Page 14 of Hooking a Firefly
“He’s…” Faith frowned.“Confused.”
That was not what Ashlyn thought her sister would say.“I told you.He would expect to see you.I’m an anomaly.”He also might not understand why Ashlyn was wearing his jersey.Part of her was grateful to Faith for giving her the excuse.Ashlyn would gladly have worn it if she believed he wouldn’t take it the wrong way.If Harrison asked, she could answer honestly and tell him to blame it on her twin.
“I don’t think that’s it.”She shook her head.“But as I can’t talk to him and ask right now, I’m going to concentrate on the game.It should begin soon.”
“That’s a good plan,” Ashlyn agreed.The last thing she wanted was for Faith to dissect Harrison’s aura.
Not long after that the players cleared off of the ice and the Zamboni came out to resurface the ice before the game started.They all stood for the anthem and then the two teams prepared for the faceoff.
The referee dropped the puck, and the two centers battled for control of the black disc.Not even two seconds in and there was a penalty call.The two centers shared some words and then they dropped their sticks and went at each other.Then chaos ensued as the entire team joined in.
“What the hell?”Ashlyn said.“Did I miss something?”
Faith shrugged.“There’s tension between Janssen and Carter.If Linc hadn’t been injured, Janssen wouldn’t be on the ice right now as a starter.There was always a chance of this happening.”
“Both teams were aware of this?”Ashlyn frowned.The referees struggled to gain control of the players.There were three from each team in the penalty box.“Why don’t they get along?”
Her twin laughed.“It’s hockey.Do they need a reason that makes sense?”
“Yes,” Ashlyn said.“You said there is tension.That implies there is a reason and I want to know what it is.”
At least Harrison hadn’t gotten involved in it.He looked ready to jump in if necessary.His gloves were on the ice and he skated toward the center.She didn’t want to see him hurt.It was always hard to watch the games for that reason.While she understood the rules, she didn’t pay close attention to the little nuances.She watched for Harrison.
“It has to do with Janssen’s sister.”Faith focused on the commotion on the ice.“Apparently Carter has started dating her.”
“That’s it?”Ashlyn gestured toward the ice.“He’s acting like a barbarian because his sister is exercising her right to date whoever she wants.That’s ridiculous.”
Faith didn’t answer her.She sat up and stared at the ice.“Are you sure there’s not a reason for Harrison to be looking at you?”
Ashlyn turned her head.Harrison was back at the net.His mask was pushed up on his head as he put his gloves back on.All of his attention was focused on her and nothing else.She could almost feel the intensity of his gaze, and it sent shivers through her entire body.It was almost like a caress that stroked all her nerve endings, and it was nothing more than a look.
“I don’t know what is going on with him.”Her voice was hoarse as she spoke.“He seems…”
“To have a strong desire and you’re at the center of it all,” Faith finished.She met Ashlyn’s gaze.“The question is, what are you going to do about it?”
“Nothing,” she said in a soft tone.She couldn’t act on anything.There had been no change to make her believe she could.Desire had never been a problem.His survival; however, had always been a priority.
The game began in truth after that, but Ashlyn couldn’t pay attention.Faith stopped asking her probing questions.After the game ended, Ashlyn and Faith intended to go their separate ways.Faith was going on a date with Alek, and Ashlyn wanted to go home.Alone.
She stayed with Faith until Alek was free, though.As they walked away Ashlyn turned to leave, but she didn’t make it far when a vision hit her.Blinding pain shot through her skull and the world tilted sideways.She would have hit the ground if not for a pair of strong arms wrapping around her to break her fall.Her gaze met Harrison’s concerned one.
Ashlyn didn’t have time to say thank you before the world went to black.
