Maggie spent most of the second intermission bemoaning missed chances. She was incensed by another blown call on a cheap shot late in the period.
“That bloke smashed Juergen into the boards from behind. That can’t be legal.”
“It isn’t.” His stomach roiled. He had to tell her about the repercussion that was coming.
“I was amazed Juergen got straight up. You must be black-and-blue after every game.”
“Maggie. There’s something you should know.”
She turned to him, curious.
Just spit it out. “There’ll be a fight next period.”
Her expression cooled. “Is this part of that Code?”
He nodded. “The guy who hit Juergen has to know we won’t stand for dirty plays.”
“If the referee had been watching properly, there wouldn’t need to be a fight.”
Jake sighed. “Yeah, there would. To tell the opposition we’ll defend our players.”
“That’s vigilante justice.” She crossed her arms.
Anger rose as she dismissed his explanation. His sport. “It keeps the game clean and prevents injuries.”
“They get injured by fighting instead. That’s sensible.” Her lip curled.
“Better than breaking some guy’s neck.”
The announcement for the third period drowned out her muttered reply.
When they took their seats, Maggie held herself stiffly. No chance of accidental contact.
She was probably the only person in the arena not to stand and cheer the fight. As the Cats’ player downed his opponent with a well-placed punch, she looked disgusted.
Damn it.
From there, the game and his evening went downhill. Two more Ice Cats penalties led to two more Carolina goals. As time wound down, it was clear they couldn’t recoup the loss.
Maggie seemed to lose interest and kept looking at her watch.
Any ground he’d gained tonight had vanished. He’d gambled and lost.
* * *
THE HORN SOUNDED for the end of the game.
As the Ice Cats headed off the ice, Maggie reflected on the third period. Stupid macho men with their stupid macho codes.
Around her, people gathered their things. The Badolettis put on their coats. Emily begged Tracy for a trip to the souvenir booth.
Jake sat silently beside her, lost in his own thoughts. She knew her reaction to the fight had disappointed him.
Tough. She was entitled to her opinion and was damned if she’d be scared of voicing it because she was worried about upsetting him. He’d have to deal with it if he wanted to spend time with her. And if he didn’t...? She didn’t let the unsettling thought form.
Not wanting the evening to end on a bad note, she said, “I enjoyed the game, Jake. Thanks for inviting me.”
Surprise mingled with doubt in his blue eyes.
She leaned closer. “I’m glad I came.”
“You don’t have to say that for my sake.”
She smiled at his stiff tone. For a tough guy, he had a tendency to pout.
“I’m not. I didn’t like the fight, but the rest was fun. Emily loved it.”
“Yeah? Good.” Jake’s grin sent flashes of heat skipping through her body. How could a simple curve of those lips be so wicked?
“Mummy, look what Auntie Tracy bought for me.” Emily rushed toward them waving a stuffed black-and-white cat in a red Ice Cats jersey. “This is Catty and he has a top like mine.” She frowned. “Catty doesn’t have Mr. Jake’s name on his.”
“I could write my name on the back with my Sharpie,” Jake offered.
“Yes, please.” Her daughter handed over the cat.
Maggie knew Jake hadn’t thought about the logistics of his offer when he looked up with panic in his eyes.
“Problem?” She bit back a grin.
“Badoletti is a long name.”
“And that is a small jersey.”
It warmed her heart to see Jake, who was unfazed by players slamming his body into Plexiglas, scared of disappointing her little girl.
“You could write Bad above the number and Boy below.”
Emily cheered as Jake did what Maggie suggested, then yawned.
“Time to go,” Maggie said reluctantly.
“Why don’t I take Emily home?” Tracy offered. “You hang out here a bit longer.”
“I can give you a ride home,” Jake added.
Loath to end the evening, Maggie’s pulse leaped at the thought of spending more time with Jake. “Don’t you have to join the team?”
“Come with me. The boys go to a local Tex-Mex place, which is pretty good.”
One arched look from her sister was enough. “Sounds great.”
After a flurry of goodbyes, silence fell in the empty suite. The muffled sounds of the cleanup crew came from the hallway outside, along with a clattering from the ice where a basketball court was being laid for the following day.