Page 46 of Slap Shots & Sweethearts

"But there's still—" Lou starts, but the door closes behind them. Leaving me grateful to Nate for understanding that Matt and I still need to talk things through.

Tennessee might be an option, could be the option for both of us.

"What do you want Hannah?" Matt asks, his voice soft but insistent. "Tell me what to do to make this work."

"I don't know what the next year holds for me Matt. I'm still looking for a job, but I don't know where that will take me."

"How long do you think it would take to find out about the one in Tennessee? I’m sure you’ll get it if you apply."

"I wish I had your confidence."

"Wherever you want to work, I’ll support you. We can do long distance if we need to," He says, his eyes never leaving mine. "I promise I’ll listen to you from now on. I don’t want anymore secrets."

My voice is unsteady as I ask, "Really?"

"Really, Sweetheart." He picks up my hand with his and brings it up to his lips. He kisses my knuckles softly. “I’ll follow you anywhere if that’s what it takes.”

"I love you," I tell him, feeling the weight of those words and all they signify.

"I love you more."

This time when he leans in to kiss me, there's no hurt or sorry left between us. This kiss is a promise of a new beginning to the life we'll build. The world outside fades away, and for this moment, it’s just the two of us in a world of our own. This kiss conveys everything words can't and soothes the aches of weeks past with the warmth of our love. My fingers find their way back to his, and as our hands interlock, everything feels right, because it is right with him.

Epilogue

So much has changed in just under a year. I now live in Nashville, TN now, working for a very selective public relations firm known only to the rich and famous. It turns out Nate knew someone from his time on a TV show, who put in a good word for me at the firm. My former boss, the one who fired me, felt really bad about the whole situation and gave me a glowing recommendation. Instead of saying he'd fired me for unprofessional misconduct, he glossed over it. Stating that it was a conflict of interest to be related to a member of the team, and that when I'd realized the other opportunities I wanted to explore we'd parted ways on amicable terms.

It's crazy to think I now work for the firm celebrities call when the tabloids run wild. The firm manages a variety of different clients, from movie stars and bands to sports teams and billionaires. I've learned so much over the last ten months about other industries. So far, I’m learning how the more experienced agents handle it and taking on the smaller tasks they hand off to me.

Despite the hectic nature of my new job, I still go to book club once a month, thanks to Matt covering the flight, I could afford it on my own, but Matt insists. When he doesn't insist, Sofie sends her husband's private jet for me. When Matt has breaks during the off-season, we enjoy our road trips back to Glacier Bay to spend time with Lou. Those moments are a much-needed escape from our otherwise busy lives.

Tonight though, there's a special zing in the air. Matt is playing in the Sweethearts game, and I'm enjoying my spot in the stands as his girlfriend. This time, though, the arena is bigger, and the crowd is too.

My current client, and new friend Emma, is sitting next to me. She’s got a hat on over a blond wig, and oversized sunglasses. It took a lot of persuading to get her to leave her house and come to the game.

The paparazzi have painted her as a cold-hearted witch when nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is she secretly runs a private charity to help families like Noah’s so they don’t have to worry about making ends meet. When I told her about Noah she jumped at the chance to help his family.

Noah frequently messages Matt about how Lou and the guys are handling his absence on the ice. In my opinion, the guy they tried to replace Matt with, he’s got a lot of growing up to do. In return Matt has been sending Noah hockey merch from Tennessee.

A fight breaks out on the ice, and Emma watches in concern.

“The refs will take care of it.” I explain to her the rules and penalties as a ref puts a player in the box.

As the game plays out, the energy in the air is electric. The crowd is hyped, and the team is on a winning streak. Matt hits the puck with the slap shot he's become known for, and scores the winning goal. I cheer along with the crowd, my heart swelling with pride.

After the game, I make my way down to where the players are exiting the ice with Emma. The arena's halls are bustling with people, so many of whom want to share the win with Matt. He spots me in the crowd, and his smile makes me weak in the knees.

"Hey, superstar," I greet him as he reaches me.

"Hi, Sweetheart," he replies, pulling me into a tight hug. "Did you see that shot?"

"I did. It was amazing," I say, my voice filled with admiration.

"You're amazing," he says just before he kisses my forehead like that night on the ice ribbon last year. I feel a sense of contentment wash over me. "Let's get out of here. I've got a surprise for you."

We leave the arena and Matt takes my hand with his, navigating through the throngs of excited fans and teammates to get Emma to the car with her driver. Outside, the night air is cool and refreshing as Matt then guides me to his car, and soon we're driving away from the bright lights of the arena.

"Where are we going?" I ask, curiosity piqued. Normally after a game he's so tired he doesn't want to go out.

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