Page 35 of Glitz & Goals

I shiver involuntarily. “Definitely.”

“Hell, yeah.” Mia holds up her hand for a high five. “Sounds like a keeper already.”

Chapter Eleven

Grady

Home Opener Two Weeks Later…

After ten days at the doggy hotel and spa, Blade is glad to be home. From what the staff told me, he was pretty good, so long as nobody tried to get near him… he just sat in the corner and stared at them whenever they opened the door, and given the alternatives, I’ll take the win. I’m glad that he can handle his shit when I leave, but it’s obvious that he doesn’t like being left with strangers. I’m going to have to look into Rover and see if I can get someone he actually likes to stay at the house with him while I’m on road trips, but I just haven’t had the chance.

It’s like interviewing for a nanny.

So, Blade’s glad to be home, but the place feels empty to me.

Now it’s the eve before the home opener, and I’m lying in bed with my phone, trying to compose a casual text to Vivian to find out if and when she’ll come back. It’s harder than it sounds; casual does not come easily to me, not when I so desperately want her to be here with me, under me, around me. So far, we’ve kept things light, which has only made me want to spend more time with her. Flirtation is wonderful, but I want her to let me in. To let me get to know her on a more intimate and personal level.

I’ve decided to start small by texting a simple invitation, but I know by now that I can’t come across as too eager, or I’ll scare her off. After some consideration, I type out:Any chance you’re coming to the game? I know Viktor would really want you here.

Her reply is almost immediate.

VivaLaViv: My brother wants me there. You sure about that?

Grady: It’s all he can think about.

VivaLaViv: It’s nice to know that he cares.

VivaLaViv: But he’s going to be disappointed, because I’m pretty sure that this show would literally fall apart without me.

VivaLaViv: It’s dress rehearsals today. I’ll be on standby in case of emergency until the final curtain.

Grady: There will be no mermaid wardrobe malfunctions on your watch.

VivaLaViv: I wouldn’t go that far. I can’t stop the inevitable, but I did manage to keep an orca from flashing his balls to the audience last night.

Grady: A sentence I never thought I’d read, and an important job for sure.

VivaLaViv: Pro tip: if you’re ever going to do acrobatics in front of a live audience in a skintight onesie, WEAR A CUP.

Grady: I’ll keep that in mind for my next career move.

I hesitate, my thumbs hovering over the screen, and wonder how far I should push things. Should I back off or try to set up a future date?

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I reason.

Grady: Any chance I can see you later?

VivaLaViv: I might swing by the Puck Drop after the game. You know, to show my support for Viktor, since he’s been missing me so much.

Grady: Wonderful. He’ll be thrilled to see you.

* * *

“First line, let’s go!” I bark, clapping my hands as the first line jumps over the boards. Viktor’s blades carve the ice withpurpose, Knight trailing close behind, and Tristan anchoring the play at center. My heart’s pounding like a drum, but I shove the nerves down. This is my first home opener as head coach, and yeah, the pressure’s suffocating, but I’ve been in high-stakes situations my whole life. Coaching? It’s just another kind of battle.

The arena is electric, buzzing with energy. Every seat is filled, and the fans are on their feet, screaming for the Venom. I glance at Ranger, who’s standing just to my left, his arms crossed and his face unreadable. He gives me a small nod, like he’s silently saying,You’ve got this. On my right, Noah is focused on the ice, shouting something to our goalie.

“Stay sharp, boys!” I yell as Viktor drives the puck deep into the offensive zone. Our opponent’s defense is tight, but Knight’s quick on the forecheck, forcing a turnover. He dishes it to Tristan, who winds up for a blistering slapshot. The puck smacks off the goalie’s pad, and Viktor’s there for the rebound.

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