Page 74 of Cross Ice

His smile was brilliant. “Yeah?”

“Of course.”

“Try it on.”

I pulled the jersey over my head, and unlike the oversized look I’d expected, it fit perfectly. The shoulders sat correctly. The sleeves hit at the right length, and the hem fell just to my hips.

“I had them find your size in the back,” Nico admitted. “Didn’t want you swimming in an extra large.”

I looked down at myself, at the physical manifestation of what we were building. “How do I look?” I asked, though I could see the answer on his face.

“Perfect.” He pulled out his phone. “Can I take a picture?”

We stood together, Nico’s arm around my waist, both of us smiling. He took several photos, then showed me his favorite, the one where we were looking at each other instead of the camera.

“I’m using this as my wallpaper,” he said.

“You’re going to make me emotional before I even wear this to the game.”

“Good.” He kissed me softly. “If we win, the team’s going to the Captain’s Sports Bar. Cap’s. Private room upstairs.” He observed my reaction carefully. “Is that okay? Meeting the rest of the team?”

My stomach flipped with nerves, but I nodded. “I want to. I want to be part of your world.”

“You already are. I’ve got morning skate at eight tomorrow,” he said at the door. “But I’ll leave your ticket at Will Call. Same section as last time.”

After he left, I stood in my living room, still wearing the jersey, and took a selfie. Then I texted it to Danny.

Evan

Don’t say anything.

Danny

I’m not saying anything.

Danny

I’m just sitting here not saying anything about the enormous grin on your face in that photo.

Evan

I told you not to say anything.

Danny

That wasn’t anything. That was an observation.

Danny

Whose jersey is that?

Evan

You know whose jersey it is.

Danny

I need to hear you say it.