Page 11 of The Hat Trick

Then there’s Collee, who we never see with anyone. I know he dates, and I’m sure sleeps around, but he’s much more private about it. He doesn’t flaunt it around like some of the other guys do.

We head back out to the ice. I love the energy of a home game, the way everything is announced for us, and how the majority of the crowd is cheering for us. The blue, green and black from our jerseys covering the stands from all the fans.

Of course, as I get into position as one of the starting D-men I glance over to where I know Chandler is sitting and try to smother the smile as I see her already looking directly at me. Collee isn’t starting with me this period, and I see him smirk at me when he notices where I’m looking.

As soon as the second period starts, I’m in the zone, and everything around me fades while I’m on the ice. My shift ends, and I’m already dripping sweat as I sit at the bench. I fight the urge to look behind me where I know Chandler is. I don’t want to be obvious, and I really don’t need any of my teammates or coaches to notice she’s a potential distraction.

Right as I’m preparing to start my next shift, Collee scores. We all cheer, him and our other teammate, Mann, who got the assist comes down the line bumping gloves with all of us. I sneak a peek back at Chandler, and she’s standing up with her hands cupped around her mouth yelling out in excitement.

“Maybe I’ll try to take that one home with me after tonight’s game,” McQuaid says with a bump to my shoulder.

I scowl at him. “You’re not going near her.”

“Why not? She’s just a friend, right?”

“Fuck off.”

“Dumont, get your ass out there,” Coach yells at me to prepare for the next play.

I try not to look back at McQuaid, and his smug face, but without meaning to I glance that way and catch him smirking at me before turning around to face Chandler. I don’t get to watch what happens next because the puck drops, and I have to play.

I use the anger McQuaid has caused by talking about Chandler to my advantage on the ice. Unfortunately, I end up hitting a guy a bit too hard into the boards and get two minutes for a boarding penalty. I’m mentally preparing for the lashing I’m going to get by Coach for it. I rarely get penalties, so fighting and a minor in the same game is rare for me, and I know he’s going to be pissed about it.

We are up two against one by the end of the second period when we head back to the locker room for the intermission. I take off my gear and sit in my area next to Collee. He gives me a look that I know means I was right about Coach reaming me. And sure enough, as soon as he comes in his first comment is to me.

“Dumont, stay out of the penalty box for stupid shit.”

“Yes, Coach.”

And just like that he moves on. Even though we are winning there are still things he wants us to improve on next period. Different strategies, and plays. That’s the thing with hockey, everything can change quickly. One second, you’re up, next you’re down.

Coach finishes up and leaves us to finish the rest of the break.

“You know McQuaid says the shit he does just to piss you off, right?” Collee tells me quietly.

“Yeah, I know, he’s just such an asshole.”

“He’s still your teammate, though.”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, I know.”

McQuaid has been on our team for the last two seasons, he was traded from somewhere out east, New York I think, and he’s been an asshole the entire time. I’ve been in Denver my entire professional career after I was drafted in college. Collee has been my teammate the whole time after he started his career in Canada and was traded the season before I joined.

Collee has been someone I consider a friend on the team, but not McQuaid. That guy can kick rocks. Or get punched in the mouth.

“Look, whoever the girl is, don’t let her distract you during the game. Just show her you can win it,” Collee says as we start to get geared up again.

“Aye aye, Captain,” I joke. He isn’t our captain—yet—but it’s assumed when our current captain retires at the end of this season, he will be the one to take the spot.

We head out for the last period of the game. I glance at Chandler only once before the puck drops, and I know I’ll see her after the game, but first I need to ensure we win.

* * *

We won the game three-to-one.Obviously, I’m excited about the win, but I’m really excited to see Chandler. Something about her intrigues me, and I can’t deny that the physical chemistry I’m feeling with her is extremely powerful. It’s like I’ve been able to feel her mouth on mine ever since that kiss. And I want more.

I take the fastest shower I’ve ever taken after a game, and get dressed in my suit I arrived in, since we have a dress code we have to follow for game days, both for arriving and leaving. I head out to the tunnel, and instantly search for her. It doesn’t take long, and I see her talking to her friend. I approach her, appreciating her in a Dragons jersey, though it isn’t mine, and that is going to need to change. I should’ve told her when I invited her to come to the game that a stipulation was that she has to wear my name on her back.

“How’d you girls like the game?” I ask as I approach, and their conversation ceases. Chandler immediately looks me up and down, and when her eyes meet mine again, I see the desire burning there. She takes her bottom lip between her teeth to hide the smile, and I can’t help but think that she’s remembering our kiss.

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