Page 32 of Slap Shots & Sweethearts

"Oh no. There's no way I'm getting stuck with all your dirty socks." I retort and find a bench to pull my skates on.

He rolls his eyes. "Fine. A box of Maria's cinnamon rolls when we get home."

"You know she doesn't make those often." I finish tying my first skate.

"Sounds like a problem for you for when I win." he teases and pulls his own skates on.

The rink is quiet, save for the hum of the cooling systems, as we finish lacing up. The ice is pristine, and untouched since the Zamboni last cleaned it.

"What do I get if I win?" I ask him.

"I'll give Ethan a black eye at the party," he suggests with a grin. Over dinner last night Mom had apologized to me for Ethan's invite to the barbecue.

"And why would that benefit me?" I ask lifting a brow.

"He broke your heart."

I shake my head. "That was years ago, Lou. And hurting him won't change anything."

"Would make me feel better," he mutters.

I roll my eyes. "I can fight my own battles now. How about when I win, I get your hotel room."

"Oh no deal. I need my beauty sleep if you expect me to win the game this weekend."

"You owe me for getting Missy's present from the both of us."

"I already offered to punch Ethan," he jokes.

We step out on the ice, each of us with a hockey stick. The cold nips at my cheeks, but I relish the feeling. We loop around the ice as a warm up, the scrape of our skates a familiar sound. Lou drops the puck and we pass it back and forth. It's been far too long since I stepped out on the ice and even longer still since I last held a stick. Dad never approved of me playing hockey. Missy and I were to be figure skaters if we wanted to skate.

Missy loved the dance elements of skating. Between the spins and sparkly leotards, she excelled. Whereas I preferred the speed of going from one end of the ice to the other, and when I could, hitting a puck with Lou and his friends. Lou lets me take a couple of shots at the net without him blocking me. Even though we both know I wouldn't stand a chance against him, he lets me win.

After playing and getting a few more photos for the website I see the guy running the rink waving at us and pointing to the clock. Our time is up and it's time to get off the ice. I lift a hand to acknowledge him and as Lou and I skate to the exit, I see the guy pulling open the doors to get the Zamboni out. I must watch him for too long because Lou steps in front of me to block my view.

I shake my head and sit on the nearest bench to pull off my skates. "Lou, can you please stay out of my love life?"

He's taken aback by my shift in mood. "Are you dating someone?"

"Not yet."

"If he breaks your heart I reserve the right to make him pay."

"I want a chance at what Missy has, Lou. And I'm not going to get a chance to have that if you scare off any guy that looks at me."

"Yeah well, Gabe only had a chance with her because I wasn't here," he grumbles.

"Exactly. I don't want to leave Glacier Bay. But I will if I have to. My contract is up with the team at the end of this season."

The sound of the Zamboni rises as the big machine is driven around the ice. We watch it for a moment as it erases the evidence that we were ever on the ice. Lou sighs, running a hand through his hair, clearly torn between his protective instincts and wanting me to be happy.

"Fine. I'll back off." He finally says. "But all bets are off if he hurts you."

I beam at him, feeling relief and hope, "Thanks, Lou."

“And also don’t screw up the job, because I’ve heard Tiffany has been trying to get you replaced.”

“She’s always wanted me gone.”

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