Chapter 16 Elyse

I sit in the stands, my heart pounding as I watch Jack skate onto the ice. The roar of the crowd fills my ears, but all I can focus on is him. He looks determined, his jaw set, and his eyes narrowed in concentration. I know how much this game means to him.

As the puck drops, the players spring into action. Sticks clash against the ice, bodies collide, and the crowd cheers with every play. Jack is a force to be reckoned with, his powerful strides propelling him across the rink. He wins a faceoff, sending the puck to his teammate, who scores the first goal of the game. The Firebirds' fans erupt in celebration, and I'm on my feet, clapping and shouting along with them.

The game continues, each team fighting for control. Jack takes a hard hit against the boards, and I wince, my breath catching in my throat. He gets back up, shaking it off, but I can see the pain etched on his face. I know his shoulder is still bothering him, even though he tries to hide it.

As the clock ticks down, the score remains tied. The tension in the arena is obvious, with everyone on the edge of their seats. Jack wins another faceoff, and this time, he takes the shot himself. The puck sails through the air, past the goalie's outstretched glove, and into the net. The crowd goes wild, and I jump up and down, screaming his name.

The final buzzer sounds, and the Firebirds have won. The team piles onto the ice, embracing each other in celebration. I watch as Jack is engulfed by his teammates, their joy and relief evident on their faces. Pride swells in my chest, knowing how much this means to him.

As the players make their way off the ice, I head down to the locker room area to wait at the end of the hallway. I need to see him, to congratulate him on the win. I wait outside the door, shifting from foot to foot nervously.

They leave in streams or groups of two. There's an occasional lone straggler, but Jack and Sam don't emerge even after fifteen minutes. Taking a deep breath, I walk down the hallway to the locker room. I'm not supposed to be here, but it feels like something is wrong. Jack and Sam should have emerged from the locker room by now, but they're nowhere to be seen. I quicken my pace.

Rounding a corner, I spot them up ahead, their broad shoulders unmistakable. Sam has his arm around Jack, supporting his weight as they slowly make their way down the corridor. Jack's face is etched with pain.

"Jack?" I call out, rushing toward them. "What happened?"

Sam turns, his brow pinched with concern. "It's his shoulder. The doc gave him something for the pain, but it's pretty bad."

I reach out, gently touching Jack's arm. His skin is clammy, and he flinches at my touch. "We need to get you home," I say, my voice trembling slightly.

He shakes his head, his sandy blond hair damp with sweat. "I'm fine. Just need to walk it off."

"Don't be stubborn," I say, my tone laced with worry. "You're in no condition to tough this out."

Sam nods in agreement. "She's right, man. Let's get you back to the apartment."

He opens his mouth to protest, but I silence him with a look. "No arguments. I'm not letting you suffer like this."

He holds my gaze for a moment, his steel-gray eyes searching mine. Finally, he relents with a weary sigh. "All right. Let's go."

The drive back to the apartment is tense with Jack's labored breathing filling the silence. As soon as we're inside, I guide him to the couch, gently easing him down onto the cushions.

"I'll get some ice," says Sam, disappearing into the kitchen.

I kneel beside Jack, brushing the damp hair from his forehead. "Why didn't you tell me it was this bad?"

He grimaces, his hand instinctively cradling his injured shoulder. "Didn't want to worry you."

"You can't keep doing this to yourself," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "You're only making it worse."

He averts his gaze, his jaw tightening. "I have to play. The team needs me."

"Not like this." I shake my head. "You're risking permanent damage."

Sam returns with an ice pack, handing it to me. I carefully place it on Jack's shoulder, and he winces at the cold pressure.

"Listen to her, man," Sam says, his tone serious. "This isn't worth throwing your career away."

Jack falls silent, his eyes closed as he tries to breathe through the pain. I lean in closer, my hand resting on his knee.

"I don't want to be without you," I whisper, my voice trembling. "Please, let me help you."

His eyes flutter open, meeting mine with a vulnerability I've never seen before. "I was being stupid," he admits. "I should have listened to you."

His eyes widen in surprise as I lean in, my lips finding his in a passionate kiss. He hesitates for only a moment before his mouth moves eagerly against mine, returning the kiss with a hunger that matches my own.

My fingers twist into his sandy blond hair, pulling him closer as the kiss deepens. His calloused hand cups the back of my head, tangling in my dark tresses. I pour all of my swirling emotions into that kiss—the frustration and fear I've felt since learning of his injury, the ache of potentially losing him, and my irritation that he decided to end things between us because of Karina.

Jack responds with equal intensity. When we finally break for air, both of us are breathing hard. Jack's stormy eyes search my face, questioning. I offer a shaky smile.

"I'm not ready to let you go," I whisper.

Jack's expression softens. His thumb brushes my cheek, and he leans in, touching his forehead to mine.

"Neither am I," he says before claiming my lips once more.

Sam clears his throat, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I'll, uh, leave you two alone."

I offer him a sheepish smile as he retreats to his room. Turning back to Jack, I brush my thumb across his stubbled jaw as I take a deep breath. "I have to tell you something."