Forever Wild (Wildcat Hockey Book 5)

Pent-up frustration

Two months later

My voice is hoarse, and my throat burns from the yelling I’ve done over the past two months. All of which has been completely worth it to cheer on the Wildcats during the playoffs.

“I can’t look,” Bridget says, bringing her hands up to cover her face and turning around.

“They’ve got this,” I say, smiling as Jack hops over the boards for a shift on the ice.

With less than two minutes to play, the Wildcats are up by one goal. It’s been a tight game. The whole series has been, but there’s never been any doubt in my mind that these guys can do it. They’re playing better than they ever have. Hard work mixed with some playoff magic.

I glance over at Jack’s dad. He and Coach John are standing, along with the rest of the crowd, both with stony expressions that give nothing away.

Typical ex-hockey players, I suppose. I’m not nearly that chill. Every particle of my being bounces with anticipation. I need them to win this thing so I can go down there and kiss the crap out of my man.

As if he’s thinking the same thing, Jack glances up in my general direction. I’m sure he can’t actually see me, but he knows I’m here.

“I love you!” I scream.

It’s so chaotic in here right now, no one even bats an eye except Jade who’s sitting on the other side of me. She’s sometimes as loud as me, but she also has this ability to go completely chill and quiet, which is how she’s been for the entire third period.

“Maybe you should try yelling something more inspiring like, ‘You’re so getting laid if you win!’”

At that, several people do look back at us, but only briefly. The Wildcats goalie makes a glove save and there’s a collective sigh of relief around the arena.

“He’s getting laid either way,” I say.

She nods. “Declan and I had great post-season sex after they lost last year. He really does some of his best work when he needs to work off a loss.”

Piper chuckles from her other side.

“Oh, like you’re one to talk.” Jade looks knowingly at Piper’s baby bump. She’s due next month and I can’t freaking wait.

“It’s true,” Piper says. “They gotta work out all that pent-up frustration or excitement either way.”

I nod then grimace. “Not an image I need of my brother.”

Jack wins the face-off, tipping the puck to Leo. He moves down the ice then passes to Ash. Jack positions himself in front of the goal. Forty-five seconds to go. Ash gets him the puck but two defenders are on him. Always cool under pressure, Jack uses his body and sends it back to Ash who shoots. The puck is blocked by the goalie, and Jack rebounds before I even get eyes on it and the goalpost lights up.

“Oh my god!” I scream as Jack’s arms go up in the air in celebration. His teammates crowd around him and the arena booms with cheers.

It’s hard to see beyond everyone jumping up and down and waving signs and jerseys. When Jack finally skates from the group toward the bench to high-five the rest of his team, his gaze comes back my way.

“You are so getting laid!” I scream and I swear his lips curve up in a smile. Goddamn, I love him.