Page 38 of Tempting the Goalie
“What’s wrong with you? Are you okay?” he asks.
“I’m fine,” I assure.
He gives me a look that asks if I’m certain and I nod.
I need to clear my head and focus. “I got this.”
He pats my shoulder and skates off since he’s at face-off.
The game starts and I have to put thoughts of Izzy aside because we have a game to win.
I get into my role and focus throughout the game. I block thirty-five shots since our opponents are a strong team, and I’m able to direct the puck to safe areas, which is crucial. We win the game 1-0.
After the game, the guys are on a high of the win. With the championships only a week and a half away, we are all laser focused. Winning a championship will help our careers, and if I keep up the stats I had today for the finals, I will be in a very good spot to negotiate a contract early next season. We all shower and wind down. We get dressed and Macklin asks if we are going to go out for a bite to eat. Since everyone is pumped and hungry they decide on Black Jack’s.
I head out of the locker room to see Izzy is waiting with Briar, Annie, Charlie, and Ruby by her side.
“Hi there,” I say to her. I wrap my arms around her waist. She tilts her head up to kiss me and I lift her in the air. Everything about what is happening feels so natural.
One of the reporters comes up to us from behind, but I don’t see her until I hear my name called. “Luc,” she says. I turn around. I place an arm around Izzy. Maybe because I feel the need to protect her from the media. They like getting into our business.
“Good game tonight,” the reporter says. Her name is Katy, and I’ve interviewed plenty of times with her.
“Thank you. There were a lot of shots to block but the team played well, and it paid off,” I say.
“You sure did. Who do we have here? Is this your girlfriend?” Katy asks.
“Yes, this is my girlfriend, Isabelle,” I reply.
“So, you’re officially off the market?” Katy asks.
“Most definitely. Izzy is special to me; we know each other from back home.”
“Aw, isn’t that sweet,” Katy coos. “Were you two high school sweethearts?”
“No, but we’ve been best friends since we were small,” I answer.
“Whoa, that is just so adorable. I wish you two the best of luck,” she says.
“Thank you.”
Katy thanks me and her camerawoman stops rolling.
I head out of the arena with my arm around Izzy since I don’t want to chance getting stopped by any other reporters.
“Sorry about that,” I say when we get to my car.
“Why? You have nothing to be sorry about,” she replies.
“I don’t like using you to make me look good.” We head into the car. “Do you want to go to Black Jack’s? The team is heading there now?”
“Sure.” I can tell she’s upset by the frown on her lips. “You aren’t using me, Luc.”
“It sure felt like it. I wish we could keep whatever we’re doing private, but there’s always people poking their nose into my business,” I complain.
“It’s part of being a famous hockey player,” she says.
“I’m not famous yet, Mon coeur.”
