Page 57 of Damsel in Defense
“I’m sharing all this with you today because of an amazing man—Mason Warren.When we first met, I was a mess.I was dealing with my grief, struggling with understanding my anxiety, and spiralling from not being able to write my emotions down on the page like I’m known for.He’s been my rock through it all.None of this—none of what’s happened—is his fault.He showed me I was worth protecting and loving.He’s the best man I’ve ever known.And I love him.”
The breath leaves my lungs in one wild rush.
“She did this?”I whisper.
Max grins.“She did.”
And just like that, something in me ignites.
Fuck gloom.
Fuck sulking.
I’ve got a game to win—and a woman to get back to.
***
Warm-ups are a blur.My body moves, instinct guiding every shot and pass, but my mind is a different beast entirely.I keep wondering:Is she here?Is she watching?Will she take me back or make me fight for forgiveness?
I’m vibrating with nervous energy by the time the arena lights dim and the announcer’s voice booms through the stands.
“We ask you now to rise for the national anthem, performed tonight by none other than country music’s sweetheart—Tori Westwyld.”
My heart leaps into my throat.
I turn sharply toward the tunnel.
And there she is.
Hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail and my jersey once again draped across her body, she slowly makes her way onto the carpeted ice.With a microphone in one hand, she uses the other to wave as her smile shines bright.
The crowd erupts.Cheers roar through the arena.And me?
I’m off in a flash.
I don’t think.I just move.
Straight toward her.
I jump onto the carpet at the last second and run to her.She stops mid-stride, eyes wide.My stick drops to the ground when I lift her off her feet like I’m afraid she might disappear.Her good arm wraps tight around my neck, her mouth already finding mine.I kiss her like a starving man—because that’s what I am.I’ve missed her more than words will ever be able to describe.
She pulls back just enough to whisper, “I love you.”
And I whisper right back, “I love you too.”
Only…we both forgot one very important detail.
Her microphone is on.Our confessions echo around the arena.
Once again, the crowd loses it.
There’s whistling, clapping, even someone yelling, “Get a room!”from the opposing team’s bench.But all I see is her.
I gently lower her back down, brushing a hand down her side.“We’ll talk after the game, okay?”
She nods.“Win it for me.”
I smirk.“Always.”
