Page 98 of Meant for Mayhem

“We’re so fucking back, baby!” Logan pulled me into a headlock and kissed my helmet. “Holy shit, I missed you.”

My breaths came hard, but I couldn’t help but smile, feeling the adrenaline taking over.

By the second period, it wasn’t one play.

It was all of them.

Every loose puck seemed to find me. Every breakout started on my stick. Every time New York tried to build momentum, our line shut it down before it ever became dangerous.

I’d spent so much of the last few months thinking about how much I was messing up this whole father gig, but tonight there was nothing left to think about.

Leena was with Shannon, safe and loved.

And suddenly, hockey was fun again.

New York pulled their goalie with over a minute remaining in the third, throwing everything they had at us. The arena rose to its feet, every shot drawing louder cheers than the last, but the chaos never found me. A rebound kicked into the corner, I won the race to it, banked the puck hard off the glass, and watched Carter skate to it in full stride.

As if a 2-0 lead wasn’t good enough, the empty-net goal sealed it.

The horn sounded a few seconds later, and we walked away with the W.

Gloves slapped helmets and sticks tapped shoulders while Logan skated over with the grin he only wore after wins like this. “What did your wife feed you today?”

I laughed, pulling my helmet off. “Peace.”

Logan slapped me on the back. “That’s a shame. I would have gone with a different p- word, but that’s just me.”

I shoved him away before looking up toward the stands one last time.

Shannon was already gathering her things while Nolan held a bouncing Leena on his empty seat. Even from the ice, I caught the smile my wife sent my way before disappearing up the stairs with Leena tucked against her shoulder.

Somehow, that felt better than the win.

The locker room buzzed with energy that only came after a road win. Music blasted through the speakers while equipment hit the floor one piece at a time, guys reliving plays and giving each other shit.

I hurried toward the showers, letting the hot water rinse away the sweat clinging to me. By the time I pulled on a pair of jeans and a shirt, I was the first one ready to leave.

Richard was waiting outside my stall.

I sighed. “I know that look.”

“You skipped this afternoon’s interview.” He tucked his clipboard under one arm. “So this is the look of someone who’s done asking nicely.”

“I’ve got somewhere to be.”

“So do they.” He pointed toward the hallway leading to the interview room. “You’ve skipped every media availability since you came back. Tonight’s not optional. There are fines attached for another skipped interview.”

I scrubbed a towel through my hair. “Five minutes.”

“That’s all I’m asking.”

I pulled out my phone.

Mikko

Post-game interview. Have George take you and Leena back to the hotel. I’ll meet you there.

She liked my message almost immediately.