Page 56 of Between Steel and Secrets
“Since when did you and Brooks hook up?” Nova asks, glancing briefly at Kensley before returning her attention to the ice.
Tucker slams Luca into the boards, and I wince, feeling his pain. It was a dirty maneuver, but they were both chasing the puck.
“Who says we’ve hooked up?” Kensley glares at me as if I’m the one that’s been gossiping about my best friend.
“It wasn’t me.”
Zeke tries removing his headphones, and I plant my hands on both of his ears, reminding him it stays on.
“I’ve seen you all over Brooks at the aftergame parties. Come on. Are you two not hooking up?” Nova’s waiting for an explanation.
“We’re dating, but we’re taking things slow,” Kensley says, and her cheeks redden. “Not that it’s anyone’s business.”
“Fair enough.” Nova smiles at Kensley. “I’m just glad you and Brooks are dating. I swear he’s had a crush on you since you first showed up at a party with Harper.”
“I’m not sure he even noticed me that first time, but we did get to talking and hanging out. He’s cute and, yeah, that’s all I’m going to say about it.” Kensley’s face is as red as a tomato.
I’ve never seen her flustered.
It’s actually quite cute and quite clear to me that she really likes Brooks. I’m glad she’s found someone to keep her busy. I feel a bit like a shitty friend for not being around and hanging out with her as much as I’d like, but it’s hard, between Zeke and classes.
Luca hits the puck to Liam, and it slices past the goalie, landing right into the net.
We’re on our feet, cheering and screaming as the Narwhals take the lead in the third period.
It’s a close game, Luca shoving Black out of the way as he races for the puck and is slammed into the plexiglass by Tucker.
I curse under my breath.
Luca shakes it off and gets back out there like nothing just happened. It amazes me how he can focus again, and he does, so quickly.
The other team gets close to our goal and Brooks deflects the puck, knocking it toward Liam on the right. Liam manages to touch the puck with his stick, and within half a second, he gets checked into the boards and bounces off them, the puck skittering across the ice with him.
I imagine he’s cursing and pissed, but Liam is back chasing right after the puck and shooting it toward Luca, who knocks it right past their goalie. Their teamwork is impeccable and so much more graceful than the Predators. It should be no surprise they win, but I imagine it still feels really good to the team.
After the game, we head toward the locker room, waiting outside for them to finish getting showered and dressed.
Zeke won’t sit still, and while I know he’s probably overtired, I let him run around the hallway, making sure that he doesn’t get too far from my reach.
There’s been no sign of that strange man with the snake tattoo. Thankfully, he hasn’t seemed to follow us to Great Falls.
Liam and Brooks step out of the locker room first, carrying their duffel bags.
“Liam!” Zeke shrieks with giggles and runs right for Liam.
Liam drops his bag and bends down, arms open, giving Zeke a huge hug. “Hey, buddy, I like your jersey. Did you wear that just for me?”
“No!” Zeke giggles and tugs on the hem of the oversized jersey, pulling back slightly. “For Daddy.”
Playfully, Liam pouts and hangs his head. “You didn’t wear it for me?”
Zeke tackles Liam with a giant hug.
Liam swoops the little guy off the ground and lifts him into the air. “Are you going to play hockey like your old man?” he asks.
Zeke wiggles to be put down and Liam hands him off to me as the locker room door swings open.
“Daddy!” Zeke shouts and points at Luca as he steps out of the locker room with Ashton.
