Page 79 of Mistletoe Face Off
After their center wins the face off against Dan, Channing receives the pass. He barrels down the ice with confidence, speed, and determination, assuming he's got a clear shot at goal.
He didn’t bank on me.
I pivot, my skates cutting into the ice as I intercept his path, snatching the biscuit from him. He tries to deke around me, but I'm ready for him. With a quick flick of my stick, I slam the puck away from him, sending it flying to Chase.
Take that, jerk!
I move back into position and Chase returns it to me. Channing circles back, trying to regain control of the puck once more. He’s sticking to me like glue, but I'm there at every turn, like I’ve got a psychic connection to the guy tonight, anticipating his every move before he makes it.
The crowd roars their disapproval as I strip the puck from him once more, this time sending a quick pass to Dan. He gives the assist to Chase, who shoots for goal. The puck flies right past their goalie into the net, right where we want it to be. Score!
Our fans are on their feet, cheering and whooping as the team crowds around Chase, congratulating him.
“You did good,” Dan says to him.
“You got it, Cap’ain Dan,” he replies with a grin. Seriously, that guy’s smile is a permanent fixture on his face. The only time I’ve seen him looking unhappy is when we’re way down in a game, and even then he manages to find the positive.
I glance at the scoreboard. 2-2.
I can feel it. We havegotthis.
As the team resets for the face-off, I catch Channing glaring at me.
“Problem, Channing?” I ask, skating past him.
Of course the guy knows I’m dating his ex. It’s been all over the media, with headlines likeClarke and Journalist score Mistletoe Face-OffandWas it a Christmas Miracle? Rivals Become Lovers.
I’ve heard he’s not exactly my biggest fan because of it. But you know what? I couldn’t care less. The guy can't be botheredmaking an effort with his daughter, and any guy who doesn't take his responsibilities as a father seriously isn't a real man in my eyes.
Channing’s response is to shove me, hard, his eyes wild. “You think you're so much better than me, don't you, Clarke? On and off the ice,” he spits at me, getting right in my face, so close I can smell his breath.
I glare back at him, and I admit, for a moment, I'm tempted to drop my gloves and show this guy what I think of him.
But I am so much better than that. And besides, the votes are in for the next captain, and although it hasn't been announced, I'm hopeful I've got it in the bag.
Captains don't fight on the ice, even if they have every right to.
I think of Holly and Macy in the stands, and I take a deep breath.
He shoves me again, pushing me so hard my back hits the plexiglass. “You know Holly was mine first and I could get her back any time I want. You just watch.”
I narrow my eyes at him, my anger spiking. “Get her name out of your mouth,” I say levelly, my tone low and clear.
“Or what? You think you can take me?” he asks, his face full of hatred.
But I can only feel sorry for the guy. He was stupid enough to lose Holly when he had his chance. His loss is my gain.
Before I know what's happening, Hunter has Channing pinned to the plexiglass, growling at him. “You got a problem?” he asks, his tone menacing.
Channing’s eyes flash from mine and back to Hunter’s. I'm sure he'll know Hunter’s reputation. Heck, he's been on the wrong end of “The Enforcer” in other games.
He raises his gloved hands in the air. “Nope. No problem,” he says.
By now both teams have rallied around us, and I need to do what I can to deescalate the situation.
“You boys all good?” Dan asks.
“We're good,” I confirm. I offer my gloved fist to Channing in reconciliation.