Page 22 of Gamechanger

I struggled to find something clever to say. "So, how are you linking your first NHL Christmas party?"

"It's like Mom's open house on steroids. I'll miss her ugly sweater contest, though."

I laughed as I considered how Finn would look in a tasteless, oversized sweater with dancing elves. "Maybe I can add that to the agenda next year. Sergei could rock a light-up reindeer number."

"Oh, God." Finn chuckled. "That image is gonna stick in my mind.

We both fell silent again, eyes darting around the ballroom. It was hard to ignore how close we stood. Stretching my pinkie finger out could bridge the gap.

Finn spoke. "You know, I've been meaning to thank you."

"Thank me? What'd I do?"

Our eyes met. "For making me feel welcome. This is the big time in hockey, the fucking NHL. I've been a little overwhelmed, but you're always there. You check in to make sure I'm doing okay. I can't thank you too much for that."

"Well, of course. It's what you do when you're on the same team, right?"

"Right." He echoed the word while my palms started to sweat.

I gathered my courage. "Finn, I—"

He interrupted me with a slightly shaky voice. "Hey, want to try the eggnog? I hear Sergei's spiked it. That stuff might kill us."

The sudden change of subject startled me. I blinked hard. "Um, sure, of course. Why shouldn't we live dangerously?"

We reached for the ladle simultaneously, and his hand brushed against mine. "Oops," I whispered, and our eyes met.

Finn's tongue darted out to moisten his lips, and I began to lean toward him, drawn by a magnetic force. That's when Blaise blurted out, "Look who's under the mistletoe!"

I looked up, and my heart pounded. Sure enough, a sprig of plastic mistletoe hung from a garland positioned above the punchbowl. The nearby conversations ceased, and dozens of heads turned to watch us.

Finn didn't let it stop us, so I followed his lead. I smelled vanilla from the frosting on his breath, only inches away. Our lips were about to meet when Axel's voice interrupted.

"Okay, okay, you can do that in private later. Is everybody ready for the gift exchange?"

He'd shattered the moment. Finn stepped back. "I, uh, better go and get my Secret Santa gift." He hurried away.

I sighed heavily. I'd nearly forgotten about the presents in the heat of the moment. I had to retrieve my gift, too.

Coach Fraser's voice suddenly boomed over the PA system. "It's time for the main event, Lumberjacks. Everybody gather 'round the tree."

I joined the rest of the players and staff, holding the carefully wrapped package I brought. I'd drawn Sergei's name. I was stumped about what to get for a while until I saw a set of gourmet vodkas from Portland's local distilleries. It seemed like a perfect match.

As I settled into a spot near the tree, I looked around for Finn. He was about ten people away from me.

Sam hosted the festivities. "Okay, folks, we're going to try to do this in alphabetical order by first name. I hope it doesn't get too wild. Axel, you get to open your gift first."

He grumbled slightly as he found his way to the center of the crowd. He tore into the gift wrap to unveil a cardboard box. A garish tie covered in tiny hockey sticks and pucks was inside. "Honestly," he muttered, holding it up to widespread applause.

"You're welcome!" Blaise called out. "Thought you could use some color in your wardrobe.

The exchange proceeded with laughter, good-natured jokes, and a few moments of warm-hearted appreciation. Blaise got a Hockey for Dummies book, Dr. Chen received a hot water bottle to nestle around her neck, and Coach Fraser unwrapped a gift card for one of Portland's premier steakhouses.

When it was Finn's turn, I watched closely. He carefully opened a small box and pulled out a beautifully crafted glass Christmas tree ornament. It featured a hand-painted winter scene with a frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered pine trees.

"It's so beautiful. Who…?"

Quinn spoke up. "I confess. I thought you might enjoy a piece of Minnesota while you're away. I hear those frozen lakes are quite something this time of year."

---