30. Hayes
30
hayes
S omething about knowing Olivia is watching me while wearing my jersey gives me an extra level of fuel for tonight’s game against Dallas. As I listened to the anthem tonight, their singer was good, but nothing compared to my song siren. I shift on my skates, glancing at the camera with a knowing smile. If she doesn’t realize she’s going to be a part of my life for a long time, I’m going to do everything in my power to help her see I’m in this for the long haul.
But for now, I have to focus on hockey. It’s early in the season, and we’ve started to find our groove as a team. Dallas always has a great team, and this year is no exception. They made some good trades during the off season and re-signed some of their big name players, but so did Milwaukee. I can’t hide the feral grin twisting my face. Tonight’s matchup is going to be a battle.
Deep into the third period, the score is still zero for both teams. My line-mates and I have done a better job getting through the neutral zone this period, which is something we’ve been working to improve, but we haven’t gotten anything to convert yet. We’ve had some amazing scoring chances, but their goalie, one of the best in the league, is playing out of his mind. We’ve got to keep pushing to get the win tonight. I stare at the scoreboard, the massive zero taunting me. We can’t take our foot off the gas now.
Skating off the ice, I slide into my seat on the bench out of breath. “Fuck! 15 has been slamming me into the boards all night. I can’t get a fucking shot off.”
“I got your back, Larsy,” Bougie says as he slides down the bench until he settles next to me taking a breather between shifts. “That motherfucker is not going to know what hit him next time he gets near you. He’s been out for blood this entire game, and I’m gonna give it to him. It’s just going to be his blood instead of ours.”
“Fuck yeah,” I say, fist bumping him.
Looking down the ice, I see Vladi standing calmly in his crease, one arm raised as the puck flies to the side of his goalpost. How is that motherfucker always relaxed? The whistle blows. Dallas iced the puck. Perfect timing. We get a fresh line on the ice while Dallas has to keep their tired line on, and we face off directly to the left of their goalie. Game fucking on . Adrenaline pumps through my veins and sweat drips down my face. I take a swig from my water bottle, adjust my gloves, and take in a deep breath. Let’s win this damn game. My line is up for the next shift, and we hop over the boards back onto the ice. The ref stands with the puck as 15 faces off against Johansen. My hands flex around my stick as I brace against the Dallas player covering me. The puck drops and all hell breaks loose. We win the draw, and EJ kicks it behind him to our defenseman Colton Taylor. I see 15 head my way, but as promised, Bougie’s got my back and gets a great hit on him.
Tay quickly passes it to me for a one-timer. I fire the puck off with all the strength I have left this far into the third period, watching it fly through the air. Dallas’ goalie dives to block it. I smirk. He’s not fast enough. The puck sails right above his glove and into the net. A deadly smile twists my face. My teammates surround me, screaming my name. “Fuck yeah, Larsy!”
We win again, 1-0. Vladi got his first shutout of the season, and I got the game-winning goal. This is going to be my fucking year.
As I get off the ice, I do a couple of media interviews, then I shed the multiple layers of equipment to shower, dress, and board the bus back to the airport. This is the first time since before the game I’ve gotten a chance to check my phone. My heart rate has calmed down from the game, but amps back up when I see I have texts from Olivia. She sent a picture a few hours ago of her wearing my jersey while watching the game and telling me good luck. Then another congratulating me on the win and my goal tonight. I keep my phone close to my chest, away from my nosy as fuck teammates, but I can’t help the smile spreading across my face. I miss her so fucking much. I text her back even though it’s late, not knowing if I’ll wake her but desperate to talk to her.
Hayes
Thank you. It was a great game, only outdone by how beautiful you look in my jersey. What about a picture of you wearing only the jersey?
I see the little typing bubbles starting and stopping, furiously tapping my foot on the charter bus floor . Shit, is this too much for her? My stomach clenches at the thought of scaring her off, but my gut still tells me my siren will deliver. Please, let me be right. My phone vibrates with another text, my dick lifting against my slacks.
Olivia
(sends photo wearing only the jersey)
A shot of arousal goes straight to my dick as I stare wide-eyed at the photo, angling my phone so I can see it, but Vladi, sitting next to me, can’t. Luckily, he’s basking in his shutout with our teammates, bottles being passed around the bus through a chorus of whoops and cheers, not paying much attention to me. Thank fuck I got the window seat. I know my jersey hangs well past her knees, but she’s lying in bed with my game-worn sweater draped over her legs, barely covering that sweet cunt of hers. I tuck my cock into the waistband of my suit, briefly closing my eyes as I fight to get myself under control before I reply.
Hayes
Fuck, Olivia. I do not want to get on a plane with a bunch of guys right now.
Olivia
You’re making me blush.
Hayes
I’d like to be making you do more than blush right now. Fuck this damn hockey travel. I need my dick between your sexy legs, filling up that sweet pussy of yours and watching it drip out of you.
I’m feral for her right now and a thousand miles away. This is fucking torture. The little bubbles keep starting and stopping on my phone as the bus takes off from the arena. Vladi is now in his seat, and I shift away from his nosy-ass a little more. My screen lights up again with her reply.
Olivia
These legs and this cunt are anxiously awaiting your return. When do you get home again?
Holy shit. I fucking hit the jackpot with this woman.
Hayes
Not soon enough. lol
We’re almost to the airport. I won’t get into the hotel until probably around 1AM. Guessing you’ll be asleep by then.
Olivia
Yeah, I don’t think I’ll still be awake lol. But can’t wait to chat more tomorrow. Goodnight Hayes.
Hayes
Sweet dreams, beautiful girl.
Once I get seated on the plane, I see Bougie drop a coffee off in the cockpit. Who the fuck does he know up there? Probably one of his millions of social media followers. I roll my eyes as he walks through the cabin stripping off his clothes like he’s on the set of Magic Mike, throwing his shirt and dress pants around the cabin, as usual. Vladi walks down the aisle to claim his seat next to Bougie, giving me an evil glare as he passes. Since we’re on a winning streak, his superstitious ass has to sit next to Bougie, and he fucking hates it. I smile back with a devilish grin, shooting him a wink. This has been the best prank and motivator for that grumpy ass goalie.
“Larsy…hell of a game,” Zack Reeves says as he takes a seat beside me on the plane. This is his first road trip with the team this season since he’s been rehabbing his injury. He’s a legend, and we’re all anxious for him to get back on the ice.
“Thanks; it’s a great start to the season so far,” I say. “How are you healing up?”
“Doing good,” he says as he lightly taps his knee. “Doc says I should be good to go by the next home game back in Milwaukee.”
“No shit! Excited to finally hit the ice together. Happy for you, Z.”
“Appreciate it. I hate being off the ice, but it’s helped me spend a little more time at home with the fam and learn to relax a bit,” he replies with a grin. “How are you adjusting, Larsy? You seem like you’re in an awfully good mood tonight. You’ve been all smiles since we left the arena.”
“I didn’t realize I was being watched,” I say, shooting him side-eye. Apparently, Vladi’s not the only nosy-asshole on this team. “I’m just happy to get the win and a goal tonight. Nice start to the road trip.”
“Sure, Larsy. Keep telling yourself that. That’s not a ‘goal and a win’ smile. You look like a boy who just got a date to the prom,” he razzes me, giving me a knowing look and glancing at my phone.
I laugh, not the least bit upset at getting called out about Olivia. “Guess I’m not very good at hiding my emotions.” I hesitate, my knee bouncing a hundred miles an hour. I don’t want this gossip spreading like wildfire among this group of motherfuckers. But Zack’s onto me, and as team captain, he’s legally bound to keep it quiet. “I’m…sort of seeing someone. It’s new.”
“I figured as much,” he says. “Glad to see you happy, man. When I first met my wife, she had me in the palm of her hands from the moment she smiled at me. Three kids later, and a fourth one on the way, Kara still has me following her like a little puppy dog.”
I smile, listening to him talk about how in love he is with his wife. That’s what I’ve wanted my entire life. Obviously, hockey has always been my dream. But I think I’ve always wanted to have someone to share it with. Maybe it’s because I didn’t have that growing up. My parents were divorced, and my dad wasn’t in the picture. It was just me and my mom. I’ve always wanted to have kids and be a good dad to them. A better dad than what I had. And if they wanted, teach them to play hockey.
And as crazy as it sounds, Olivia is that person. It’s been so quick, but she just does something to me. I’ve always been cautious with relationships, especially being a professional athlete with girls who just want fame and my paycheck. I’ve never wanted to jump in or commit to anything too quickly, but when I’m with Olivia, all my hesitation fades away. One would think I would be even more reserved about getting into a serious relationship so fast. But Olivia just makes everything…right.
“How long did you two date before you got married?” I ask.
Zack flashes me a knowing smile. “Six months. With the crazy travel, I wanted her to be there when I got home at night, and I wanted her to know I was committed. Shit, I probably would have married her on our first date if she asked me. I was at a point where I knew what I wanted, and she knew what she wanted, so we went for it. And I’ve never regretted it a day in my life.”
“When you know, you know.”
“Exactly. So, this mystery girl you’re seeing, is it serious?”
“We met pretty quick after I moved into town, shared a moment, and then didn’t see each other again until the home opener when she was standing on the ice singing the national anthem.”
“Holy shit. Our singer? The Weapon?” he says a little louder than I would like.
“Shhhh!! Keep your loud ass voice down!” I hiss, putting my hand over his mouth, my eyes darting around the plane, scanning for signs anyone heard. “Nothing is official, and I don’t want it all over the locker room just yet. But yes, it’s Olivia, our national anthem singer.” I cringe, remembering all the bullshit over the past week. “Former anthem singer. She got fired.”
“She got fired ? What? Why? She’s fucking amazing. And when she sings, we win.” He looks at me, worry tainting his face.
“It’s kind of a long story, but she was dating a guy who, apparently, got you to sign some pucks at the home opener. They aren’t supposed to do that, so they let her go.”
“You are fucking kidding me. I know exactly who you’re talking about. That motherfucker wouldn’t leave me alone; he kept calling me ‘Z’ like he was my best friend. I signed his damn pucks to get him off my back so I could head to the locker room. She got fired for that ? It wasn’t her fault at all!”
“I know,” I shake my head, clenching my fists thinking about that stupid asshat ex of hers. “I asked her if I could talk to the entertainment guy - David, I think his name is? - but she said that would probably make it worse.” I sigh, dragging a hand through my hair.
“Well, she didn’t tell me no. Shit. I just realized she didn’t sing at the last home game we lost. Fuck! As soon as we get back to Milwaukee, I’ll talk to David. As team captain, I am not losing games because we have some rando-subpar anthem singer throwing off the energy in the arena because the asshole she was dating broke the rules,” he grumbles before sitting up straight, a concerned look on his face. “Okay, wait. She was dating that guy? But now you’re seeing her?”
“I told you. Long story. After he got her fired, he dumped her.”
“And that’s when Hayes Larson swooped in to sweep her off of her feet?” he says with a smirk.
“I guess you could say that.”
“Well, you found yourself quite the catch there. I’ve never actually met her, but she is gorgeous, and from what I hear, everyone on the Riders staff loves her. And obviously, she’s got a killer voice.” Zack glances around, letting the chaos of the celebration wash over us. “We’ve got another two hours on this flight, so tell me the details…I’m a sucker for a good story.”
Zack and I spend the rest of the flight talking. He’s the captain for a reason. Even rehabbing an injury, he made sure I felt at home here in Milwaukee before the season started. And now he’s sitting here letting me go on and on about Olivia and agreeing that if Cayden Banks ever steps foot in our arena, he will be slammed into the boards with a head and leave the ice without one.
“Larsy, can I give you some advice?”
“I would expect nothing less from you, Cap.”
“If you think you love this girl, and from the look on your face, you do, tell her. Don’t live in fear of what might be. Sometimes things don’t work out, and we have to deal with the consequences. But in my experience, we learn to play without fear, might as well love without it too.”
“Damn, Z. Do they teach you to say this shit in Captain School?” I nudge him with my elbow with a smile. And fuck. He’s right. About all of it. My only fear is being without her. Just then, the pilot comes over the intercom and lets us know we’re about to land, so the team starts to shuffle with movement as people put away their video games, laptops, and decks of cards, throwing drinks in the trash as the attendants come through.
“What makes you think I love her?” I ask as we descend toward the airport.
He smiles with a look that says he’s about to drop another truth bomb on me. My fingers tap furiously on my thigh, waiting for his response. “Hayes, I feel like I’m looking into a mirror as you’re talking to me. I remember having a similar conversation with a teammate back when I met Kara. He gave me some advice I will pass along to you.” He waits until I meet his eye, unable to hide from the reality he’s about to share. “Hockey is the best sport. We are so damn lucky to get to play it and make a living doing it. But hockey doesn’t last forever. We get older. We get injured. We retire. Eventually, it will end. But love and family? That is what lasts. That’s what really matters.”
I wake up the next morning and immediately grab my phone to see if I’ve heard from Olivia. Knowing her, I’m guessing she didn’t text me good morning because she didn’t want to bother me. I’m right. Shaking my head, I roll my eyes as I send her a good morning text. I need to get through to her that she is never an inconvenience to me, no matter what time of day, even if I have to spank it out of her. I want her to understand I will always have time for her.
I laid in bed last night thinking about everything Zack said. Maybe I’m not as crazy as I think I am. What if the notion of falling in love at first sight isn’t that crazy after all? I’m sure it’s not common these days, but one thing I know about rarities is their scarceness makes them even more precious. We both seem to have talents we quickly excelled at. Maybe our brains are just wired that way - picking up on things we are destined for. I guess that could be the reason this relationship is propelling forward so quickly. My bed feels so empty without her. I need to see this girl. I need to tell her how I feel and feel her on me. Tomorrow’s game cannot get here fast enough. I smile as my phone dings with a new text. I’m pretty sure this woman is my fucking destiny, and I need the rest of eternity to begin.