Page 153 of Risking the Pucking Defense

Looking up, I catch Hailee’s eye again and remember everything she taught me during media training when I first signed with the Vipers.

“All the guys killed it tonight. Everything we’ve been working on during training camp is really coming together. We’re feeling good about the season ahead. And yeah, tonight’s goal lights a fire in my belly to go that little bit further than we did last year.”

He asks me a few other questions before letting me go and turning his attention to Fletch and Handsy as they step off the ice.

“Come on, let’s go clean up,” Rett says, before shoving me in the direction of the visitors’ dressing room.

Killer catches up to us and jumps onto my back, forcing me to carry the heavy motherfucker into the room before dumping him in the middle.

“Monroe is a fucking legend,” he bellows.

“Great job tonight, man,” Fletch says after stepping over his D-man rolling around on the floor.

Kodie, Linc, and a few others give me similar words, but Brody, my fucking partner, is silent as fuck.

Asshole.

Coach joins us and gives us a few words before he ducks out.

I rip my equipment off, shower, and change in record time before Fletch and I head out to the press room while the others do their thing.

The pride reflected in Coach’s eyes makes me feel like a fucking king. I didn’t win the game; we would have taken the W with or without my goal, but that doesn’t matter. And if there’s anyone in this world I want to make proud, it’s James Watson. He’s…incredible. As a player, he was outstanding. I used to love watching him when I was a kid. But he’s a fantastic coach, and I’m honored to be on his team.

I follow him and Fletch into the room and take a seat. I remember the first time I did this. I was fucking terrified, having so many faces staring back at me. And when they asked me that very first question and all eyes turned on me…I was so close to vomiting on live TV. But then I looked up and found someone loitering at the back of the room wearing a killer suit. Her hair hung in loose waves around her shoulders, and the second her hazel eyes connected with mine, everything settled. I forgot about all the faces, and when I answered a question, I spoke directly to her.

I don’t think she had any idea just how much she helped me that day, or every day since, if I’m being honest. But one day, I hope she does.

And today, just like that very first press conference, when I look beyond the reporters hungry to get their quotes and footage, there she is. Her iPad is still clutched to her chest, her shoulders square, confidence oozing from her.

Her eyes find mine, and she gives me the smallest of smiles, letting me know that she sees me, that she’s proud of me, that I’ve got this.

And I do. Question after question is fired at me, and with her there at the back of the room, and Rylee watching down from wherever she is, I have the strength to talk about my success tonight and hopes for the future.

It seems like forever before we climb back onto the bus to head to our hotel.

When we last played the Ace’s, we had a home game the next day, so we headed back straight away. But this time, someone in the travel department decided that we could have a night here before flying out first thing in the morning, and I’m fucking buzzing for it.

I want to celebrate with my boys and dance with my girl. Fuck. It’s gonna be an epic night.

We’re forced to wait around as hotel keycards are handed out, and the second I have mine in my hand, I make a beeline for the elevator.

“Wait,” a familiar voice calls a beat after Killer has pressed the door close button.

Tugging her carry-on behind her, Hailee slips into the elevator with us.

“The fuck,” I bark when Rett pokes me in the ribs, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. “You’re an asshole.”

Killer glances over, and so do Handsy and Linc, but none of them comment as Hailee reaches out to press a floor, her hand falling back to her side when she realizes it’s already been pressed.

“Great game tonight, boys,” she says, glancing over her shoulder as we begin to climb through the building.

“Are you heading out to celebrate with us?” Rett asks, I assume for my benefit, but it’s not necessary; I already know Hailee’s plans. We discussed them at sunrise after she woke up in my arms again. There’s a very small part of me that worries we’re taking things too fast, but there’s a bigger part of me that doesn’t give a fuck and will take every single second I can get with this woman.

“Someone has to keep you all in check. I’d love not to spend tomorrow firefighting because of the trouble you got yourselves into.”

Rett scoffs. “Our girls are here; there will be no trouble tonight.”

“Is that right, Killer?” she asks, turning to look at the only single guy in this elevator.