Page 128 of The Hat Trick

But dammit does it feel good. Especially after he was just publicly humiliated.

“You think that was Vince’s doing?”

“One hundred percent,” I bite back my smile.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I take it out to see another text from him. This one makes me smile even wider.

Vince: I hope you enjoyed that. Now watch me kick some ass in this game and come to the tunnel after our win.

“Was that him?” Audrey asks.

I nod. “I don’t think I regret coming anymore.”

She just laughs, “Of course you don’t.”

We watch the game, and since we are on the opponent’s side during the first period, I don’t see Vince much since he’s defense, but Collee skates over and battles for the puck on the glass near me. I notice the moment he sees me, and I give him a small smile. He grins back, but it doesn’t take away from the game as he’s skating off after the puck once again.

Less than a minute after he saw me, he sends the puck into the net. When he skates around for his celebration his eyes lock on mine, and I can’t help but blow him a kiss. He raises up his gloved hand with a subtle movement of catching it. And in this moment, I don’t care that the cameras are on him, that others could be seeing this and could be saying shit about me.

None of that matters at this moment. Nothing matters except my feelings for those three men that I’ve decided I don’t want to live without. Not anymore.

The game continues and at one point Matt sees me as well, he sends a wink in my direction, and I playfully roll my eyes but catch the grin on his face as he skates away. I’d be blind not to realize they are all playing better than they have in weeks. Not that I think I have anything to do with it, but it’s good to see.

Though, it’s still aggressive. These games are getting more intense the closer they get to the end of the regular season. The competition is fierce and every game matters more and more. I can’t even imagine what the playoffs are going to be like. Which I know they will be going to; they are almost guaranteed a spot with the season they’ve been having. Even with the last couple of not-so-great weeks, they are still one of the best in the league.

During the second period the teams switch, and the Dragons goalie is on the same side of the ice as we are. When the guys all come out, Vince skates right in front of me, his eyes locked on mine, and I see the movement of his lips. Those lips I’ve missed so much, my breath stalls when I realize what he just said to me. I couldn’t hear the words, but I could see them.

“I love you.”

He doesn’t give me a chance to say anything back, just smiles and skates around to get in position for the puck drop.

“Did he just…?” Audrey starts.

“I think so,” I say, shocked.

Throughout the rest of the game each of the guys steal glances at me. It’s nothing crazy, I know they have a game to play, but every time I can feel their eyes on me it’s like my whole body lights up. I missed them all so much. Even though I’m pretty sure they’ve felt the same, I can’t help my nerves as I anticipate facing them all again.

The game goes into overtime and after the first round of sudden death both teams are still tied. They get ready for a shootout.

“These always make me so nervous,” Audrey complains.

“Me too.” My leg is shaking as we watch Mann go for the first shot.

He makes it and then it’s the opponent’s turn. He doesn’t make his shot and we all go crazy. Collee is up next to shoot, and he makes it. The other team attempts and misses. The entire arena erupts in cheers. They just won.

Audrey nudges me. “Let’s go.”

I don’t think too much about going down to the tunnel because if I do, I’ll turn the other way and run out to the car.

We make our way down and find a spot somewhat off to the side, away from the various staff that are always down here. The anticipation is killing me as the whole team starts coming in. I see Vince first and I weakly call out his name.

His head snaps in my direction and a huge smile spreads over his face. In one smooth motion he yanks me around a corner away from prying eyes. His large hands cup my face, while he stares at me in disbelief while still smiling.

“I missed you so much,” he breathes.

I fight back the tears that have welled in my eyes as I grip his jersey tightly. “I missed you too.”

“This is it, you’re not going anywhere again, right?” he pleads.

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