Page 130 of Check & Chase
“You’re going to get benched,” I warn, unable to stop smiling.
“Worth it.” Then his mouth is on mine.
The kiss is brief but fierce, a public claiming that sends heat coursing through me. The crowd goes wild, the cheers vibrating in my chest.
When he pulls back, he’s grinning. “For luck,” he says, echoing my words from weeks before.
He makes his way back to the ice, where an official waits with the penalty box door open.
“Five minute major for leaving the bench. Number nine, Chase Mitchell.”
As he enters the box, he looks directly at me and mouths: “Still worth it.”
Beside me, Maya is practically screaming. “That’s going viral in about three seconds. Holy shit, Emma.”
My mother pats my hand, amused. “He’s quite the showman.”
Even Jackson seems reluctantly impressed. “Reckless and stupid, but smooth.”
Mr. Peterson keeps his expression blank as he sits across from me in his office the next morning.
“I assume you know why I asked to see you.”
“The Kiss Cam incident,” I reply, anxiety fluttering in my stomach.
“Emma, I know we agreed that your relationship with Mitchell wouldn’t be an issue as long as you maintained professional boundaries. But what happened last night…”
“Was completely outside my control. I had no idea he was going to do that.”
He studies me. “I believe you. And I’m not blaming you for Mitchell’s actions. But the optics are becoming complicated.”
“Optics?”
“The Bears organization has received dozens of media requests this morning. The video has over two million views already. It raises questions about our professional standards.”
A cold knot forms in my stomach. “Are you saying my job is at risk?”
“No. You’ve done nothing wrong professionally. But I need you aware of the situation. From now on, I would appreciate it if you and Mitchell could keep public displays to a minimum, especially during games.”
I nod stiffly. “Of course. I’ll talk to him.”
“Thank you. And Emma? For what it’s worth, I’m happy for you both. Just be careful.”
By the time I reach Chase’s house that evening, tension has built to a full-blown headache. I let myself in and head for the back door that leads to the rink.
I find Chase alone on the ice, practicing drills, weaving between cones at high speed. He notices me and his serious expression breaks into a brilliant smile.
“Hey. Was wondering when you’d show up.”
“Had a lot of patients,” I say, which isn’t the whole truth.
Chase stops at the boards, breathing hard. “Everything okay? You’ve got that look.”
“What look?”
“The one where you’re thinking too much.” He leans over to kiss me, but I turn my head so his lips land on my cheek.
His eyes narrow. “Definitely something wrong.”
