AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He didn’t say anything else. Grandpa Stanley drew me into a hug, and when he pulled back, he was smiling proudly. He nodded once and turned, walking down the hall, probably on his way to his seat.
I stood like a complete fool in the hallway, confused, and finally entered the dressing room where Coach Wilkens was waiting…along with Jessa and Coach Hall.
Oh,no.
She looked absolutely fucking gorgeous.
And I was suited up in fresh gear…sweating.
Jessa’s hair was curled softly and pinned back from her heart-shaped face. Her makeup was delicate, precisely applied. Her lips were a bright cherry shade of red that I knew she chose because it matched the color ofplayin the Power Play logo.
Her dress was the exact same shade of cobalt blue as the wordpowerin their logo. It hugged every curve and stopped at her knees, where a slit on the left made it easy for her to move. She wore black heels and stood with her legs crossed, one foot in front of the other.
Her caramel scent filled the room, and she was the center of attention, surrounded by a bunch of amped-up hockey players who were now checking out my girl.
“Sit down and shut up. We’ll go over strategy in a moment. I want to give these two the floor, so keep your traps shut,” Coach Wilkens boomed.
“Thanks, Fred,” Coach Hall said, and he peered down at Jessa with a soft smile. “I’m Andrew Hall, Executive Director for Power Play.”
“And I’m Jessa Cole. I’m the program operator.” She paused and peered up at Coach Hall. He nodded once, and they shared a smile. “We just wanted to thank you for taking the time to train and practice for a pre-season game. We know it’s unusual, but it’s for a good cause. Power Play gives children and youth from low-income families the opportunity to join minor hockey leagues. To be included. To grow and learn and hone their skills with their peers, regardless of their family’s financial status.”
Jessa’s voice waivered, and Coach Hall stepped up, taking over as he tossed his arm around her shoulder to comfort her.
“We are a non-profit that relies on fundraising and events like this to keep afloat. This year has been hard. Some regular fundraisers fell through, leaving us with just enough to place six children this year.”
Six?That was all they had?
Jessa turned her head and wiped at a tear, peeking up at me as she did. I smiled, and she mirrored it, returning her gaze to the team.
“We’re not trying to put any pressure on you. I know that never works,” Coach Hall began, and the players who knew him and his short shot at NHL fame laughed. “We just wanted to thank you. From the bottom of our hearts. Power Play is a family-run…” He paused and cleared his throat. “Family-run organization. It’s just the two of us.”
He squeezed Jessa’s shoulder, and she peered up at him with nothing but pure and sweet love.
“So do your best, and just have fun!” Jessa said with a sweet laugh.
The team cheered and clapped for the duo, and Jessa’s cheeks warmed at all the attention. I tugged off my helmet and stood as Hall and Jessa turned to leave.
“Wait,” I called, my heart swelling when Jessa spun to face me, staring in awe.
I moved toward her, took a breath, and lifted her up for a kiss. My team jeered and applauded around us, but Coach Wilkens silenced them with an ear-splitting whistle.
“I’ll see you after the game, right?” I whispered once I pulled my lips away from hers.
“I’m yours before, during, and after the game, Zachy. Do your best for me, okay?”
“I’ll do better than my best,” I promised.
“I’ll be watching.”
I grinned. “I know.”
I placed her back on her feet and peered over at Coach Hall. He nodded once, his chest puffed out, and he swooped Jessa below his arm before they pushed out of the room.
“Now that he’s gotten that out of his system…let’s talk strategy,” Coach Wilkens began, and I breathed a laugh.
* * *
Jessa walked onto the red carpet that had been rolled on top of the ice, stopping just before she reached me. I was on the first line, and she was dropping the puck. It was mostly for a photo op, and we were both grinning like mad at one another.
