Page 32 of Risky Move

Since everyone seemed to have a preferred seat, Cassie indicated the one on the aisle. “This seat claimed?”

“It is now,” Terri said. “We’re not superstitious or anything, but we sit in the same place every game.”

“Not superstitious?” Kelly added. “Just try to take that second spot.”

Cassie giggled as she sat on the plush leather seat. “This is perfect. I love that Dave, Andrew, and John skate together.”

“Especially when a certain defenseman joins in the rush,” Lauren added.

“Speaking of…Jason Hart is single,” Terri whispered. “Check him out, number twenty-six. Nice guy, too.”

“Another hunk,” Cassie sighed. “A girl can dream, can’t she?”

“You never know what fate has in store for you. I grew up in the same neighborhood as Steve. My brother’s best friend. I had such a crush on him—but all he saw was the tomboy sister and resident babysitter for my younger brothers.”

“And how did you get him to break the bro-code? I know you had no problem getting his attention.”

Terri laughed in memory. “Fate. He gave me a ride home from school when I was a senior. A storm was approaching, and my brother Bill said he’d pick up our younger brothers, so Steve volunteered to take me home. We stopped for the usual snow supplies, and when we left the store, the storm had already turned into a blizzard. We should have stayed at the store, but…” Terri shrugged. “We both thought we could get through it in Steve’s four-wheel drive. Ten minutes later, the road disappeared, we couldn’t see a thing and had to pull over.”

“Yikes!” Cassie’s eyes widened. “But maybe kinda romantic?”

Terri laughed. “No, not at all. I didn’t panic until the snow started drifting over the hood of the car.” She shuddered at the memory. “I’ll never forget that. So cold, then dark when the snow buried the entire car.”

“What did you do?”

“Steve called our parents to let them know we were okay, but stuck. They got his location from his phone’s Find Friend app. We had to wait it out.” Terri laughed softly. “Like an Eagle Scout, Steve had blankets, battery lanterns, emergency food, water…plus what we’d bought at the store.”

“How long were you stranded?”

“Twenty-four hours.”

“How’d you stay warm?” Cassie wondered.

“Body heat. We climbed in the back and wrapped ourselves in blankets. I’d have lost it if not for Steve’s calm and the warmth…make that thehot heatthat he generates. Eh, that’s when things turned romantic.”

“So, the end of Tomboy Terri in Steve’s eyes?” Lauren guessed.

“Pretty much. When you’re freezing cold, that bro-code flies right out the window.”

“Details?”

“One of these days I’ll tell you the story.”

“Promise?” Cassie pictured an ultra-romantic scene. She turned when she felt a hand touch her shoulder. Her…friend…flashed a smile. “Amelie, nice to see you.”

“Hey, Cassie. I hope you’re not too angry with me. I don’t remember much after you took me home, but I know I acted like a bitch.” She sniffled and wiped her eyes. “I’m so sorry. I hope I didn’t ruin our friendship?”

Sincere? Give her the benefit of the doubt?“Not ruined, but I’m not your designated driver the next time you want to go dancing and drinking.” Her smile softened the words. “Anything new?”

“Working.” Amelie looked around the box and waved at a group of women. “Your first time here?”

“Enjoying every minute, especially the view as the guys warm-up.” She watched as Amelie’s eyes turned toward the ice. “So, Chance is cleared to play? That should cheer him up,” Cassie commented.

Amelia grinned but didn’t respond.

“You’ve seen Chance?”

“Just texting and chatting. Guess the concussion recovery took longer than he wanted.”

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