Chapter Four
ABears defenseman comes in hard and fast with a check on an Avalanche guy, and both of them smash into the glass, making it reverberate intensely.
Whoa!
Claire and I jump back in our seats, startled.
Nonetheless, two seconds later, I’m exclaiming, “That was wild! I love it!”
I do too. This is my first ever in-person hockey game, and it’s already beat out all of my expectations.
They were high, too, let me tell you.
But that check just now?
Talk about feeling like you’re part of the action.
Truthfully, though, it’s more than just the thrill of watching hockey live that has me amped. I’ve been enjoying keeping my eyes on Lennox as well.
Mmmm, he is delicious.
Even more so in person.
I did note, too, that the one time he skated by kind of close, he looked at me and smiled.
I was so surprised that I didn’t have time to react and at least smile back. Still, his noticing me makes him all the more interesting.
I have to meet that man, damn it!
But for now, I better get back to paying attention to the game. Otherwise, Claire will notice. After all, she is the one who brought me here.
My eyes return to the ice, and for the remainder of the second period, there’s a lot of back-and-forth play, but no more scoring.
That’s okay, it’s all good. The Bears are still up 2–0.
Once intermission gets underway, Claire and I opt to remain in our seats. We already chowed down on hot dogs and soft drinks during the first intermission, so there’s no reason to mill around.
Besides, this gives us a chance to chat before the third period begins.
After an older couple squeezes past us, Claire leans back in her seat and asks me, “Are you having a good time?”
“Hell yeah,” I reply, nodding ecstatically. “I’ve always liked hockey, but being at a game is, like, next-level. You were so right.”
She told me I’d love being here in person, and I certainly do.
“It is amazing,” Claire agrees. “So much more fun than watching it on TV.”
“Definitely.” I then add softly, “I hope we can come to more games.”
She snorts. “Are you kidding? Easton can get us tickets to any game we want to go to.”
“Hmmm,” I muse. “I guess that’s one of the perks of being married to a hockey player, huh?”
I’m being a bit facetious, as I’m going to use this as an opportunity to give her a hard time once again about keeping her secret nuptials exactly that—a damn secret.
When she shrugs, I narrow my eyes at her.
“What?” she asks all innocently.
Here’s my chance…
“I was just thinking again about how I told you Easton was my client for that big house up in Cave Creek. But you never said a word that day about how you knew him. Annnd,” I continue, “then you freaking run off and marry the dude.” I sniff and turn my head, playing the wounded bird.
“I’m never going to forgive you, by the way, for not having me as your maid of honor. ”
“Oh, please.” When I look back over, Claire is rolling her eyes. “Since when do you get into weddings?”
Okay, she has a point there.
“I guess you’re right,” I concede. And then I waggle my brows suggestively as I add, “But I could get into playing pretend wedding night with that hot linemate of Easton’s.”
“Wait, who?” Claire asks, looking genuinely curious. “Do you mean Lennox or Shane?”
“Lennox,” I tell her. And then I throw out, “Maybe you or Easton can arrange for us to meet sometime.”
I’m imagining some double dates or something along those lines, but from the look on Claire’s face, I don’t think we’re heading that way.
Sure enough, she says in a warning tone, “He’s a real player, Madison. And I don’t mean just on the ice.”
Pfft!
Like that’s a problem.
“Eh.” I shrug. “Who cares? I’m kind of a player myself.”
It’s true, and she knows it.
But when Claire gets set on something, there’s usually no changing her mind. She’s stubborn like that.
I know she just wants to protect me, and that’s sweet. But I don’t need protecting from Lennox. I need him to freaking ravage me!
As people begin returning to their seats, readying for the start of the third period, I resign myself to the fact that meeting Lennox is something I’m going to have to do on my own.
That’s fine.
I love a challenge.
I want that man, and I’m going to have him.
And nothing, not even Claire, can stop me.