Page 54 of Face Me Off

I’ve shocked Amanda into silence as the moment hangs between us. My heart pounds, like I’ve just put my first brushstroke on a piece that could change everything.

And the truth of the matter is, it will.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

RYAN

Moments like this—closegames where we have to prove ourselves—are what I thrive on. The Colorado team we’re playing talked smack the entire game. Two more goals will shut them up.

With twenty seconds left in the second period, I catch the puck on my stick as it slides across the ice. Adrenaline pumps through my veins. Ten seconds left. We’re down by a goal, but we’ve got this.

My skates carve the ice as I weave through the defense. One clear shot is all I need. The goal’s in sight, but their goalie’s locked on me. Five seconds. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Blake wide open.

Without hesitation, I flick the puck his way. It sails through the air and lands right on his stick. Blake winds up and fires—the puck rockets past the goalie’s glove.

The buzzer blares. Tied!

“Sorenson!” Blake crashes into me, nearly knocking us both over. “Sick assist, man!”

With a grin, I slap him on the back. “Couldn’t have done it without that killer shot of yours.”

I’m on top of the world, heading into the locker room. I scored ninety-three percent on my physics test to stay eligible. My game is on fire—in front of the scouts, no less. I didn’t think anything could dampen my spirits until Blake took a detour. When I look to see where he’s heading, my heart sinks. Not because he’s racing to see Amanda but because she’s standing there alone.

No sign of Madison anywhere.

Getting that woman to come was a long shot, but I had hoped. We’ve made such strides these past few weeks. I foolishly thought we’d gotten close. Is it too much to ask for her to see through the bullshit standing in our way? I want her to know that she is worth the risk. That I’m worth the risk.

She could be my endgame. The girl who’s there after the sweat and grinding teeth, after I play my last hockey game. When the lights go off, I want her next to me. She challenges me and makes me better by taking in the entire picture. But that’s a conversation for another time. Tonight, we still have a game to win.

We play our best game during the third period. Colorado brought their A-game, but we matched it play-by-play. We gained one more goal and held out to win the game.

The Wildcat Victory chant echoes around the arena as the team piles on and becomes a tangle of sticks, limbs, and whoops of joy. Once we break and skate off the ice, I scan the stands one last time.

Disappointment edges my celebration. I’d hoped Maddy would be here, but...

No! Don’t go there. Now isn’t the time for that. We just won, and that’s what matters. Still, a nagging voice in my mind whispers that something’s missing, even with the victory.

But as Blake throws an arm around my shoulders and leads us toward the locker room with the rest of our celebratingteammates, I force a smile. This is what I’ve worked for, what I’ve sacrificed for. This victory, this team, this moment.

So why does it feel like it’s not quite enough?

A tap on my shoulder snaps me out of my thoughts. I turn, face to face, with a tall, distinguished-looking man in a sharp suit. The Pines Scout. My stomach does a backflip.

He nods to Blake, and after a quick exchange, he skates off. Mr. Suit extends his hand, wearing a confident smile on his face. “Ryan Sorenson. Impressive game out there.”

I grasp his hand and internally cringe from the sweatiness. “Thanks, sir. I appreciate you coming out.”

“That assist in the final minutes of the second period and hustle? It’s exactly what we look for.” He leans in slightly, customary smirk in place. “We’re excited to see what you’ll bring to the combine.”

My breath catches. The combine. Another shot at the big leagues. Perhaps I haven’t messed up my opportunity.

I nod, trying like hell to look calm and collected. “I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”

“I don’t doubt that for a second.” He pats my arm and nods. “Keep up the good work. We’ll be watching.”

I stand transfixed as he walks away. The Pines. The combine. My future stretched before me and full of possibilities I never dared to dream of.

But with it comes a gnawing uncertainty. What about PT school? My plans? Dad? However, the lawyer called last week and said we should get a settlement offer any day. If it’s large enough to cover medical bills and provide ongoing care, maybe, just maybe, I’ll get to go.

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