Chapter 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

Nolan

I 'm crouched down in front of the net and stopping puck after puck after puck. They're coming from everywhere. About two dozen of my teammates are launching pucks at me in the pre-game warmup.

I skate over to the boards and do the splits, stretching my inner thighs as the boys shoot on the open net.

We're in Madison Square Garden tonight for the first playoff game against the New York Ogres. I'm trying to dial in, but I have Grace on my mind. It's been three days since I've seen her and it's making me mad. I've barely slept. My appetite is gone. All I can think about are those soft lips and that beautiful smile. I can't believe I forgot to get her damn phone number, what was I thinking?

I wasn't thinking anything. I was living in the moment, completely transfixed by that beautiful girl.

Yesterday, I was in it so bad, I almost stole the coach's phone out of his office to look up her number. I talked some sense into myself after the assistant coach caught me with a paperclip in the lock.

Sebastian skates over and starts stretching out his triceps. "You ready for Nikolai?"

Nikolai Kuznetsov. After our own Sebastian Kemp, he's the league's top scorer. And he's currently warming up on the other side of the ice.

"I'm ready," I say, feeling anything but. This girl has got me thrown off my game. Right now, it feels like Nikolai is going to pick me apart.

"He's been on fire lately," Sebastian says as we watch him bounce a puck on his stick like a hacky sack. "He likes the top shelf. Especially on the power play."

I remember. Last time I played against him, he scored a hat trick on me. That was in my rookie season though. I've learned some things since then.

"Watch his wrist," Sebastian says. "He likes to flick it right before he rips one. He telegraphs it just a bit. And I noticed he tends to overhandle the puck when he's going for that top corner."

"I'll be ready," I say as I stretch my leg out. "I've been watching his tape."

I had to do something while I stayed awake all night trying to get my mind off Grace.

"Pressure him into second-guessing himself," Sebastian says. "Make him think he has to be perfect to beat you. The more he overthinks it, the better."

I take a deep breath and nod. "Got it."

"I'll be covering you," Sebastian adds, "but it's you and him out there. He knows who's in nets and that'll be in his head. Just trust your instincts."

He holds out his fist and I bump it with mine. "Let's put on a show."

Sebastian grins. "Let's make it a game they'll never forget. "

He skates off and I get up and slide back in front of my net. I pull my mask up and squirt my water bottle into my mouth.

Fuck, why can't I stop obsessing over her?

Stop.

I have to swallow these feelings, focus, and put on a show. Grace will certainly be watching at home. I want to put on a show for her. I want to be great for her.

My eye catches something in the crowd. A girl waving.

"No way…" I whisper when my eyes narrow on her.

It's her. It's Grace.

She's standing in the front row with a big smile on her face, waving at me as she jumps up and down. She's even wearing my jersey.

My heart starts pounding. My hands clench into fists.

I grit my teeth as my focus snaps back into place.

She came for me. She's here.

I let out a growl of anticipation.

Let's get this fucking game started.

It's time to dominate.

I slam my mask down and flex my arms.

It's game time.