Page 95 of The Game
Seeing the guys’ genuine reactions and happiness lifts our spirits as the media team heads to our part of the building.
I send a text to Alexander.
Sarah:Super proud of you, captain <3 Will you be celebrating with the team?
I heard several guys talking about going to The Rove to celebrate their win, finally having something cheerful happen. His response comes quickly.
Alexander:Thank you, baby. I’d rather celebrate with you, preferably in bed.
I smile at my phone.
Of course, he would like that.
I would love that too, but I also know the team needs him—both on and off the ice.
Sarah:I think you should go out and celebrate with your team.
Alexander:Only if you join, too.
I ask Samantha about her plans, and when she says she’d like to go to The Rove, I text Alexander that I’ll meet him there.
We wrap up a quick bit of work before heading to the bar.
As we arrive, the guys haven’t gotten there yet, and we settle into the barstools, ordering a martini while we wait.
We talk about the game, especially the importance of Liam and Alexander for the outcome.
In hockey, everything is a team effort, but their extra push today definitely made a difference.
It also provides a perfect opportunity to ask Samantha about them.
“So, it’s time you tell me about what’s between you and Liam,” I say, taking a sip of my drink.
Samantha sighs beside me.
“I don’t think he likes me, at least not anymore,” she says, making me perk up.
“What are you talking about?” I ask her.
Whenever I see them around each other, I feel like I’m interrupting something.
“Well, I’ve already told you he’d never really made a move, so I decided to push him a little. During their photoshoot, I might have passed him and “accidentally” touched his stomach. I know, not my proudest moment, but he looked at me like a small touch from me physically hurt him.” Samantha looks mortified by the experience.
Not exactly the reaction you want from a man when you touch him.
“Sure he wasn’t hanging on to his control? He certainly looks at you with hunger in his eyes, and the broody expression he has can be hard to read.”
Liam is somewhat closed off, preferring to keep to himself.
The few times I’ve seen him less broody are around Samantha, but men can be hard to understand.
“I don’t know, I just feel like if he doesn’t make a move soon, I’ll have to get over this stupid crush. Maybe go on a date or two,” she says, and we agree that if he doesn’t get his head out of his ass, she’ll find a man worthy of her time.
Just as we finish our conversation, the guys come tumbling into the bar.
Even though the bar is small and cozy, the people in attendance cheer when they arrive, sharing their love for hockey.
We head toward the guys, exchanging hugs and congratulating them on a great game.
