Page 40 of Power Pucking Play

Instead of retaliating, I shake it off and get back in the game.

We end up winning 4-1, and I manage to rack up two assists without a single penalty.

As the final buzzer sounds, my eyes search the crowd for Lexi. She's on her feet, cheering with the rest of the Blades fans who made the trip. When our eyes meet, she gives me a thumbs up and a smile that could melt the ice.

In the locker room, the guys are in high spirits, whooping and hollering like we've just won the Stanley Cup instead of a regular season game.

"Hey, De Luca," Evan calls out, a rare smile cracking his usually dour expression. "Not bad out there. For a hothead."

I grin, tossing a sweaty towel at him. "Thanks, Gramps. Not so bad yourself. For a fossil."

Jacob slings an arm around my shoulders. "Seriously, though. What got into you out there? I've never seen you play so...clean."

I shrug, trying to play it cool. "Just felt right, you know? Sometimes you gotta let the game speak for itself."

He eyes me suspiciously. "Uh-huh. And it has nothing to do with Miss Media Mouth who was wearing your jersey?"

Damn. Can't get anything past this guy.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I say, but I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks.

Jacob just laughs. "Sure, sure. Just be careful, all right? Mixing business and pleasure never ends well. Especially not with the press."

I nod, suddenly sobering. He's right, of course. Whatever's happening between Lexi and me, it's complicated. Dangerous, even.

But as I shower and change, all I can think about is finding her. Talking to her. Maybe even kissing her again, if I'm feeling particularly brave. Or stupid.

I'm just about to head out when Coach stops me. "Good game out there, De Luca. Keep this up, and we might clinch a shot at the playoffs."

I grin. "Thanks, Coach. I'll do my best."

As I push through the arena doors, the cool Seattle night hits me like a wake-up call. What am I doing? Lexi's probably long gone by now, working on her article or whatever.

But then I see her, leaning against one of the building's walls in the shadows, a sly smile on her pretty face. And she's still wearing my jersey over her hoodie. "I was wondering when you'd come out."

I try to act nonchalant, but my heart is pounding in my chest. "Yeah, well. You know me. Always fashionably late."

"Nice game, by the way. I was starting to think you'd forgotten how to play without throwing a punch."

I lean against the wall next to her, close enough that our shoulders brush. "What can I say? I'm full of surprises."

She turns to face me, her expression softening. "Yeah, you are."

For a moment, we just stand there, the tension between us thick enough to skate on. Then Lexi clears her throat.

"Honestly, though," she says, hazel eyes unblinking. "You really did play well."

I grin. "Why, Lexi Brookes, was that actually a compliment? Should I check the sky for flying pigs?"

She exhales hard, shoulders slumping slightly. "Don't let it go to your head, De Luca. I'm still planning on writing about all your flaws in excruciating detail."

"I'd be sorely disappointed if you didn't."

She laughs, and my stomach flips as she stands in front of me, looking up at me with those big hazel eyes. I can't resist any longer.

I lean down and press my lips against hers, and it's like fireworks exploding behind my closed eyelids. She tastes like victory and adrenaline and everything I've ever fucking wanted.

It's softer than last night, less urgent. But it still sends electricity zinging through my veins. I cup her face in my hand, pulling her closer to me. Our bodies fit together like puzzle pieces.

---