never stopped. They were scrappy and motivated.

We were gritty and tenacious. We made them earn every inch of ice, and that took a toll. My muscles ached, and sweat dripped down my face despite the cool air.

“Hey,” I said, putting my arms around Liam and Felix. “Players may start losing their defensive structure or failing to pick up assignments, leaving gaps in coverage we can exploit. Watch their defense and attack. The fatigue toward the end.”

“Got it,” said Liam, nodding with determination. “We’ll keep pushing hard, force them into those mistakes, and take advantage of those gaps. Let’s stay aggressive, especially when they’re gassed. We’ll be ready to pounce.”

Felix grinned, tightening his gloves. “Yeah, we will! That’s our type of game, isn’t it, boys? If they’re slowing down, we’ll make sure they feel it. Let’s turn up the heat!”

I slapped their backs, motivated to win this game more than ever cause as soon as that buzzer went off—I was getting my girl back.

As the clock ticked down, we put relentless pressure on their defense, and they were losing structure. Just like the tapes I noticed. They were tired. Hell, we all were. Liam went head-to-head with their defender and missed his shot, but there was a shift in the atmosphere. Their team had a hit of motivation, and they had possession.

I fell back, tense and waiting for our next run when I saw it— a defenseman hesitated during a line change. That created a small window. Felix intercepted a lazy pass at the blue line, immediately firing the puck to me. I pulled a defenseman toward me, knowing they were trying to cover the passing lanes.

Liam exploited the gap in coverage, and I sent him a quick pass. He fired a quick, low shot to the far post, and the goalie couldn’t adjust in time. Score.

Pride filled me as I grabbed Liam’s shoulder, shaking him as we celebrated the goal. With only a minute left, we could win this thing. Starting off the season with a win would be huge, especially against Indiana. It’d set the tone for the year and send a message to the other teams in our division.

They weren’t done though. For the next sixty seconds, it took everything to stop them from scoring. Shoves and slopping stickwork, grunts, and shit talking filled the minute that seemed to last an hour.

Their offense had the puck, the goalie skating off the ice to give them the advantage when Matt slammed their forward into the wall. Xavier slapped it down the ice, the timer running down.

Ten, nine, eight…

Their defense scrambled, but we were faster. Seven, six, five…

I intercepted the puck before they could make a run, and I held onto it, not letting them gain possession as the clock counted down. My heart pounded in my ears, drowning out the sound of the crowd. It was me and the puck, that was it. Keep possession. That’s all I had to do. Not let them get another chance to score.

My thighs burned as I darted left. Then, the buzzer went off. Game over.

Wolves won.

We fucking did it.

My face stretched into a huge grin, my cheeks hurting from how hard I smiled. Liam and Tyler and Matt and Preston and Vincent all piled on me, our cheers blending into a mash of grunts and whoops. My heart beat fast, the adrenaline and pride coursing through me.

“We did it!” Liam yelled, howling and throwing his head in the air. “We beat Indiana!”

The rest of the team howled in response as we skated toward our bench. Reiner and J.D. looked like proud parents, high-fiving everyone as we headed toward the locker room. I didn’t even care that a scout was there. It was such a good win, and to play with such cohesion? That meant we were dangerous this year.

I couldn’t stop myself from searching for a pair of brown eyes and blonde hair. Logan wore my number, smiled my smile, and beamed at me . Her eyes were filled with tears, and she kept hitting the wall in celebration. I fucking loved this girl so much, and I was done being an idiot.

I was all in. I had to make it up to her, which I would, but no more punishing myself for mistakes in the past by denying a chance at happiness. When Theo asked me if you were done with hockey tomorrow, what would you do?

His answer was easy. He’d be with Audrey, his family, and go back to nursing.

I had nothing, and it was time to change that. It wasn’t healthy to have one aspect of my life and only focus on that. I had hockey, and I had Logan, I had Audrey and Theo.

I wanted hockey. Hell, there was a buzz in the air knowing a scout from the Acorns was there but I couldn’t speak to him. Not with all the NCAA rules. I could only be the best player and teammate possible…but I wanted Logan too.

I’d celebrate with my team, then get Logan back.

“Yo, what a fucking game!” Liam slung his arm around my neck, chanting over and over. “Great passing. You were on fire today, Hawthorne, holy shit.”

My skin buzzed with pride.

Coach Reiner and J.D. had huge smiles as they clapped our backs when we entered the locker-room. It smelled like sweat, socks, and cleaner, but it was so familiar. It felt like home.

“We’re going to face teams that are more skilled than us, teams with more experience and even more talent. But no team, and I fucking mean no one, will outperform us in grit, hustle, or teamwork. A united team is a dangerous team. Teams that grind and keep getting up are teams that win. I couldn’t be prouder tonight. You brought the fire and teamwork I envisioned.”

Hollers and catcalls filled the locker room.

Liam stood and clapped, the captain symbol on his jersey so deserved. “Can’t say much more than Coach, but I love this team, and it is the great honor to play with you all. Be safe celebrating tonight. If anyone needs a ride, don’t be a hero, okay?”

Coach went over the plan for film review and practice next week, but my mind was on J.D., who kept staring at me with a small smile. After Reiner finished speaking, J.D. motioned for me to join him.

“What’s up?”

“Curt from the Acorns set up a time to chat post-game with me about you. You know with the rules, he can’t speak to you during the seasons besides an informal hello, but he wants to discuss your leadership.” J.D. grabbed my shoulder and shook it hard. “I’ve seen you play for three years, and tonight was the best you’ve ever been. You’re holding yourself like you deserve to be on the ice while also being grateful you’re there. I’d bet my career that if you keep playing like this, you’ll find a place on an NHL team.”

My throat tightened. That was all I’d ever wanted. I cleared my throat, ridding the thick emotion in it before replying. “Thank you. I plan to keep playing this way.”

“There is a magic about being in this coaching role. I’ve seen Cal Holt grow and shift into the machine he is now. I’ve worked with Theo Sanders, even if only for one year. You’re next.”

I nodded, overcome with emotions I hadn’t let myself feel for years. The small voice in my mind repeated over that this couldn’t be, that something would happen, but it was quieter than usual. “I appreciate the support and everything you’ve done.”

He smiled and narrowed his eyes. “Have fun tonight, alright?”

“Plan to.”

The guys talked about the after-party, celebrating our win over Indiana with shots and girls. I thought about Logan.

I wanted to party with her.

She wore my fucking number and watched me play. I had to make up to her for hurting her, for ending us out of fear, but I had hope she’d forgive me. We were meant to be together. I knew it in my damaged soul.

“Jordan and Logan are waiting for us.” Preston smiled at me as he stared at his phone. “Jordan informed me your head is out of your ass regarding Logan. Good for you, man. It’s about time.”

My lips twitched, but he continued, the smile shifting slightly. “We’re brothers on the ice and always will be. We’re housemates for the year and friends, yeah?”

I nodded, sensing a but coming. “Spit it out, Charming.”

“Let yourself be happy.” He ran a hand over his jaw, his eyes narrowing. “Logan will never betray you or hurt you. She’s the most loyal and loving person you’ll ever meet in your life.”

“Not gonna warn me to stay away or not hurt her?” I asked, my throat tight. I knew everything he told me. I was addicted to that sunshine.

“Nah.” He grinned again. “I know you won’t. You love her, my dude. You were just the last to realize it.”

He walked off, and that meant I was free to find Logan. His words resonated with me. I loved Logan and wanted what Theo and Audrey had—a partner, a best friend, someone to be there when we lost, and someone to celebrate the victories with too.

My hands shook as I showered, dressed, and exited the locker room. It was silly how I hadn’t been nervous to play. Despite the fact every game mattered and one bad game, one small injury could derail my entire future, I wasn’t nervous. Yet the thought of seeing Logan and talking to her after everything had me sweating.

I put on a simple white shirt and joggers, but that felt too casual. I changed to jeans. Checked to make sure I’d applied deodorant. I had, but I put on a spray of cologne that Audrey got me two years ago. There. I had to smell good.

My hair was a little wild, and I ran my fingers through it, hoping it looked more styled instead of messy.

What the hell are you doing?

I never spent this much time on my appearance. I didn’t really give a shit, but the thought of going to talk to her, to say the right thing…it paralyzed me. I’d never declared my love for anyone or put myself on the line before. My pulse raced, and a million what-ifs went through my mind as I second-guessed myself.

I could hurt her. She could realize I’m not a great person. I could get injured and have nothing to offer her .

But then I thought of her smile and laughter, how she saw the best in people, and that eased some of the nerves. Most of the guys had left the locker room, and it was just me and the equipment manager. Damn. I’d wasted twenty minutes freaking out.

What if she wasn’t there anymore?

I took a deep breath and said fuck it. Nerves danced along my spine as I made my way out of the locker room to where friends and family often waited for us. The crowd had died down as everyone else had left but not Logan.

She stood to the side, leaning against the wall and staring at her phone. Jordan wasn’t with her, so that meant she’d waited for me on her own. I wasn’t sure why that made such a difference, but I loved that she did that.

It was weird not having a lot of people in your corner to having someone like Logan. She smiled at her phone then glanced up, her eyes lighting up as she saw me. Her smile eased every worry I had.

“Quentin!” She ran toward me, arms flailing as her hair went everyone. Holy shit, her hair was curled and beautiful. “You were amazing! Holy shit!”

“Yeah?” I grinned, catching her as she jumped onto me. She wrapped her arms around my shoulders, my hands immediately going to her ass as she buried her face in my neck. She smelled like heaven and home, and her hair was featherlight. Feeling her warmth around me, breathing her in…yeah, this was the future I wanted.

“Yes! I could hardly breathe watching you. You’re beautiful on the ice, Quentin. Utterly perfection. My goodness.” She slid down my body and cupped my face with both hands, her chocolate brown eyes warming as she gazed at me. “I’m so, so proud of you. You work so hard, and it shows.”

“Logan?” I asked, my voice thick.

“Yeah?” She stared at me like I hung the fucking moon.

“I love you.” I blinked at the surprising amount of emotion that hit me in the chest. “I’ve never said those words to anyone besides Audrey. They used to terrify me because almost everyone I’ve loved has left. Some by choice, some not. It’s easier to live in anger and be alone, and the thought of losing you terrifies me. But I don’t want to run anymore.”

She sniffed and rubbed small circles along my jaw, her fingers never leaving my face. “Quentin?—”

“No, I’m not done, baby.” I laughed, half snorting, half trying not to tear up. “I know your heart just healed and it’s scary trusting me too, but I’ll take care of it. I’ll keep it safe, and you, and make sure you always have reasons to smile. The second the game ended, all I wanted to do was see you. When the Minnesota scout wanted to talk to my coach about me, I couldn’t wait to tell you. I?—”

“What?” she screeched. “What did you just say, Quentin Hawthorne?”

“I was trying to say you’re my best friend.”

“No, the thing about the scout.” She shook my face in her hands. “A scout wanted to talk to your coach. Excuse me, open up with that. That’s huge for you! Holy shit!”

“I told you I loved you and you want to talk about that?” I teased, honestly loving her more for it. I gripped her chin and pressed my lips against hers. “We gotta talk about your priorities.”

“Hard disagree.” She grinned at me, all teeth and pure joy on her face. “I didn’t think I’d ever be ready to fall for someone again the way I did for Gage, and it’s kinda true.”

My stomach bottomed out. I blinked my surprise away, not wanting to upset her.

She smirked and scrunched her nose in the cutest fucking way. “Don’t get all offended before I’m done speaking.”

“Are you trying to rattle me?” I ran a hand down her neck, resting it on her shoulder. The indent around her collarbone was sexy, and I loved brushing my thumb over it.

“Keep you on your toes, that’s all.” She winked before wetting her bottom lip. “Falling for you was so easy, Quentin. It happened in a blink. I feel like I can do anything with you, and I’ll have somewhere to land. You feel like home in a way I can’t quite describe, but I want more of it.”

“Home,” I repeated, the words ingraining itself in my soul. “I really fucking love that.”

She hummed her response before releasing her hands from my face. “I believe in you and us, but I’m nervous. Things will get hard, and I don’t want you to run away.”

I nodded. “I won’t.”

“I know you think that now, and I want to believe you.” She sighed, and a little of the joy left her face. “You deserve happiness, Quentin, and I deserve someone who know will be there no matter what. You’ll upset me for being an idiot at some point, but you don’t get to run away because of it. We will fight and argue, but we’ll be okay as long as we always pick each other.”

“I’ll prove it to you, Logan. Be with me for real, and I’ll work at it every day.”

“I think that sounds great.”

I rested my forehead against hers, a relief so potent washing over me. I liked that she called me on my bullshit, that she spoke up for herself. “I’ve never felt like this before,” I whispered, being vulnerable and exposing myself. “You own me now.”

“I’ll take care of you. Don’t worry, Hawthorne.” She hugged me again, this time soft and gentle. “It’s a huge honor to be the first person you’ve given your heart to, and I’ll take care of you. But first…we need to go party because tonight was incredible.”

“What if I want to party with just you?” I was selfish. I wanted her all night, no clothes, naked, and trembling. “Didn’t you know that the post-game high is aggressive? Makes me want to be a little…wild.”

“Oh, that sounds fun.” Her eyes lit up. “What did you have in mind?”