Page 64 of Press Your Luck

“Then I’ll save them for the game.” He grinned. “I gotta go call Ruby and Laina.”

As I led Porter to the restaurant in the hotel, I realized that no matter what I did, Naomi's presence ensnared me. It was frustrating because it was a reminder of what I longed for but could not have.

After ice cream, Porter and I returned to our room and got ready for bed. He was out like a light in the other bed, but I lay wide awake, unable to rid my mind of the beautiful, untouchable woman who had captured my attention.

28

Naomi

The hockey rink echoed with the sounds of skates slicing through the ice, sticks clashing, and bodies colliding as the players fought for control of the puck. The fans were loud, their thunderous cheers and jeers filling the space.

From my spot, I watched my team execute the play we'd practiced countless times in preparation for this game. Skating up the wing, Max swiftly passed the puck to Big Ed, who veered toward the net in a power move that left Pierce's team scrambling to defend.

"Yes!" Finally, they were all in sync on the ice.

This was the third time our teams had faced off. Each of us had one win under our belts. Although not official, I saw this game as a tie-breaker and the game that could prove my worth as a coach. If I could lead my team to victory tonight, maybe it would finally silence the doubters and critics who questioned my place in this male-dominated world. Maybe the media would stop focusing on rumors about my nonexistent relationship with Max and start treating me like the professional coach I was.

But Pierce’s team wasn’t going to hand the win over to us. They were fighting as hard as we were, which was why we were currently tied. I glanced over to Pierce across the ice. He was huddled close to Bo, clearly working on a strategy. A part of me couldn't help but admire the intensity and passion he brought to his coaching. His players looked up to him in a way mine didn’t. He exuded a caring about them that went beyond the game. I’d heard stories about how hard he’d worked to rein in Bo during Bo’s crazy stage.

The idea that Pierce was like a father-figure to his players reminded me of my pregnancy, followed by a feeling of guilt that I still hadn’t told him. I thought about telling him during this trip, but with Porter by his side, it didn't feel like the right time.

Big Ed took the shot, but the goalie blocked it.

"Alright, regroup. Keep the pressure on them," I called out. The team was giving it their all. While they may not love having a female coach, they loved winning, and it showed in their playing.

Pierce’s team took control of the puck but only made it halfway across the ice before Big Ed muscled his way in and took the puck. With a flick of his stick, he sent it over to Max who flew down the ice and shot the goal. The light went off and the buzzer sounded. We’d scored.

“Yes!” I jumped up as did the rest of the team. The stands roared with excitement. I checked the clock. Only a minute and a half left. It was enough for Pierce’s team to tie us. Hell, it was enough time to win. But my team did their jobs, and as the final seconds of the game ticked down, they didn’t let Pierce’s team get close to scoring. The buzzer rang, signaling the end of the game, and a wave of euphoria washed over me. We'd done it. We’d won.

I glanced across the ice to Pierce again. He flashed me a smile and winked. He’d just lost, and yet he seemed to be happy for me. The gesture filled my heart with warmth... and an ache. How were all the complications in my life going to play out?

We returned to the locker room, and I overheard several on the team also noting that we had more wins over the Buckaroos.

“Pierce Jackson has nothing on our coach,” Max said.

Even Big Ed seemed joyful.

I left them to get cleaned up, heading back out into the hall. As the locker room door swung open, a swarm of reporters and their flashing cameras descended upon me. The adrenaline from our victory still coursed through my veins, and I hoped the game would be the focus of their questions.

“Coach Withers, that’s twice in a row you’ve beaten your rivals in Nevada. How does it feel to lead your team to victory over Coach Jackson and Coach Tyler, both legends in hockey?” one reporter asked.

"Amazing. They played their hearts out tonight and proved they have what it takes to be champions."

The questions continued, and much to my relief, they focused on the game and my coaching instead of prying into my personal life. When the interviews finally concluded, I re-entered the locker room to address my team one last time.

"Great job out there, guys. You've earned this victory. Now go enjoy yourselves, within reason. You deserve it."

“Hell yeah,” several of them yelled out.

When we returned to the hotel, Max and a few others invited me to join them in the bar to celebrate.

“Thanks, but I’m exhausted.” The fatigue from the pregnancy was difficult to ward off. I did my best when I needed to coach, but I knew for my babies’ sake, I needed to rest whenever possible. "Have fun, and don't stay out too late."

I boarded the elevator and hit the button for my floor. Just as the doors began to close, Pierce slipped inside, his son Porter leaning against him with drooping eyelids. My heart skipped a beat, seeing Pierce up close again after our playful exchange during the game.

"Congratulations, Naomi.” Just like the smile and wink, there was sincerity in his voice, even though his team had lost. "You did an incredible job out there."

"Thank you." Looking down at Porter, I asked, "Did you enjoy the game?"

---