Page 11 of Montana Guardian

And while our relationship is only a few weeks old, I feel like it's the real deal.

A sense that fills me with hope for a ‘happily ever after’ kind of future.

CHAPTER EIGHT

RYAN

“Do you want to talk about it?”

The buzzer fills the arena to signal the end of our semifinal game. 1-0. It was a hard fought battle for three periods, but our guys had the bad luck of not landing a single shot on goal. Which means, after months of hard work, our season is finished.

As we trek down the hall toward the locker room, I examine the slumped shoulders and ducked heads, disappointment a tangible weight in the atmosphere.

This won’t do.

Once everyone is inside the large room preparing to remove their layers of gear, I call for their attention.

“Hey, listen up!”

Two dozen pairs of eyes turn my way, and I offer a reassuring smile.

“Tonight was tough, and I understand your disappointment. I hate losing as much as the next person, but…” I let the word hang in the air for a second, “what we’re not going to do is discount the hard work we put in this season. Do you realize this is the first time in eight years Guardian Valley has sent a hockey team to the postseason? That’s something to be proud of.”

There’s grumbling among the boys.

“I’m not blowing smoke up your asses,” I say sternly, crossing my arms over my chest. “This program has struggled for almost a decade to make a name for itself again, and this team is paving the way for redemption. You held a nationally ranked team to one goal tonight.”

I hold up a finger to emphasize my point.

“They average three goals a game, and you held them to one. That deserves more than moping around the locker room. Hornby, talk to your team.” I step back to let Gage do his captain thing as the assistant coach gives me a nod of approval.

Devon was part of the championship team a decade ago and returned to Guardian Valley the same time as me. He’s been instrumental in helping me turn this team around.

I’m damn proud of these boys.

And even prouder of Gage as he encourages his teammates. He’s got a bright future ahead with his talent, but it's his attitude that seals the deal. A certain temperament is necessary for navigating the world of professional athletics, and with a supportive sister like Paige and my experience as a former pro, Gage has all the makings of a great professional hockey player.

***

“I’m sorry about the loss,” Paige says, welcoming me into her house. It’s late, but I couldn’t refuse her invitation to come over after the high emotions of tonight.

“Thanks, baby.” I pull her into a tight hug after the door is locked, and we stand in the foyer for a few minutes as an exhale of relief blows past my lips.

I meant what I said earlier to the boys about feeling proud of our accomplishments this season, but it didn’t completely erase the sadness of losing—the comfort of Paige’s embrace is doing a good job, though.

Of course, every day for the past three months has been amazing as our relationship deepened.

“Do you want to talk about it? Or do you want to take your mind off the game?”

“Let’s go with the second option. We’ll be studying the game tape so much, I don’t need to rehash the details with my girl, too.”

Paige grins. “I was hoping you’d say that, because I’m going to hear all about it from Gage, I’m sure.” She tugs me toward the living room couch and gently pushes me down before climbing onto my lap.

“Um, babe, what are you doing?” My head tilts back as I shoot a glance at the staircase leading to one of the bedrooms where Levi is currently sleeping. Usually, we confine ourselves to my apartment when it comes to sex.

“Distracting you,” she murmurs. “Gage is sleeping over with some friends, and Levi sleeps like a hibernating bear. We should be fine.” Her mouth trails over my neck and ear as her hands massage my tense shoulders.

“Should be? I’m surprised my cautious and responsible girl is okay with the risk,” I tease, though I’m happy to follow her lead—whether it’s making out on the sofa like a couple of teens ormore, like a repeat of what happened in her classroom months ago.

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