Page 52 of Sven

“I’ll be right back.”

“Hurry back. I’m sure Sven will have a post-game interview.”

Natalie made her way up to Winnie’s nursery and was hoping to see her laying down and that all she would need is a pat on the back to go back down. But there stood Winnie. She had pulled herself up in the crib and bounced happily at the sight of Natalie.

“You are supposed to be sleeping, little missy,” she said as she made her way over to her crib.

Winnie reached for her with a grin.

“Okay, you can get up for a little bit, but once Alice leaves, you are going back to bed.”

She set off down the stairs. It was just because Alice was here, not because she didn’t want to miss Sven’s interviews—because that would be ridiculous.

As she made her way downstairs with Winnie in her arms, she had made it back just in time. If Alice noticed the smile stretched wide across her face, she was nice enough not to mention it.

Sven was on the screen, putting on headphones.

“A-da-da.” Winnie squealed at the TV.

“Yeah, there’s Daddy,” Alice said as she smiled at Winnie.

“You had quite a game out there tonight,” the reporter said to Sven.

“Yeah, the game winning goal in overtime always feels good, but all the credit goes to the guys on the ice. There’s been some good chemistry out there,” Sven said with his smirk and his hair slicked back with sweat.

Sweaty guys had never done it for her before, but, damn.

“You game seems to have turned a corner. What changed?”

Sven’s gaze fell straight to the camera, and Natalie’s stupid heart skipped a beat.

“I had to win a goal for someone,” he said with a wink.

Holy fuck. She was going to full-on swoon.

“Always the ladies’ man,” the reporter joked.

“But, seriously, I think the line changes have been working Gunnar, and I have been able to get some chemistry. The team has really been getting to the net, and the energy is great. It can make all the difference.”

“Well, we look forward to what you guys do next. We’ll see you back in Glendale.”

“Thanks,” he said as he slid his headphones off and gave a final wink to the camera.

Winnie gave an irritated grunt as Sven left the TV.

“Don’t worry, Winnie-Bell. Daddy will be home soon.”

Natalie looked over at Alice, who was watching her and Winnie with an amused expression.

“What?”

“I’m not saying a word,” Alice said with a grin.

Natalie wanted to argue with her, but she knew she didn’t have a leg to stand on with the look she had on her during that interview.

After watching the post-game, Alice got set to go.

“Oh, what are you up to tomorrow?” Alice asked, putting her shoes on.

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