Page 63 of Icebound Attraction

His attention then turns to Emily, who is striding away, before returning to me. A small flush of anxiety passes through me and, suddenly, I'm nervous.

“I hope I haven't upset your plans for the evening,” he says.

“No, of course not!” I reply quickly. “We've just finished studying together, and I was taking her home.”

“Ha? I thought we were near your university building here...”

He makes a little pout that doesn't bode well.

“I was coming to see you to talk about the next game,” he explains. “I tried to call you, but you didn't answer, and the situation is urgent.”

That's right, I remember putting my phone on silent and completely forgetting about it for the duration of my tête-à-tête.

I nod, waiting for the next part.

“Logan is injured. After training, he had pain in his right leg, and it turns out that his knee was badly bruised. He won't be on skates for the next game.”

I whistle through my teeth.

Logan is a striker, and he does a great job. I often rely on him to score.

“It sucks...” I whisper.

“And an important scout will be present at the game the day after tomorrow. I think it's a great opportunity to show you off. However, it's going to be a bit difficult without Logan. As captain, who would you trust most to replace him?”

My heart leaps and relief spreads.

A scout. This means that my performance in this game will be of particular importance. A feeling of excitement mingles with the pressure suddenly weighing on my shoulders.

“The best would be Mark. I can communicate well with him. He's quick and attentive. And... Coach, I'll do my best.”

Coach Franklyn nods with satisfaction.

“That's exactly what I want from you, Liam. The match is in two days. Make sure you're well prepared. We may have to add an extra workout with Mark to get you coordinated,” he ponders aloud.

“I'll make sure we're both in tip-top shape.”

The coach nods with satisfaction.

“I like the sound of that. You have to work hard, Liam, you know that?”

“As hard as I can,” I answer with determination.

“I hope you won't let yourself be distracted by some woman... This game could be decisive for your career,” he says before strolling away, leaving me alone with my fears.

***

Time flies as I immerse myself in the exercises, my mind entirely focused on the game ahead. From fitness exercises to skating to shooting practice, every spare minute is devoted to an extra workout to keep Mark and me in top shape.

But this intensive preparation also means that I don't have much time for anything else.

I keep reaching for my cell phone to let Emily know I'm thinking of her. But every time I see the screen, I remind myself that I don't have time for distractions. I'm focused on the game, on my career - and I have to make sure I don't let anything slip through the cracks to achieve my goals. Emily will understand.

On the day of the game, the excitement is like a rollercoaster in my body. The locker room is filled with a mixture of tension and anticipation as we prepare for the battle ahead. Coach Franklyn says a few words of motivation and we take possession of the rink.

This is where it all counts.

With my heart pounding, I stand on the ice, surrounded by my teammates, and I can feel the energy around me. It's as if the air is charged with electrical tension. The stands are full, eyes riveted on us, and I breathe deeply to calm myself.

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