Page 55 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

Jayce scored.

Pincher Blades are huddling each other and cheering their captain on while the Vipers groan in defeat. I can’t help but look for Maddox, but he doesn’t seem the least bit worried as he’s skating straight toward us.

“You slacked off, O’Riley,” Dr. Francisco states in pure judgment.

Protectiveness bubbles in the pit of my stomach, and I’m glaring at the man before Dr. Bridgett lays a hand on my shoulder and whispers, “Don’t feed the lion that hasn’t earned its prey.”

Maddox skids to a stop, his eyes not on the grumpy doctor. He’s staring at me with the biggest smile, as if he won the damn match.

“Guess I lost,” he says in defeat.

“On purpose,” I mutter and notice how his eyes show a mischievous glint.

“You’re observant, Miss Johnson.”

“Got it from my dad,” I remind him as if he has no clue of my relations.

He’s here for something.

“Since I lost, I’m sure Jayce is going to pick you since they’re already assigned to Coach Johnson,” he reveals and rests his massive arms on the ledge before us. His chin is next to rest on his crossed arms, those gorgeous eyes locked onto mine as he’s clearly flirting with me. “What does the coach’s daughter want from the losing team?”

My mouth opens before I can make sense of his request.

“Your jersey.”

I swear everyone on the bench is looking my way, but my eyes are still intensely glued to Maddox.

“My jersey?” He feigns shock. “Why should I give that to you, Miss Johnson?”

This cunning captain.

There’s no going back now.

“I need a reminder of how the Pincer Blades beat you guys at a simple match of rivalry,” I express. “Sign it for me, too. I’ll frame it and show it off in a museum, acknowledging the teams Saskatchewan Pincer Blades destroyed from the get-go.”

“Damn,” Clayton gasps. “Team Nurse wants our downfall.”

“Which is why we aren’t picking her,” Ethan complains.

“Jayce already picked their medical support team,” another guy points out.

“We’ll, whatever. They’re missing a nurse already. A bad sign.” Ethan emphasizes.

Maddox and I are having a staring match before Jayce skates over with a dramatic skid to a stop just to show off.

“Might as well do what she wants, O’Riley,” Jayce encourages. “To be a good loser is to learn how to win. Keep that in mind next time you think you can beat us.”

Maddox glances his way and gives him a look, the tension between these two only further spiking while I’m left to dart my gaze between the two.

Then Maddox is tossing his hockey stick to the ice and tugging his jersey off in seconds.

I’m not the only one gawking.

Captain O’Riley is a sweaty, shirtless attraction, who’s making my nether region pulse with far too much need.

I’d take this man to the changing room and…

He’s looking at me once more before he stretches over and puts his jersey over my head.

---