Page 72 of Power Play Pursuit

Still, it’s a reminder that this game can be dangerous—even if you’re not on the ice. Hopefully, the girl will pull through.

“That was scary,” Hayley says as we’re sitting down.

I shake my head slowly. “Tell me about it. We’re already worried for the players. Now we have to wonder about the fans too.”

“You guys are overreacting,”Marissa says. “It’s fine. Besides, everyone knows that’s a risk you take when you get glass seats.”

“Um,” Hayley says, her wide eyes matching mine.

My jaw drops. “Yeah, you definitely never told me about that.”

Marissa blushes. “Oops. Well, I figured it was obvious. Plus, would you give up these seats? I mean, you’re right here in the action. It’s exhilarating.”

“Yeah.” I blurt out a chuckle. “Until you’re being taken out on a stretcher.”

“Right.” She winces. “Well, I’ll check with my dad after the game. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious. They’ll probably give her season tickets after this.”

I sigh. “Let’s hope she’s as much of a die-hard hockey fan as you, then. Because I don’t think even a lifetime of tickets would be worth a hit like that.”

When the game ends, no one is in the mood to go to the bar after what happened—not to mention their loss—so we just go home. Yes,home. I still live with James, but I pay rent now. Although I’m pretty sure I’m only paying for his home fragrance addiction, but at least I'm participating.

“Are you okay?” I ask him, hanging my coat on the hook in the entrance.

He's focused on his phone, a deep frown etched on his face. “Yeah. Hawthorne’s at the hospital with the girl he hit. He just sent a text in the group chat.”

A shiver runs through me. “Oh, is she hurt bad? That was so scary.”

“They’re still running tests, and he's staying there to see what he can do.”

I release a sigh. “He's a good guy.”

“Yeah. Feels terrible too.” James puts his phone on the console and takes his coat off. “But who knows? Maybe the hospital will bring them together, just like it did us.”

A small laugh escapes me. “Right.”

His face grows more serious. “Actually, I was going to do this tomorrow at Golden Age, but after this reminder that life can shift in an instant . . .”

I furrow my eyebrows. “What—”

He raises a finger before turning away and jogging down the hallway. “Hold that thought. I’ll be right back.”

A few minutes later, he returns clutching something in his large hands, a grin spreading across his face.

“What are you up to?” I ask, crossing my arms.

“Elizabeth.” He gets down on one knee, and everything around us fades. Wait a second. Is he doing what I think he’s doing? His eyes plunge into mine as he says, “Will you marry me?”

“Oh, James,” I say, my gaze roving to the ring he just revealed. Set on a minimalist white gold band is the most mesmerizing light-pink diamond I’ve ever laid eyes on. “It's gorgeous.”

“I know it might seem premature, but I've been in love with you for so long, I'm ready for the next step. But if you’re not, we don't have to get married right away. Just the promise of being with you forever is enough for me.”

I sigh, my arms falling to my sides. “James. Who knew you were so sweet?”

“I know.” He smiles. “You could eat me up, right?”

I chuckle and fall into his arms. “Definitely.”

He wraps his arms around my waist, bringing us both up.

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