Page 47 of Puck Right Off

She laughs. “More like I was caught in a compromising position with your father. My boyfriend made one helluvascene, and he and your father got into a fistfight. It was obvious I was cheering for your father. I dumped my asshole ex, and your father and I were official after that.” A wistful smile is on her face. “It was worth every damn minute. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.”

“Everything? Even sneaking around and the anxiety of being caught?”

“God, yes. Sneaking around made it hotter.”

We laugh as Chelsea pumps a fist in the air and shimmies in her seat.

“Love is always worth it, baby girl.” She looks toward the rink, a smile on her face. “I pretended I wasn’t paying attention, but I couldn’t help but notice how jealous the captain was that you were wearing another man’s jersey.”

I fist Tristan’s jersey, my heart pounding faster at the memory of the possessive look on his face.

“You know, your father played football in college. He was the same way. I wore my boyfriend’s jersey, and he’d seethe. Boy, he was so aggressive on the field.” A wistful smile curls her lips. “Once we were official, he immediately burned my ex-boyfriend’s jersey and gave me his, telling me I’d never wear another man’s jersey.” Tears shimmer in her eyes. “He was right. I never wore anyone else’s.”

Raising an eyebrow, I stare at her, stunned. “Dad acted like that? I mean, I’ve seen him get a little jealous over guys in the store, and he’d glare at them, but it’s hard for me to picture him losing control.”

“Once we were married, he knew I wasn’t going anywhere, so he calmed down. But if a man flirted with me, he shut it down quickly.”

“That’s hot,” Chelsea says, leaning forward and fanning herself. “God, I’d love to have a man act like a caveman when another man got near me.” Her expression darkens. “Well, one who isn’t unhinged and tries to end my life.”

My mom is shocked before anger transforms her face. “Listen, Chelsea. If a man hurts you in any way and/or is unhinged, he’s not the one for you. But acting possessive and protecting what’s his is fine if the man treats you like a queen and showers you with love. Remember that.”

Chelsea grins. “You’re so wise, Momma Abby.”

My mom grins. “It comes from experience. I have a few years on you.”

I grin at my mom and Chelsea, feeling like I have two best friends. “One more group hug before Robert returns.” We squish together and Chelsea grabs her phone, taking a selfie of us.

When we part, the players are on the ice. I turn my head, feeling Tristan’s intense stare boring into me. My body floods with warmth at the look in his eyes. He looks around and quickly does a heart sign with his hands.

Grinning, I look around and do the heart sign back.

Yup, it’s official. I’m head over heels for a hockey player.

CHAPTER 28

Jordyn

Robert returns with drinks and snacks, an annoyed expression on his face since the game is underway. He huffs as he throws himself into his seat. “That took way too damn long. And I had to carry all this shit through the crowd.”

As my mom hands me and Chelsea our drinks, her voice radiates fake sympathy. “Awe, so sorry, Robert.” She rolls her eyes, and I can barely contain my giggle. “Such a hardship.” She pats his arm in a placating gesture, and I nearly lose my composure. All the resentment is building up and one of these days, Robert will feel her wrath. I hope I’m there to see it.

For now, he remains oblivious. Emitting a grunt, he takes a drink of his soda, his eyes on Josh. “I hope he gets his fucking shit together. His distraction is going to cost them the game.”

I meet my mom’s eyes. As much as Josh irritates me, I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes if he costs them the game. And it seems likely when he allows the Bears to score again.

Tristan and Alex are beside themselves. Alex slams his fist against the ice while Tristan skates over and gets in Josh’s face. The coach starts yelling, and the referees blow their whistles asJosh turns around and flips Tristan off, which causes Tristan to lose his shit and get in his face. It’s chaos for a few minutes when one of the Bears yells something, and a Wolverine player attacks him.

When things calm down, Josh leaves the ice and heads for the bench, throwing his helmet and gloves in a fit of rage.

The pressure is on as the Wolverines struggle. The next goal attempt is stopped by Alex, sending the crowd to their feet and sparking life into the team. The game is fast and furious as tempers rise.

I’m biting my nails, my eyes moving from the scoreboard to the ice. The game is tied with only thirty seconds left. Tristan steals the puck and deftly skates around a Bears player. I watch in horror as a Bears defenseman comes at him from the side. I jump to my feet seconds before the hit, screaming, “Watch out,” to Tristan, but it’s too late. Tristan slams against the boards, hitting the ice, while the player steals the puck.

I hold my breath, fear in my heart that Tristan is hurt. He jumps to his feet and skates off after the player, determination on his face.

Alex blocks the shot by catching it with his left-hand glove, and Chelsea and I jump up and down, screaming.

The game moves at lightning speed. I grip Chelsea’s arm as Tristan gains control of the puck. The Bears surround him, and we’re a man down because Walker got into a fight with a Bears player.

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