Page 92 of Face Me Off

And as I look into her eyes, I see the unwavering belief and the fierce support. I’m overwhelmed by a surge of emotion. Because she’s right. This is my moment. But it’s also ours.

The invite forgotten, I close the distance between us, my lips finding hers in a kiss that’s both celebration and promise. Maddy’s fingers tangle in my hair as my hands splay across her back and pull her closer. The world falls away, narrowing to the press of her body against mine, the heat of her mouth, and the pounding of my heart.

The world outside may still be full of challenges, but for now, in this room, in this stolen moment, we’re invincible.

I break the kiss, my breath coming in ragged gasps. “I believe,” I manage to say, my eyes drinking her in, “I have a promise to fulfill.”

Her eyebrows knit in confusion. “Oh?”

“Has something to do with ties.”

Maddy’s cheeks flush pink as mirth dances in her eyes. “Looks like you have some unfinished business to get to.”

EPILOGUE

RYAN

The momentmy blades hit the ice, everything else faded as I zeroed in on the task at hand. This is it, the final drill. My last chance to show these scouts what I’m made of.

I take off like a shot, my legs pumping furiously beneath me. The cold air whips past my face, but I barely feel it. All my senses are dialed up to eleven, and every fiber of my being is focused on the movements of my body.

The first part is a breeze as I weave through the cones effortlessly. Crossover, turn, accelerate. Halfway through, my thighs burn with exertion, but I push through, determined to shave off every possible fraction of a second.

I can sense the scouts huddled along the boards and watching my every move.

Stay focused.

My technique. My speed and agility. Everything that makes me a hockey player is being analyzed. Some may crumble under pressure, but I thrive on it. Live for it.

And as I round the final turn, I find another gear and dig deeper.

Just a little farther to go.

The end is in sight, and I throw all my energy into those last few strides. I cross the line in a spray of ice, trying to play off my heavy breathing. Adrenaline flows through my body, and I savor the rush. I gave it my all out there.

But even as the thrill courses through me, my thoughts race ahead. Was it enough? Will it be enough to catch their eye, to convince them that I have what it takes to make it to the next level?

There’s no time to dwell on it now. I glide to a stop and turn to face the scouts, crafting my expression into one of confidence. Whatever happens next, I know I gave it my all. And for now, that’ll have to be enough.

I skate toward the exit. With a deep breath, I remove my helmet and run a hand through my sweat-dampened hair. The adrenaline rush slowly fades, but the weight of the moment settles on my shoulders.

This is it.Everything I’ve worked for, all the early mornings and late nights, the bruises and the sacrifices. It all comes down to this.

My mind drifts to my dad and to the accident that changed everything. I think about my promise to build a better life for us both. I never thought hockey would be my ticket out, but thankfully, I have another chance to make something of myself. And now, with the eyes of the scouts upon me, that chance is within reach.

Standing tall, I square my shoulders and turn to face the future, ready for whatever comes next.

As I step off the ice, a man in a sharp suit approaches me. I immediately recognize him. He’s the representative from Maine Pine Skaters who approached me back at Cessna U.

“Ryan Sorenson.” He extends a hand. “Good to see you again. I’ve got to say, that was an impressive performance out there.”

I grasp his hand firmly and meet his gaze with a confidence I don’t quite feel. “Thanks. I put it all out there.”

And then some.

“It shows.” He gives a quick nod and continues, “Listen, I’ll cut to the chase. We’re interested in drafting you, Ryan. Your skills, speed, and dedication are exactly what we’re looking for. I think you’d make a great asset to the team.”

I’m at a loss for words.This is it.This is what I’ve been working towards all these years.

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