Page 54 of Offside Angel

“Maybe it’s not about the money,” one of the rookies tosses out. “It’s because you don’t want Carson to be your captain.”

Even when Carson isn't here, his puppets talk for him.

My molars grind together at the thought. “You’re right; I don’t want Carson to be captain. But I wouldn’t throw away what I’ve built here in a tantrum. If Carson beats me out for captain, then I’ll deal with it. I’m not going anywhere.”

I don’t know what I expect, but a nod of agreement would be nice. Maybe some thumbs up, something that lets me know my team is behind me.

But there’s nothing.

No one says a word.

They don’t believe me.

I don’t owe anyone an explanation about my life, but I can’t be at odds with the team. I probably lost out on being captain when I bailed right before a game to go track down Mira, but this goes deeper than that. If my teammates aren’t behind me, I could get fucking wrecked on the ice. It’s dangerous for me and bad for them.

“I’m not going anywhere!” I repeat, spinning in a slow circle. “And it has nothing at all to do with any of you.”

“You sure know how to flatter me,” Davis drawls.

“I love this team,” I say to him and everyone else. “I have no intention of leaving. But the real reason I’m staying is because I love my kid.”

On cue, Aiden peeks his head out from behind Nathan. He shakily makes his way over to me, catching himself on the legs of my teammates until his little arms are wrapped around my thigh.

I pat his head. “I love my son and he’s happy here. I wouldn’t take him away from his friends and his school if I didn’t absolutely have to. But also, I—” The words catch in my throat, and I have to clear it. “I’m staying because I love a woman.”

Mira is already walking around the stands to get closer, probably to grab Aiden from me, but she freezes between sections 108 and 109. I can see the whites of her eyes from here.

Davis whoops and Jace and Reeves clap their sticks against the ice until half the team has joined them.

Once they quiet down, I keep my eyes pinned on Mira’s. “I’ve built a life here for myself in the last few months. There are too many things in this city that I don’t want to give up, and no amount of money could pull me away.”

Mira swipes at her cheeks, and Jace grabs Aiden like he knows before I do that I’m going to go to her. I skate over to Mira and she meets me at the boards.

“You’re making a scene,” she whispers through a laugh.

“Coach started it.” I lean towards her, voice soft. “Do you believe me?”

She nods without hesitation. “Of course I do. Even before you confessed your undying love for me in way too public of a setting.” She blushes. “I trust you, Zane.”

Warmth spreads through my chest. “I should’ve told you about the scout, but it wasn’t important. I didn’t even catch which team he was from. I told him I wasn’t interested right away.”

“It’s okay. It doesn’t matter to me. Even if you did want to leave, I’d go with you.” Mira leans close, her warm vanilla shampoo wrapping around us both. “Because I think—I’m pretty sure I—” She blows out a frustrated breath. “One truth?”

I throw an arm back to the teammates thronged behind me. “I think I’m good for today.”

“I know. It’s my turn.” She gives me a nervous smile. “My truth is… I can see it: the future you want, the life you outlined for us. At first, I wasn’t sure, but lately, I can see it. And I want it.”

I’m not breathing. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” She nods. “We’re a forever kind of family, Zane. I’d follow you anywhere. I love you.”

Before I can stop myself, I grab Mira by the waist and haul her over the boards and onto the ice. She yelps in surprise, but the sound is lost when I kiss her.

We meld together. She’s standing on her tiptoes on top of my skates, and I have every single one of her soft curves pinned against my body. In my mind, we’re the only people in existence.

“There are children present!” Daniel calls, splintering the moment.

I glance over and he’s leaning against the doorway, watching the spectacle with Aiden at his side.

---