Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 60948 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60948 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
The arena darkens as the Blaze’s pre-game video show starts. The crowd roars as they watch this season’s presentation for the first time. When a picture of Anton comes up on the Jumbotron, I feel a swell of pride. He’s got an intense expression that definitely turns me on.
Lily leans over to me, hand over her mouth as she confides, “If Jonah keeps the other team from scoring any goals tonight, I have a looong night ahead of me in the bedroom.”
I laugh as she offers me her popcorn and I take a handful.
“He likes to make bets,” she says. “Does Anton do that?”
“No, but he definitely has his rituals.”
“Oh geez, tell me about it! Last season Jonah’s lucky socks got so rank I threatened to burn them when he was sleeping.”
“But you didn’t do it?”
She shakes her head. “I didn’t have the heart. I did make him start leaving them outside, though. He wouldn’t let me wash them because that was part of the luck.”
When Anton’s name is announced and he skates onto the ice, I jump out of my seat and cheer for him. I still have memories of being here for Adam’s game, but this is different.
Anton’s been at the arena for a while. The team does a pregame skate and other things to prepare for games. He asked me to come meet him outside the locker room as soon as I got here so he could give me a kiss and make sure I was doing okay.
I was, and I still am. I’m here to watch the Blaze play, but only because Anton plays for them. Supporting him isn’t the same as supporting Adam was. Adam made it an obligation—he said his wife belonged in the stands at his games. Anton has never insisted. He just said he’d love it if I ever wanted to come to his games.
He actually talks to me about his teammates. I feel like I’m starting to get to know them and their quirks, even the ones I don’t see regularly like Vic and Luca. And I talk to him about my volunteer work at the shelter.
Anton looks up at the family and friends section, and I know he’s looking for me. I don’t know if he can see me, but I wave and blow him a kiss just in case.
The Blaze come out fast and strong against the Phoenix team. Anton charges down the ice and slides the puck over to Vic, who fires it into the net in the first two minutes of the game.
The crowd loves it. They cheer wildly for their team, and I’m right there with them. The guys gather into a group and celebrate the goal.
Once the fanfare dies down, Lily leans over to me and says, “I loved your Hawaii pictures. It looked like an amazing trip.”
“It was. I had never been anywhere tropical like that.”
“We should plan a weekend trip for the four of us sometime, when the guys get a couple days off in a row.”
“I’d love that.”
“I could use your help putting together the fundraiser I’m working on, too.”
“Oh!” I turn toward her. “For the group for kids who’ve lost parents in combat? Luca’s thing?”
“Yep.” Lily gives me puppy dog eyes. “You’re really good at these things, I remember the casino night you did that one time. I want this event to be great.”
“Of course I’ll help. Anything you need.”
“You’re the best.” She puts her arm around me and gives me a squeeze.
I happen to think she’s the best, because many of the Blaze wives and girlfriends still haven’t warmed up to me being with Anton. It’s ridiculous, and I don’t care if they ever like me. But it’s nice to have one friend I can sit with at games.
“Block that net, baby!” Lily yells, her hands cupped around her mouth.
Jonah uses his body to stop the puck mid-flight, keeping the other team from scoring. Lily cheers, pumping her fists in the air.
As the game plays out, Jonah only allows one goal and the Blaze score four. Lily assures me with a wink that Jonah will still have an excellent night later.
I wait with her near the locker room until the players are all showered, dressed in suits and finished with post-game interviews. I got up early this morning to help serve breakfast at the shelter, and I’m stifling a yawn when Anton walks out of the locker room.
There’s no way I can feel tired when I see him in a black suit with a white shirt and red tie, his hair damp from a shower. He smiles at me and I run to him, throwing my arms around his neck.
“Great game,” I say in his ear.
“Thanks.” He pulls back to look in my eyes. “Your voice sounds different, you feeling okay?”