Page 133 of Miami Ice

But the best part of tonight has been watching Beckham play.

I smile to myself as I show the suite ticket on my phone to the escalator attendant, who allows me access to continue to the restricted level. I step on the escalator and think of Beckham. He’s amazing to watch on the ice. I’m in awe of how fast he moves, and how he instinctively knows where to be at all times.When he gets hit, I find myself cringing—how can his body take this multiple times a week?

It’s a roller coaster watching him play. From exhilarating to worrisome. But it’s also an honor to watch Beckham play at this level, excelling at something he loves.

Not to mention it’s very hot.

There’s something about Beckham in his hockey uniform that is a complete turn-on. And then there was a moment when he was on the bench that practically made me sweat, he looked so good. Beckham had just come off the ice during a TV timeout and took off his gloves and helmet. Then raked a hand through his sweaty hair over and over. His tattoo sleeves were just peeking out from underneath the black jersey, and then he squirted water all over the top of his head.

There’s only one way I can describe it.

Bench porn.

I get off the escalator on the suite level, enjoying a replay of my own porn flick in my head, and quickly realize I’ve arrived in a new land. There’s a sleek modern bar, surrounded by black lacquer high-top tables and gray fabric-covered chairs arranged in conversational settings. There’s a stunning light fixture overhead, and beautiful contemporary art on the walls.

It looks like a five-star hotel lobby, not an arena, up here.

Amazing.

I glance down at the suite number on my ticket and follow the directions. When I reach it, the door is open, and people are milling around, talking, drinking, and helping themselves to food from silver chafing dishes at the buffet counter. I spot Becca standing at the back of the suite, pouring a guest a Coke. When she finishes, she turns and looks in the doorway, instantly spotting me.

“Georgie! Come on in!” she says, her face breaking out into a beautiful smile.

I head inside, and Becca immediately greets me with a warm embrace. “Thank you for coming up,” she says as she steps back from me. “Oh, don’t you look fancy! Bedazzled for Becks!”

“Yes, it’s my first game-day outfit,” I say proudly. “And yes, you’re right. I’m bedazzled for Beckham.”

“Well, I love it. You look gorgeous. I have wardrobe malfunctions all the time so I wouldn’t dare wear a tube top to a game. Because I’m sure it would end up around my navel!”

I laugh. “I don’t believe that for a second.”

“Oh, you have no idea how truthful that is. We’ll have to get together for some drinks and perhaps I’ll be brave enough to tell you some stories. Or maybe not. But I’d love to go have a drink with you all the same,” she says, grinning at me.

“I would love that,” I say. “Actually, I would like to take you out for drinks anyway. I know I messaged you this, but Becca, your post with the Georgie Jar was a game changer. Thank you so much for sharing that. I sold out of four jars today in my Etsy shop because of you.”

“Oh, Georgie! That’s excellent news! I’m so happy I could help.”

“I’m so grateful for it. It’s the best start to a holiday shopping season that I’ve ever had.”

Her eyes sparkle happily at this news. “This is fantastic. I can’t wait to tell Antoni.”

A man approaches the counter. “May I have a beer, Becca?”

I step back, and she serves him a beer. After he walks away, I turn to her. “I can leave, I know you’re working. I just came up to say hi and thank you.”

“Well, I’m glad you did. It’s nice to know another friendly face is in the building on Manatee nights. I’m able to watch the game on the TV back here once it starts, and I have my fingers crossed for a goal for Beckham tonight.”

I smile brightly at her. “Me, too. Well, I’ll get out of your way. Please tell Antoni I said hi.”

“I will if you do the same for Becks. And I’m serious. Let’s go out for some drinks soon.”

“Yes, I want to do that, too,” I say. I tell her goodbye and exit the suite. I check the time. I have about ten minutes before the second period starts. I decide to head down to the private club across from the WAGS lounge, where we have access to a free buffet and drinks. I can get a snack to bring back to the seats for the second period.

I take the elevator instead of the escalator, and with my credential, I’m able to get down to rink level. This time, I remember where to go and easily find my way to the lounge. Ooh! They’ve changed out the buffet from dinner. It’s switched to more snack items, such as popcorn and a nacho bar.

Then there are desserts, like thick fudgy brownies and chocolate chip cookies and—oh! happy days—they have sugar cookies with Christmas sprinkles on them.

I grab a napkin and make my way toward the sweets station. There’s a beautiful woman standing there, and I recognize her from the WAGS lounge before the game. I concentrate, trying to remember her name. Crap. I met too many people tonight, and I’m struggling to place her. Why don’t I have that ability? Ella can meet someone once and remember their name forever. I meet someone forty minutes ago and I struggle to place it.

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