Page 65 of One Pucking Destiny

“If I’m already there, I might as well work. But you know, you don’t have to get there so early. The game doesn’t start for a couple of hours. You can hang out here and come right before it begins.” She slides her arm through her purse and looks around the kitchen, her brows furrowed.

“I don’t mind going in early. I like to hang out with you as you work,” I say as my mom continues to look around. “What are you doing?”

“I feel like I’m missing something but can’t remember what it is.”

Taking stock of her attire, she’s dressed with actualshoes and looks great for someone who is forty weeks pregnant. “You seem to have everything. Maybe your coat?”

She nods. “Yes, I do need that. Okay, well then, I guess I’m ready.”

“I’m definitely coming with you. I don’t trust you on your own,” I tease with a half laugh.

“Hey, I am fully capable.”

“Oh, I’m sure you are.” My tone is playful.

The ride to the arena only takes a few minutes. Avoiding the game traffic is definitely another perk of going in early.

I probably shouldn’t, as it’s not my place, but I follow Mom into the locker room. I love watching her work. It’s truly remarkable to see her in her element. She may not be able to remember to take off her slippers before she leaves the house, but she moves about the locker room radiating knowledge as she stretches some of the guys, wraps ankles, and touches base with the players.

“Ari!” Jaden gives me a high five. “Good to see you.”

“Good luck today!” I say as he walks past.

Cade tells me he’s glad I could make it to a game. Beckett gives me a hug, letting me know I’ve chosen the best jersey there is. More high fives and excited greetings come from Max and the other guys. Thepositive energy is palpable.

Finally, Bash walks by, sporting his beautiful smile. “Meet me in the hall,” he whispers.

My eyes dart to my mom and then around the room to make sure nothing looks out of the ordinary. I wait a minute, and then I head out of the locker room.

The moment I step out of the hallway, Bash takes hold of my hips and pulls me toward him as he plants a kiss on my lips. I push him away. “What are you doing?” I whisper-hiss. “We’re out in the open.”

“So?” He shrugs. “Ari, we’re about to play game five of the Cup finals. We could win it all tonight. A good luck kiss from my girl is in order.”

My mouth frowns as I shoot him a stare. “I’m not your girl, Bash. We’ve talked about this. You can’t just kiss me whenever you want.”

He blinks and opens his mouth to say something before he closes it again. With a slow, disbelieving headshake, he utters, “Whatever,” and continues toward the ice without a backward glance.

My chest tightens, and I press the heel of my hand against it in an attempt to relieve the pain. I feel awful about hurting Bash. He’s so sweet, and I don’t want to cause him pain. But sometimes I feel like he doesn’t see me at all. I don’t know how to make it clear that things like public displays of affection can’t happen. We’re notin a relationship and, therefore, can’t do relationship things.

I don’t hear Gunner come out of the locker room. “You okay?”

His words startle me, and I jump. “Yeah, I’m fine.” I attempt a smile. “Good luck today.”

“Thanks.” He eyes my jersey and then returns his gaze back to my face, looking like he wants to comment, but he doesn’t.

He nods and heads toward the ice.

Mom joins me. “I think I’m going to hang out by the ice today,” she says, and I take notice of the winter coat that covers her from her neck down to her ankles. “A couple of the guys are pushing it with some muscle tears. I want to keep a closer eye on them.”

“Okay.”

She reaches for my arm and squeezes. “You okay?”

“Never better.” I force a smile. “I’ll be in my seat by Beckett’s family if you need me.” I eye her belly. “Still nothing?”

She rubs her gloved hand against her belly. “Nope. I think the baby is too comfortable to make his or her entrance. Works for me. It’s not a good day for all that anyway.”

“Okay.” I suppress a laugh. “But if the little cherub does decide to join us, let me know, and I’ll get you tothe hospital. I don’t think the baby is aware of daddy’s hockey schedule.”

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