Page 49 of Power Forward

He lifts his head. There’s so much emotion swirling in his green eyes, but he doesn’t say a word. I give him a small and what I hope is reassuring smile.This isn’t a reflection of you, I try to say with my eyes.

He shrugs and drops his gaze again.

Fuck, I hate that he’s feeling shit over this. But I don’t have time to do anything as we get the signal to skate to center ice for the face-off.

Blaine takes the face-off, with me on the right of the circle and Zach by the blue line. Blaine wins, passing it back toward Zach. He skates into the defensive zone and around the back of the net, eyes assessing my and Blaine’s whereabouts.

We change lines, and neither team gets a decent shot on net. But it all changes when LA gets called for hooking, and now it’s four on three. I’m back on the ice with Blaine, Peyton, and Zach.

Peyton drags it into the offensive zone, and I’m hot behind him. The two of us battle with one of LA’s forwards in the corner, and I manage to get the puck out from the boards with the toe of my stick. Blaine’s ready and waiting, and with a flick of his wrist, the puck bounces off the post and into the net.

He thrusts his arms up in victory, a wide grin spreading across his face.

Holy shit, talk about a fucking comeback.

My heart rate is through the roof as I slam into him, wrapping my arms around him. Peyton and Zach join us seconds later, and then we skate back to the bench. This time when we enter the visitors’ locker room, it’s buzzing with excitable energy.

Zach plugs in the post-W playlist, but unlike every other time, Elliot isn’t on his feet. I frown, watching in concern as he changes and heads into the shower without joining in on the activities.

Glancing over to Blaine, I’m pleased he’s picked up on it too.

I head into the showers and get changed into my game day suit, but before I head out to the bus, I grab Blaine’s arm as he passes.

“I know you’re eager to speak with Alex, but spend some time with him.” I jerk my chin toward Elliot.

Blaine’s brows furrow.

“He’s beating himself up pretty bad about tonight, and the last thing he needs is to be on his own. All I’m saying is, when you’ve spoken with Alex, spend some time with your brother. Make sure he’s not blaming himself for the way we failed him earlier.”

Because we did fail him. Yeah, he got pulled, but it was because we folded like a house of cards both offensively and defensively, and we weren’t there to help him protect the net.

Blaine looks in the direction of where Elliot’s disappeared toward the bus, then nods. “Yeah… Yeah, I will.”

I give him a tight smile and return to lacing up my shoes.

“Thanks,” he says after a beat, and I glance up, waiting for him to elaborate. “For looking out for him. Sometimes I get so carried away and in my own bubble that I forget to look in front of me.”

I smile. Glad he’s aware of it.

“Don’t sweat it.”

“Hey, maybe you can be the new team dad now Ethan’s retired,” he chuckles, and I laugh.

“Sure, but don’t expect me to pick up after you. I have enough trouble trying to pick up after my actual children.”

He gives my shoulder a squeeze and heads out of the locker room.

By the time we’re all seated on the bus, I’m a mix of exhaustion and excitement over the thought of seeing Hayden. I pull my phone out of my pocket and bring up our message thread. A small smile appears on my lips to see he’s already texted.

Hayden

Well, fuck me! I haven’t been on the edge of my seat watching a game for a long time. What a game!

I’m heading to the hotel now. I’ll hide out in the bar until you give me the all clear.

I can’t wait to see you.

I have to duck my chin to hide the face-splitting grin.

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