Page 1 of Love on the Ice

Chapter

One

REID

The sound of my blades cutting the ice is the only thing I can hear right now. The rest of the noise has drowned out, or maybe it’s just my natural instinct that makes everything else around me completely fade away.

Except for two things.

My blades and the ice.

This is my shot.

My chance to prove that I belong here, on this team, in this rink, on this ice.

Me.

My time.

This is my dream come true and my chance to make everything I’ve worked for become a reality. I have worked my entire life for this moment, and I will succeed. I’ve never needed to triumph more than I do tonight.

I’ve perfected my wrist shot. It’s what I’m fucking famous for. I will prove my worth and that I’m essential to the team. Now it’s time to put my money where my mouth is. I’ve said the words and signed the deals, but I have to prove myself tonight and every day from here on to keep my position.

The puck comes reeling toward me. I can feel a rumbling beneath my feet. My body vibrates, but I’m not sure if it’s from the outside in or the inside out. I’m nervous, excited, and filled with anxiousness like I’ve never experienced before.

My senses are shot.

Holding my breath, I’m hoping that I don’t pass out here on the ice. Then I go for it. This is the tiebreaker. There are only seconds left on the clock, and if I want this game to be over now, I need to make this.

This is for the glory, at least until the next game.

I suck in a breath, sweat dripping down my face as I watch the little black disk fly through the air, straight for the goal. Before I know what’s happening, before it’s completely registered, I hear the final buzzer.

The end of the game.

The breaking of the tie.

I did it.

I’m instantly surrounded by my team. Sticks are in the air, mouths are wide open, and there is screaming. My hearing returns, and with it, a roar that rumbles the entire rink. I feel slaps on my back as we skate off the ice toward the locker rooms.

Carolina Fury

We won.

Holy shit.

My first time playing in a big game, and I made the tiebreaking winning shot.

This is what dreams are made of right here. I don’t think I could have played any better than I did tonight. I did exactly what I came here to do. I showed out and showed up.

The locker room is insane.

It’s always fairly loud and wild in any locker room after a winning game, but tonight, it’s electric—alive—vibrating. I’m here for it. This is why I do what I do. This is why I play the game—not just because I love it but because it’s the most exciting thing on earth.

“Are we going out to celebrate tonight?” Otto asks, slapping his hand against my bare back.

Looking at him, I grin and shake my head once before I remind him about our plans. “Yes, but we’re moving tomorrow.”

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