Page 263 of Cross Check

“It’s hot when you ignore me in coach-mode, but I can’t wait to put y’all in your place in front of our sold out arena.” I chuckle. The pregame banter is one of my favorite parts of our relationship. “By the way, it’s Heroes and Legends Night. We’re all wearing our favorite jerseys. Are any of your players going to join in?”

“I’m not sure we’re supposed to entertain the enemy’s themed nights, but I love the idea.”

“Think I might show up in an Emmy Hartwell jersey. One of those pink ones.”

“That would be my pick too.”

“You wouldn’t be jealous?”

“Of you wearing your best friend’s wife’s jersey?” Lia laughs. “Never.”

“Good to know.” I run my hands over her hips, not stopping until I’m holding her ass cheeks in both palms. “How important is dinner? Can it wait until I eat you out on the counter?”

“I could be convinced.” She reaches for the stove, turning off the burner and jumping on the counter. Lia leans back and rests her head against the cabinets. “But only if you promise not to wink at me when you score a goal.”

“Your confidence in me is sexy. Just for that, I’m going to score two goals in your honor.”

I hop out of my BMW at the arena the next afternoon, whistling on the short walk to the security entrance. I unload my wallet, keys, and phone into a small bowl, smiling at the security guard after I pass through the metal detector.

“Looking good, Everett,” Bill says. “I like that jersey.”

“Thank you, sir. So do I.”

I slip into the back hallway, heading for the locker room. Ethan and Connor are up ahead, posing for the social media girls and doing some dance I’m not familiar with.

“I can’t wait to see Maverick kick your ass when he finds out you wore Emmy’s jersey, Easy E,” I yell, and Ethan glances at me over his shoulder.

“Miller’s punches are weak now that he’s retired. I can take him.” He flexes for the camera, and I shake my head. “Is that Wisco? Looks like a throwback.”

“We need more attention on college sports.” I jog to catch up to them. “The Olympics are in February, and I thought I’d recognize a university that pumps out highly developed players for the women’s roster.”

“I’m glad we’re allowed to play in the Games again. Think you’re going to make the roster?” Connor asks. “I know Ethan is representing Canada.”

“Hell yeah I am. And I’m not going to hold back on you all either,” Ethan says.

“If it happens, it happens. I’m glad Coach is leading the team, but I want to earn my spot fair and square.” I shrug. “There were a lot of retirements in the offseason, so I might have a chance.”

“Hang on.” Ethan pulls on my sleeve. “Is that an Amelia Green jersey? That’s sick. And it’s authentic! Look at the fight strap!”

“Figured I’d rep her since we’re up against the Sea Crabs tonight. She’s one of the best to ever play in the NCAA. Here.” I pull my phone out of my pocket and hand it to Connor. “Can you take a photo so I can share it on social media?”

I turn my back to the camera to show off the jersey. I point at Amelia’s last name with my thumbs then take my phone back so I can shift over to Instagram. I upload the photo Connor took, adding a caption of Heroes and Legends Night with the @DCStars. Go Badgers!

I’m tempted to tag Lia. It’s not a secret who I’m wearing, but I don’t want to send any unwanted attention her way while she’s getting ready for our game. I settle on sharing the post to my feed, and it doesn’t take long for the notifications to roll in. There are tons of likes and shares. Reposts and comments under the photo that read this guy exudes BDE omg and I love women in male dominated fields!!!

It makes me smile.

“You coming, G?” Ethan asks as we approach the locker room.

“In a minute. Going to make a pitstop first.” I spin and head for the visitors’ locker room. “Tell Coach I’m in the bathroom!”

When I make it to the other end of the hallway, I lean against the wall and nod hello to the players who file in. A few of the guys give me a strange look, but when Emmy rounds the corner, she lights up.

“Grant!” she exclaims, and I give her a hug. “What are you doing here?”

“Checking in. It’s part of my alternate captain duties to make sure the accommodations are up to your standard.” I smile. “I still think it’s totally badass you have a private women’s locker room named after you in an arena you don’t play in anymore. It’s restocked and ready for you, by the way. Checked to make sure there were towels in there after morning skate.”

“You’re the best, G.” She pats my cheek. “And I’m so grateful you all haven’t turned the space into something else. Still waiting for the rest of the league to follow suit, but I’m always happy to play in DC because of the hospitality.” Her eyes shift to the front of my sweater, and she laughs. “That’s a nice jersey, G. Where’d you get it?”