Melting the Ice(145)

            Now Drew tuned into the Travelers fans who’d made the trip. Despite being in the minority at the stadium, they were pumped. And loud. He tuned into that noise and he and Trick went on the attack, double-teaming a defender. They fought against the boards for the puck, Trick coming up with it and heading toward the goal. Drew stayed in position while Trick, surrounded by defenders, sailed the puck across the ice to him.

            Drew took the shot but the goalie deflected it. New Jersey’s defender took it and handed it off, which meant, with the clock ticking down, they had to rely on their defense.

            New Jersey took a couple shots on goal, but missed.

            The buzzer sounded.

            And goddamn if the Travelers hadn’t won a road game.

            The team took center ice and celebrated as if they’d won the championship. But it was a big win, and one they’d worked hard for. A giant monkey off their back, and Drew hoped now they could move past it and play every game—at home or away—like he knew they could.

            There was a lot of chatter in the locker room, as well as the inevitable media, who had to give them shit about winning their first road game of the season and what it all meant. Drew, as well as the rest of the players, downplayed it, saying it was just another win. But all the guys knew what a big deal this had been, and what it had meant for the team. It was a huge confidence booster, and Drew was convinced this win was going to turn things around.

            “Hogan,” one of the assistants hollered from across the locker room. “You have a visitor.”

            Drew frowned. “Who is it?”

            “Some hot-looking chick. Carolina, she said her name was.”

            Lots of ooohs and whistles. Drew rolled his eyes.

            Carolina was here? In New Jersey? “I’ll be right out.”

            “Carolina came to your road game?” Trick asked. “It must be serious.”

            Drew looked down at Trick, who was getting ready to take a shower. “It is serious. I’m in love with her.”

            Trick just stared up at him, then grinned. “Well fuck me. Congratulations, buddy.”

            “Thanks.”

            He got dressed and went outside the locker room. Carolina was wearing tight jeans, knee-skimming boots, and a long red coat. He’d never seen a more beautiful sight.

            He dragged her into his arms and planted a big kiss on her, much to the happiness of the lingering media, who took pictures. He didn’t care.

            She smiled up at him. “Great game tonight.”

            Moving them away from the photographers and video crews, he led her down a side hallway. “I can’t believe you’re here. In New Jersey.”

            “A relationship goes both ways, Drew. It can’t just be you being there for me. It also means I’ll be there for you whenever I can. I told you I believed in you, and, win or lose, I was going to be in the stands cheering for you tonight.”

            An ache formed in the pit of his stomach, an even bigger one swelling his heart. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

            “You were there for me when I needed you. And even if I’m not physically here, I’ll always be your biggest cheerleader.”

            He brushed his lips across hers. “I love you, Carolina.”

            “I love you, too. Now when do you get back to the city?”

            “Bus leaves in about thirty.”

            “Good. So when you get back, unless you’re planning to go out and celebrate with the team, I know this great cheeseburger place.”