Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 63124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
My chest ached as our eyes met. I knew that things were rocky between him and his parents, who had basically tossed him aside for choosing to be happy. No matter what, he could find family in me and the guys. He didn’t need his parents in his life if they were just going to drag him down and hold him back.
After dinner, we dropped my mom off at her hotel room before Hugo took my hand and led me to his suite. The guys were still out at the bar with the rest of my team, having one last hoorah before finals. I desperately wanted to win, but I would also be happy if we played a close game and gave it our all.
“Did you have a good time tonight?” Hugo asked as we walked at each other’s sides.
“I had a great time,” I told him as I looked up at him. “Thank you again.”
Hugo shook his head.
“No need to thank me. I know she means a lot to you, and I want this trip to be good for both of you. No matter what the outcome of the tournament ends up being,” he said before leaning closer to my ear. “But I know you’re going to win. Your team is truly a championship team. I was wrong to doubt you guys.”
A grateful look crossed my face. It meant a lot to hear him say that. He and the others had been cold to my team for a while for a plethora of personal reasons, but we weren’t the enemy. And we were better than people expected us to be. I was glad that people were finally realizing that.
“Anyone who works their ass off can be good at ice hockey,” I told him. Gender didn’t matter. Where we grew up didn’t matter. It all came down to the player and how badly they wanted to succeed in the sport. That was what mattered.
“All of your hard work is paying off,” Hugo said. “I’m sure you guys will do even better next season. The first one is always the hardest.”
“It was hard, but it makes this experience even more rewarding,” I replied as our eyes locked. With a shared smile, I leaned against his side and tucked myself under his arm. “I’m glad we met, Hugo. I know things haven’t always been easy between us, but the fact that you came to support us means the world.”
I didn’t care about all of the controversy or drama any longer. I didn’t care about the arguments or tension. It was all background noise compared to the emotional connection that sparked between us since day one. I wouldn’t change anything for the world because I was so happy to be in the position that I was in now.
“I hope you’re just as glad to be stuck with me too,” Hugo replied before pressing a gentle kiss against the top of my head. “Because I’ll always be around to support you.”
The answer to his question was obvious.
“Even happier.”
Chapter 24
Leah
The sound of blades hitting the ice and shouts from the crowd filled the arena as the last minute ticked down on the scoreboard.
The score was 2-2, and if neither team scored, we would be forced to go into overtime. The stakes would be even higher, and I was determined to win this final match here and now like we came here to do!
“Watch 26!” I shouted to Anne, pointing to Denmark’s right winger as she skated closer with the puck.
Anne headed after the winger, trying to steal the puck back, but she was dodged around. She dug the blades of her skates into the ice, turning herself around as fast as possible to chase after 26.
Denmark’s right winger passed to the left winger, 47, sailing the puck right between Lily’s legs as she dropped back to help defend.
“Look alive, Carney!” Coach Clinton yelled at me.
I sucked in a deep breath, my eyes tracking the puck as closely as possible. I couldn’t lose sight of it for a second, and it was hard when Denmark’s wingers moved so fast! I knocked the bottom of my stick against the ice in a taunting manner, knowing the shot was coming.
Naomi tried to hurry up and skate toward the left winger to intercept the puck, but the right winger cut her off, giving her teammate open ice to barrel down toward me.
It felt like all of the blood rushed to my head as I readied myself, my eyes tracking the puck and the winger’s stick to try to determine where she was going to shoot. She could go low, to the side, or high up. No matter what, I had to be ready.
“Skyde!” Denmark’s center shouted, telling her teammate to take the shot.
The left winger scooped upward, directing the shot toward the top right corner of the net.