Stand and Defend (Lakes Hockey Series Book 4)

Seeing Jordan in the stands does something to me. And yeah, I play better when she’s watching. What’s up with that? I’m a cocky son of a bitch, but those goals even surprised me. If I get a hat trick tonight, she will definitely come to more games.

I adjust my gloves while sitting on the bench and squirt my water bottle in my mouth. I glance over my shoulder to see her, and she’s laughing with the other women. Her eyes wander over to me.

Having fun? I mouth.

She presses her hands to both rosy cheeks with a smile. So much fun. She gestures to the chatting wives, and mouths, Thank you.

I wink, and she winks back. Damn, she’s gorgeous. Seeing her in my shirts at home is one thing. It makes me want to fuck her. But seeing my name across her back? It makes me possessive. Makes me want to keep her. This is why the boys walk around with hard dicks whenever their women wear their number. What a messed-up phenomenon.

Not that Jordan’s my woman. Whatever she and I are, it’s our own unique thing. I don’t need to label it. She’s a nice girl who’s become a good friend, and we’re using each other for sex. We share this bizarre yet comforting camaraderie. I like who she is as a person, and she’s so effortless to be around. In fact, she’s one of my favorite people.

It started as a way to keep her safe with me, but now I’m the one who feels safe with her. And we enjoy each other. Why should it be any more complicated than that? I try not to think about the things I do for her that I wouldn’t do for other women. The way I treat her is different, I’m aware, but Jordan’s special. She’s my friend. I’d never let just any girl wear my first game jersey, but today was going to be a big day for her, and I wanted her to wear something meaningful—I just didn’t realize how meaningful it would be for me to see her in it.

I’m up next. I spray water in my mouth from my water bottle and spit it out again.

“Teller!” Coach yells.

Colby skates in, and I swap with him, pounding the ice to get into position. One quick look at her in the stands is all I need. I feel good about this. She’s gonna give me my hat trick.

The puck drops, and I steal it the first chance I get. After a sharp deke to Conway, I shoot from where I am. It soars through the five-hole. Luckiest shot in the world. The fans lose their goddamn minds. I skate by and point at her. You.