Page 19 of Pucking Only
I glance over at Grace, who’s once again behind the wheel of her car. She has an amused grin spread across her face. “It’s not like it’s the first day of school or something. I’m just going to meet the rest of the Night Hawks and watch a practice. That’s all.”
Stopping at a red light, Grace looks away from the road over at me. She’s driving us to the stadium for my first day observing the team. She’s nervous, as if she wants to make sure a good impression is made. I’m not sure if she wants me to make a good impression, or the team.
“I know,” she says, turning her gaze forward again and chuckling softly. “I just want everything to go smoothly for you. I love the team, but the guys can be a bit rough now and then.”
“Grace, come on,” I say, smirking. “This is me, remember? I’m all about rough and dirty. If our history is accurate then you’re the one who refused to get to know any hockey players, let alone an entire team. Thank goodness you had me to talk some sense into you and that Jensen and I were able to pull that stick out of your ass.”
She rolls her eyes. “You know what? You’re right… you’re going to fit right in with those animals.”
I laugh. “Exactly. It’s going to be fun.”
When Grace and I arrive at the stadium, I'm struck by its impressive and modern exterior. It’s a sleek structure of steel and glass that stands out against the city skyline. The facade is made up of large glass panels.The entrance is framed by massive steel beams that arch overhead, creating a sense of grandeur as we walk beneath them. Above the main entrance, a giant digital screen displays highlights from recent games as well as information about the upcoming games.
A plaza extends from the front entrance. The path is lined with statues of who I’m assuming are noteworthy players ofthe past. Surrounding the stadium are well-manicured gardens and walkways with trees and shrubs adding a touch of greenery to the urban setting.
Grace leads me in through the team entrance. We stop at security to get me a temporary badge so I can come and go with ease. Once we’re finished with that process, Grace turns to me with a wide, if somewhat nervous smile.
"Ready to meet the team?" she asks.
"Let’s do this," I reply with a nod.
We make our way down a long, wide corridor toward the locker room and coaches offices.
“Hang out here for a second,” Grace says when we’re standing outside an office with the words ‘Coach Sullivan’ emblazoned on a plaque on the door. “Let me text Jensen and tell him we’re here, and he’ll grab the coach for us.”
“Okay,” I nod.
She pulls out her phone and sends a quick message. Within moments, Jensen walks out of the locker room and smiles at us. He’s wearing his hockey pants and a form fitting Under Armor shirt that shows off his impressive six pack and pecs. I have to remind myself that he belongs to Grace to keep from staring at him for too long.
“Hey there, ladies,” he says. “Ready to meet everyone?”
“Sure are, handsome,” Grace purrs, grabbing the front of his shirt and pulling him in for a lingering kiss. I clear my throat to remind them they’re not alone. Grace pulls back from him, a blush staining her cheeks. “Will you go get the coach for us?”
“You got it, sweetheart,” he replies. He swats her ass as he moves past her on his way into the coach’s office.
“You two are real sluts for each other,” I sigh.
Grace beams at me. “Yes. Yes we are.”
Standing in the hallway, I'm hit by a mix of sweat, leather,and fresh ice. I can hear a commotion coming from the locker room just a few doors down and assume the team is gearing up for practice. Jensen returns a few moments later with a tall, burly looking man with a creased forehead and rudy cheeks.
“Skyler, this is Coach Sullivan,” Jensen says. “Coach, this is Grace’s best friend, Skyler McKenzie.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Skyler,” Coach Sullivan says with a nod. “We’re excited to have you here. The guys are all looking forward to meeting you.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting them, Coach,” I reply with a smile.
“I’ll go in and make sure everyone’s decent,” Coach continues. “Then you can come in and meet everyone before they hit the ice for practice.”
“Sounds good,” I nod. I so want to make a comment about getting my own private peep show in the locker room. But, I bite my tongue and remind myself to stay professional.
Coach moves past us into the locker room. After kissing Grace on the cheek, Jensen follows close behind. Grace and I wait a few minutes before the coach comes back to give us the all clear.
“Come on in, ladies,” he says.
We follow him inside. Suddenly, we are surrounded by a herd of large, beefy men. They all turn as Grace and I enter the room. At first, I think they’re going to swarm us like a pack of wolves. Instead, they’re more like a pack of puppies, gazing down at me with wide-eyed curiosity and excitement. Grace starts introducing me to everyone. Four of the guys stand out from the rest of the team. When Grace introduces them, her tone takes on a more familiar tone.
"Skyler, this is Zander, Cruz, Wilder, and Jayce," she says, pointing to each player in turn. “They’re the starters, alongwith Carson and Jensen. Wilder plays left wing, Jayce plays right wing, Cruz left defense, and Zander is right defense.”