Page 72 of The Cutting Edge
As Logan and the team take the ice, my heart swells with pride and something a tad smuttier. He skates around the rink with fierce intensity, looking sexier than I've ever seen him. He looks hot – really hot – his dark curls peeking out beneath his helmet, and his intense gaze zeroing in on the puck.
And suddenly, I'm acutely aware that pretty much every female in the arena would kill to be where I am right now.
Dozens of women, just in the few rows around me, are dressed to the nines and wearing his jersey. There are probably hundreds, maybe thousands, in the arena, and the Slashers aren't even playing at home tonight. That's some high-quality star power, right there.
Logan skates around the rink, jostling with his teammates, and I'm so close I can hear the sound of blades cutting through the ice like a hot knife through butter. Logan's strong jawline is chiseled and defined even with his sexy playoff beard, and the intensity in his eyes could melt not only me, but the entire rink. As he skates towards the bench with his stick tucked under one arm, I can feel my heart doing flip-flops in my chest.
I'm in trouble. Big trouble.
As the game begins, I can't help but notice a few reporters on the other side of the glass, their cameras aimed directly at me. My heart skips a beat, realizing that my presence as Logan's lucky charm might not be such a secret after all.
"Hey, Coco," Lana says, glancing down at her phone with a raised eyebrow. "I'm starting to get texts from some reporters asking if it's really you over here and who you're dating on the team."
"Seriously?" I reply, feeling a weird mix of surprise, excitement, and anxiety. "I didn't think anyone would notice me here. Generally, unless I'm literally standing on a skating rink in a sequined costume, no one ever recognizes me.” It was probably a stroke of very good luck that the hockey wives ended up talking me out of wearing Logan's jersey tonight. Just then an involuntary laugh escapes from my lips. Iamstanding a few feet from the ice in a sequined dress. No wonder.
Lana chuckles. "Oh, trust me, they notice everything. Especially when it comes to the wives and girlfriends section. Especially when a new addition happens to be a world-famous figure skater."
"Yeah, but I'm the kind of world-famous that nobody has ever heard of," I say. "Nobody remembers the fourth-place skater at the Olympics."
"I wouldn't be so sure," she says, her tone amused. "Don't worry, I'll handle it for now. The big question is, do you want to go public with the relationship or keep it quiet? It's totally up to you and Logan."
I mull it over. Logan and I are still so new, the whole lucky charm thing is a bit weird, and I don't want to add any unnecessary pressure to his playing or our budding romance.
"Honestly, I don’t have a preference either way. But I think I'd like to talk it over with Logan first, if that's okay," I tell her, hoping she understands. "Our relationship, if we can call it that, is still really new, and I just want to make sure we're both on the same page. Has he mentioned anything about it to you?" I ask hesitantly, curious to know how Logan feels.
"Actually," Lana starts, leaning closer. "Logan has never been this taken with anyone before. In the couple of years I've known him, he's always kept his private life, well, private. But lately, he can't stop talking about you. I think he'd shout your relationship from the Skybox if he could."
My cheeks flush at the thought, both flattered and slightly overwhelmed.
"Thanks," I say appreciatively. "I'll definitely talk to him."
"Of course," she replies, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "And in the meantime, I'll do my best to keep the media at bay. You two deserve some time to figure things out. Just a warning — it won't hold for long."
"I can’t thank you enough, Lana," I say, grateful for her support. "You're seriously amazing."
"Just doing my job, Coco.” She grins. “But totally true."
"Go, Rivers!" I shout, joining in the cacophony of cheers around me. My hands grip the edge of my seat, knuckles turning white as I find myself completely absorbed in the action on the ice, occasionally glancing at Logan and marveling at how seamlessly he moves, his powerful strides propelling him forward. I can't help but think about those very same strong legs pressing me deliciously against the wall of my hospital room just a few nights ago, creating an entirely different kind of heat.
"Coco," Lana teases, nudging me gently. "You're drooling."
"Am not!" I protest, wiping at my mouth just in case. She laughs, and I can't help but join her.
"Okay, maybe just a little bit," I admit sheepishly, feeling my cheeks grow warm. "Can you blame me, though?"
"Absolutely not," she agrees, nodding toward Logan with a knowing grin. "He's a catch."
As the game progresses, I find myself on the edge of my seat, cheering and groaning in turn as the Slashers duke it out with the Flyers. Despite my lingering worries about the whole “lucky charm” thing, our new relationship, and my Olympic ambitions, I can't help but feel caught up in the thrill of seeing Logan play with such passion and skill.
I scream along with the crowd, clapping and stomping my feet to create a thunderous roar that shakes the arena.
Logan's playing phenomenally tonight, his reflexes lightning-fast as he shoots the puck toward the goal. As he skates back to his position, he makes flirty eye contact with me, a playful grin tugging at his lips. I can't help but blush as I return his gaze, feeling an undeniable connection between us.
"Wow, girl. Just, wow." Lana exclaims from beside me, nudging me playfully. "Half the women in this stadium are contemplating running you over in the parking lot to get rid of the competition."
"Shush," I whisper, though I can't keep the smile off my face. I'll confess, it's exhilarating to think that this insanely hot athlete-slash-total sweetheart could be just as captivated by me as I am by him.
Next period, Logan gets an assist on Cam's goal, and the Slashers crowd roars in approval. Once again, he glances over at me, giving me a wink before skating off. I giggle, feeling giddy and light-headed. It feels like we're sharing a secret, our own little world amidst the chaos of the game.
