Page 5 of Montana Guardian

That's something I never thought would go on my list for the perfect girl. Yet there it is, all because of Paige.

She makes the last trick shot into the net and shouts ‘E’ while pointing at me in victory. “That's game. You lose.” She laughs, and I can't help but join her.

Man, if only my ex-teammates could see me now. Losing a game of HORSE on ice to a slip of a woman. Although in my defense, I was more of a ‘slam them into the boards' kind of guy rather than the hot shot goal scorer.

“Does Gage know his sister is a hustler?”

Paige rolls her eyes and gives an adorable huff of annoyance. “Hustle my butt. You knew what you were getting into when you proposed this game. I'd wager to say you planned on hustlingme, since you're the hockey veteran.”

“Touché.” It's rare that someone calls me on my bullshit. Maybe it's because Paige is a teacher, so she's used to kids' games. Although, I don't recall much devious manipulation in second grade.

“Unfortunately, we're the only ones here tonight, so you're going to have to wait on that hot chocolate.” I'd ask her to go out with me—to the cute coffee shop on Main Street for drinks—but I have a feeling I've pushed my luck far enough tonight. She's still got her brothers waiting at home, after all.

“Lucky for you,” she says, skating over to the exit before sitting down and untying the laces around her feet. I join her on the metal bench, take a swig from my water bottle, and gently bump her shoulder.

“How are you holding up under the pressure of being the captain's guardian and having responsibilities thrust on you?”

In years past, there were issues with the same parents controlling team events. The school decided to mitigate the problem this year by appointing the role to a captain's parents. That's what I was told at least.

I have faith that Paige will do a fantastic job, but I have my doubts on the arrangement working longterm. Some people aren't cut out for certain tasks like organizing a major event or fundraising. What happens when it'sthatparent's turn to run things?

“Good. A mom from the team offered to help because she has vendor contacts.”

Well, I guess that answers my question. The people who used to plan everything step in to help anyway.

“Honestly, I don't mind organizing the banquet but asking people for money is another thing.” She bites her lip. “I know it's par for the course, and the local businesses like supporting our sports teams, but it's not my strong suit.”

“I understand. It's a tough position to be put in.” An idea on how to make things easier for her comes to mind. She wouldn’t need to stress about asking strangers for money if I can solidify it. “Why don't you skip fundraising for now and focus on the banquet?”

“I wish, but we need to meet our financial goals in order to pay the bus drivers for away games.”

“Don't worry about it. I have a plan.”Vaguely.But it’ll become concrete soon enough, I hope.

“Care to share?”

“Not yet. I need to talk to some people first.”

“Mysterious.”

“Just don’t want to get your hopes up if things fall through.” Once we have our shoes on and stand, I instinctively bend to drop a kiss on the top of her head.

We both pause at the unexpected gesture.

“I'm sorry. I don't know why I…”

Her fingers cover my mouth. “Don't apologize.”

We’re perfectly still, staring into each other’s eyes, an air of anticipation hanging in the air.

A silent communication flows between us.

I’m your brother’s coach.

We should be smart about this.

Then hopeful determination transforms the uncertainty.

Paige's lips replace her fingers, and I'm kissing her like I've wanted to since she first caught my eye.

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