76. Natalie

Chapter 76

Natalie

There’sno one to give me a cue, but as soon as the national anthem ends, I turn and start toward the exit behind the goalie net—the way I came in.

And, of course, I crash into someone.

Before I can lose my balance, gloved hands grip my shoulders. “Whoa, dude.”

I tense at the sound of Luke’s voice, my eyes automatically moving to his face.

My body freezes, worried that he might be able to see through the mesh parts of the Blizz face, but then the flag flutters down into the space between us, draping over the top of Luke’s head.

I channel my man voice again and mutter a quick “Thanks.”

Luke lifts a hand to push the flag out of the way, but I push off with one skate, and with skill I could have used five minutes ago, I glide around behind him.

Focusing on every single inch of ice ahead of me, I hold the flag as high above my head as I can manage, just to ensure I don’t trip over it.