12. Aurora
Chapter twelve
Aurora
N ervousness and the unmistakable aroma of frozen dreams and determination fill the air of the arena. The dream of bringing hockey to this little corner of Florida is about to become reality. Our team’s first game. My first real test as their social media manager. And Aiden’s debut in the majors. It’s like we’re all balanced on a knife’s edge, waiting for that first puck to drop and change everything.
I clutch my camera tighter, trying to steady my shaking hands. This is it. The moment we’ve all worked so hard for
The frosty breath of the arena surrounds us as I take in the scene. The stadium isn’t as full as I’d hoped, but the energy is undeniable. The crowd, though smaller than ideal, is rowdy in a way that feels electric. No doubt everyone is infused with the same level of excitement for their first game of the season.
As I make my way down to my assigned section, I can’t help but appreciate all the effort that’s gone into getting us here. It hasn’t been smooth sailing, that’s for sure. Drumming up enthusiasm for ice hockey in the Florida heat, with a general public more familiar with beach volleyball than blue lines, has been... challenging, to say the least.
If this were a new team in Canada or even in the northern part of the country, I doubt we’d have struggled so much to fill seats. But what’s done is done, and now our only choice is to move forward.
I clutch my camera tighter, reminding myself that every person here represents a small victory. We may not have a packed house, but we have a start. And that’s all you need when you’re making history.
“Aurora!”
My gaze snaps over to Katarina, her overly enthusiastic wave impossible to miss. Her entire body vibrates with excitement, and I can’t help but mirror her enthusiasm as I hurry down to our seats.
The energy in the stadium is contagious, seeping into my bones. Regardless of the actual turnout, the air buzzes with anticipation. We’re here. It’s happening.
“I can’t believe the day is finally here,” I breathe out, scanning the half-full stadium. A knot forms in my stomach as I recall budget discussions and attendance projections. This isn’t enough for long-term sustainability, but I shove that thought aside. Today isn’t about numbers. It’s about the game, the team, the dream we’re all part of.
Katarina nods, her eyes wide with wonder. “I know. It felt like this day would never come, and now...” She trails off, shrugging with a grin. “Fingers crossed for a win, right?”
“God, yes,” I agree, my mind flashing to Jax and Aiden’s grueling practice sessions. “They’ve worked so hard. To even think of losing would be crushing.” I bite my lip, “But we’re up against a monster of a team. So I’m a little worried.”
When it was announced that their first game of the season would be against The Enforcers, Jax’s old team, I thought for sure he’d have something to say about it. But Jax just continues on like he always has, pushing forward and giving his all during every practice. It’s admirable, really, and a little intimidating.
I cant forget that I need to take pictures of the fan’s meet and greet, I remind myself, mentally juggling my to-do list. I’ve got to update our social media account and make sure everything’s set for that giveaway we announced.
The team’s gone all out for this opening game, with prize packs up for grabs. My suggestion of an online Easter egg hunt for game tickets seemed wild at first, but the higher-ups went for it. It’s a long shot, sure. Winning tickets doesn’t guarantee attendance, but I’m hopeful. The schools in our county and neighboring areas have shown interest, which gives me even more ammunition for future ideas.
Next month’s family fun day is my pride and joy - reduced tickets for anyone with a kid under thirteen, plus merch, food, and a chance at season tickets. It’s not cheap, but it’s an investment in our future. Get ’em young, get ’em loyal - that’s the game plan. These are the fans who’ll stick with us through thick and thin, come hell or high water.
“There they are.”
Katarina’s words have me looking up just in time to see the guys skating out onto the ice.
Jax is easy to spot, a mountain of padding guarding the goal. Aiden takes me a moment longer to find, but once I do, it’s like I can’t look away.
I’ve seen plenty of warm-ups before. Growing up with Jax meant hockey was practically in our DNA. I’ve watched Aiden play more times than I can count. But this... this feels different. Maybe it’s last night playing tricks on my mind, or maybe I’m just losing it. Either way, I’m transfixed.
Aiden hunches on the ice, all fluid motion and raw power as he stretches. It’s mesmerizing, and I’m not sure what to do with the warmth spreading through me as I watch,
I don’t know if it’s because of last night or if it’s my own mind latching onto something ridiculous and taking it for a ride.
My eyes are glued to his form, his hips thrusting as he stretches and warms up his muscles.
“Are you sure there’s nothing between the two of you?”
Katarina asks pointedly, making me jerk my eyes away.
“For someone who claims she’s not interested, you sure do seem to stare at him a lot.”
I feel my cheeks flame. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say, hoping we can change the subject to something a little less embarrassing.
My gaze slowly drifts back to the ice before I realize it, and I nearly groan as I see Aiden bend low. That move is just not fair, and though I know there’s nothing at all sexual about it, my body doesn’t seem to get the memo.
The opening face-off snaps me back to reality, the sharp slap of sticks on the ice, a welcome distraction. Excitement courses through me as I lean forward, fully engaged. There’s just something about hockey that gets under my skin in a way other sports never have. I don’t know, but part of it is probably because I have a real personal stake in the outcome.
I want this win so badly I can almost taste it. Not only for Jax but also for Aiden, he deserves a victory. And I also know what Jax gave up to start on this new team and at least part of the reason why he did.
He and Aiden have spent years dreaming of being on a team together, which never would have happened with Aiden being stuck in the minors. This team is both their shots to make a name for themselves.
“Yes!” The scream rips from my throat as Aiden makes a break, his skates carving the ice. Katarina’s right there with me, our combined shrieks joining the roar of the crowd. When the puck hits the net, it’s like an electric current runs through the stadium. We’re hugging, jumping, lost in the pure joy of the moment.
“All right, Aiden!” I yell till I’m hoarse, not caring that he can’t possibly hear me. I raise my camera, capturing the ecstatic faces in the crowd. This moment, this feeling—it’s indelible. No matter what happens next, I know I’ll carry this with me forever.
****
“That was amazing!”
I laugh loudly, happy in agreement with Katarina’s words. The game’s been awesome to watch. Jax didn’t give up a single goal, and after his initial, the team snatched another to keep them on top until the final buzzer rang out, declaring their first home victory.
As we file out of the arena with the still-buzzing crowd, the excitement of the win lingers in the air. Katarina and I can’t stop rehashing every play, every save, every goal. It’s like we’re trying to bottle this feeling to make it last just a little bit longer.
I look down at my phone with a wide smile as I update the teams’ social pages. I’m still too hyped up and happy to even think about calling it a night.
“Are the guys going straight home or celebrating with the team?”
We stop to pick up cupcakes on the way. I took it upon myself to preemptively order victory treats a couple of days ago. Call it wishful thinking, though I’m starting to wonder if maybe I should make it a tradition.
“They said they’d be coming home,” I reply, looking at my text chat with Jax. Katarina leans against the counter, her smile mirroring my own.
“That was so thrilling. I don’t know why I never went to these games before.”
I giggle. “Well, you’ll have to make it a standing date that you join me for the home games at the very least.” Before I can say anything else, I hear the front door open.
“The winners are here!” Jax’s voice rings out loudly, and before I can say anything, he scoops me up in his arms. “Did you see that shit, sis? We shut them out.”
I laugh at his clear excitement and hold onto his shoulders as he spins me around in the kitchen. When Jax sets me back on my feet, the world spins for a moment before I’m once again hauled up.
“Aiden,” I squeal, grabbing hold of his shoulders. I hear Katarina make a similar noise, her laughter ringing out clear as a bell as she’s also spun by Jax.
“I know you saw that shit,” Aiden exclaims. “Those bastards couldn’t stop me from knocking that fucking puck in good.”
I giggle when Aiden’s arms tighten around my waist. The strength in his arms knocks something in me, and I slowly become aware of the heat of him and the enticing scent that always curls around me when he’s near. It isn’t artificial, but more just him. It’s both comforting and arousing, making me swallow hard as something deep inside me responds.
With my excitement bubbling inside me, almost too much to contain. I blurt, “You guys played so well,” letting my praises flow freely. They were amazing tonight, and I’m not about to pretend otherwise. One thing I’m not is stingy with praise, especially when it’s earned, and they definitely proved themselves worthy of it tonight.
“I got you celebratory cupcakes!” I beam, practically bouncing on my toes as I present the baby blue box with silver snowflakes because, of course—this is a hockey celebration, after all.
“I may have gone a teeny bit overboard with the sprinkles.”
Aiden looks at me and smiles, and I swear I feel my heart skip a beat. I force a casual expression to stay plastered on my face, hiding where my mind is wandering.
When he sets me down, I swallow a groan of disappointment and head for the cupcakes.
My legs feel as weak as a newborn foal’s, but I cover up my reaction to being in Aiden’s arms with copious amounts of sugar.
“Damn, these are good,” Jax groans as he shoves an entire cupcake in his mouth.
I snort, shaking my head, “Are you sure you can even taste it?” When he picks up a second cupcake, my eyes widen. I only ordered twelve, but clearly, that was a mistake.
“Kat, if you want one of those, you better grab it now before they’re gone.”
I eye the rapidly diminishing box, wondering if I can sneak another without anyone noticing.
Hey, these curves don’t sculpt themselves.
Aiden nods as he reaches for a second. “She’s not wrong. I’m starving.”
Katarina quickly grabs one, as do I, and we give each other a look as the guys descend on the sugary confections like vultures, picking things clean until only icing remains.
“Those were so good,” Jax says as he licks his fingers. A beep comes from his pocket. “Fuck, I better get ready. Meeting up with a friend of mine to really celebrate tonight’s win.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Oh gross. I didn’t want to know any of that.”
He wags his eyebrows at me. “What? Ladies love us goalies. We know how to get down and dirty.”
With an outraged cry, I swat him away, pushing him toward his bedroom. “Absolutely not. I don’t want to know about any of that. Get lost.”
Katarina laughs as she watches us. “I should get going, too. This week was a long one, and I just want to sleep for like ten to twelve hours straight.”
I nod. “I know how you feel. Lunch tomorrow?”
“Better make it dinner.”
Once Katarina leaves and Jax has gone off to wherever he plans on going, I’m startled to realize that leaves Aiden and me alone together. I steady myself by cleaning up the kitchen and wiping down the counters until the surfaces are shiny. There’s nothing left for me to do.
I walk over to the couch where Aiden is stretched out, hand on the bare skin of his stomach, thanks to his shirt riding up.
I try to pull my gaze away from that strip of skin, but it’s hard when all I want to do is brush my own fingers there and see if it’s as soft as it looks.
“Aren’t you going out too?” I ask, hoping my voice doesn’t betray the sudden dryness in my throat.
Aiden glances up at me, his eyes holding mine.
“Nah. Tonight I plan on doing a whole lot of nothing.” He pauses, then adds, “You’re more than welcome to join me.”
My heart races. It’s an innocent invitation, I tell myself. Just ‘friends’ hanging out. But as I look at him, remembering the way he moved on the ice, the way he lifted me in celebration, I just don’t know.
I’m in total surprise. This is the first time Aiden’s really encouraged my presence—usually he acts annoyed. Still, I don’t trust myself to hang out with him and still remain sane.
I thank him for the offer but decline and flee to my bedroom, hoping like hell that I can fall asleep without dreaming about being wrapped in his arms… or worse.