Page 164 of Triple Pucked

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Eden, however, looks pleased.

So much for keeping this classy.

Eden deserves to know, however, that he never needs to hide in the shadows again.

I am proud of being seen with him.

D’Angelo glances around at Eden and me. He hesitates, noticing that we are now at the glass.

I smile, raising Eden and my joined hands.

D’Angelo slowly smiles, before his eyes darken and gleam.

He sets his shoulders with a new determination.

My heart thrills.

“Robyn,” Dad bellows. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? Come here.”

He has finally noticed that I am holding Eden’s hand.

I ignore him.

He has no control over me or my relationships.

All my concentration is on D’Angelo.

Despite the crowd, cameras, and lights, it feels like there is only D’Angelo, Eden, Shay, and me left in the arena.

The world is narrowed down to this moment.

The air is sucked out of the room.

D’Angelo sweeps around toward the goal with the puck.

He is playing for our love.

For our right to be together.

For his own right to be himself.

For acceptance for all of us.

I can hardly breathe.

Eden squeezes my hand.

D’Angelo speeds toward the goal with dazzling puck control, before faking a shot that fools the goalie and leaves an open net.

He’s going to do it.

D’Angelo raises his stick and blasts the puck in a powerful forehand into the center of the net.

The crowd erupt with cheers, applause, and whoops.

They’ve made the playoffs for the first time in Bay Rebels history.

“Yes!” I wrap my arms around Eden, careful of his injuries, just like I’ve wanted to after every game but have had to hold myself back.

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