Page 56 of Playmaker

And once again, with less than two minutes on the clock, Pittsburgh was on the power play.

I wondered how number thirty-six felt as she sat in the box and watched Val and me assist Laws on a decisive power play goal.

In her skates, I’d have been super pissed. Mostly at myself.

In my own skates? With my team notching a decisive win against these rivals? I was thrilled.

The buzzer sounded not long after that. Third star went to New York’s goaltender for making almost fifty saves.

Second star went to…

Me?

I blinked. “Wait, what?”

“Are you surprised?” Sims smacked my shoulder. “You got three assists tonight!”

My jaw fell open. I… holy crap. I had, hadn’t I?

Well, shit. I might’ve ended up with a bloody nose and a bruised jaw, but three assists and the second star—couldn’t complain about that.

First star was, of course, Sabrina.

Earlier in the season, I’d have fumed over that. Tonight, I knew better.

And tonight, I knew she’d earned that first star.

A couple of hours after the game, we were in an airport lounge waiting to board our charter. I’d eaten at the arena, but I couldn’t resist a cup of coffee and a pastry.

I’d barely settled into one of the cushy leather chairs beside a little table when someone took the other. And somehow, I wasn’t surprised—and yet was still startled as all hell—to see that it was Sabrina.

“Oh, hey.” I couldn’t help smiling, and I was irrationally sure she’d heard or felt my pulse jump. “Did you get one of the pastries?” I nodded toward the buffet.

“Of course.” She gestured at her plate. “They’re amazing.”

“Always are.” I took a bite of mine, mostly to avoid saying something stupid. I was sure I was going to say something stupid now that Sabrina was here. I’d had that feeling a lot lately, and it was… weird. I wasn’t the smoothest in the world with attractive women, but I wasn’t usually like this.

Mercifully oblivious to my mind spinning out over her, Sabrina held my gaze and grimaced. “How’s your face? After that fight?”

I gingerly touched my jaw. “Sore in a few places, but I’ll be okay.” I grinned. “Totally worth it after what she did to you and Laws.”

“No kidding.” Sabrina scowled, shaking her head. “That was totally uncalled for.Bothtimes.”

“Right? But that seems to be how this team plays.”

“It does. Can’t wait to face them again.”

I groaned. We were in the same division, so we’d be playing against each other three more times this season. Couldn’t fucking wait.

A few minutes later, our boarding call was announced. As we got up, I caught myself feeling both relieved that I was no longer in danger of saying something stupid and… what could I say? I was disappointed that I was no longer sitting with her.That I’d squandered a chance to really talk to her, stupidity or awkwardness notwithstanding.

But to my surprise—and relief, and panic—as I took my seat on the plane, Sabrina gestured at the one beside me. “Can I join you?”

Oh fuck yes. Wait, no. How am I supposed to relax with you sitting here? God, yes, please sit here.

What the hell? Was I a teenager again?

Clearing my throat, I nodded. “Yeah. Of course.”

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