Page 15 of That One Puck

Gasps come from Heather and Erin.

“Oh, my god! I’m sorry! Honey, I’m so sorry! I should have said th-”

“Rose, it’s fine. I’m pregnant. It’s okay. I’m not ashamed. I love this baby more than life itself now, and I’ve only known for about five hours.”

She hugs me as the surrounding crowd drowns out our conversation. They are on their feet, so we do the same as the team is announced.

“Get on your feet and make some noise for your starting lineup for the New York Strykers!”

The roar of the crowd is deafening and I feel it thunder through me. My mind wanders to this baby and what will become of our relationship. Will we come to home games? Will Eli want us to be here? Will he be involved at all?

That thought strikes fear into me. But not for me. Forhim.I sensed he’s not ready despite being full of everything good. I know he’s got it, behind that gruff facade. Will my love be enough to bring him around?

CHAPTER11

EZEKIEL

I playedmy heart out tonight. I had some kind of renewed spirit about me. And when I came off the ice and both Luke and Blake gave me a knowing look, I flipped them off.

Then smiled.

They knew what I was missing without saying it out loud.

I’ve taken the quickest shower in history and as I’m racing out the locker room door, I hear my name called.

“STONE!” I freeze upon hearing my coach’s voice. He’s standing in the doorway of his office, so without answering, I turn and walk towards him. He steps aside and lets me in, then shuts the door.

Fuck.

He walks past me, taking up residence behind his desk. He doesn’t say a word, just sits, stares and folds his hands in front of him, watching me expectantly. I don’t speak first because I’m unsure where we’re going with this.

“You did good tonight.”

“Thanks, Coach.”

“I don’t know what changed, but whatever went through your head tonight, you need to do it every night.”

“Yes, Coach.” I want to reach out and choke this guy right now.

“Stone. I’m serious. You’re treading water here. I know you’re a veteran, you’ve got a lot of time here, but it’s going to be out of my hands if you keep carrying on the way you are.”

My fists clench and I want to punch the wall. But he’s right. I know he is. I’m getting worse and worse, angrier at the bullshit.

Angrier at myself.

“I’ll pull it together, Coach.”

“We need you, Stone. See to it that you do.” He puts his head down and I know I’m dismissed. I turn from the room, needing to get away from this arena as fast as I can. Pulling out my phone, I text Luke.

Heading to Clappers. Make sure they show.

* * *

I’m faster on ice,but somehow I manage to get to Clappers in record time. Is it because she’s waiting for me?

Fuck yeah, it is.

Honey has gotten under my skin in a few brief hours and hasn’t left my mind in weeks.

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