Slap Shot (D.C. Stars, #3)

by Chelsea Curto

“Did you set me up on a blind date? My shirt has a hole in it, Piper. That’s not how I make a good first impression. And I didn’t bring wine. Flowers. Anything.”

“Executive chef? That sounds important.” She looks at me over her shoulder with a proud grin. “It is.”

turn and open the cabinet behind me so I can grab a few glasses. “Madeline? Do you want some?”

Easy E No way. He probably calls her Mommy. I would! Mavvy I’m going to break your jaw.

Maverick turns to look at me and gives me a nod. It’s his subtle way of telling me to take my time.

Riley—focus on the game, not what someone is saying about your girl,” I tell them. “She’s not my girl,” Riley grits out. “You look at her like she’s your girl,” Mav teases.

You’re in charge here, Madeline. Tell me how you want me to introduce myself to her, and I’ll go off your directions,” Hudson says. “And if it doesn’t work out, I’ll help you find a place where you and Lucy can be comfortable.”

I like knowing she hangs around the kitchen and pretends to clean up while I eat dinner because she likes me as a person, not me as an athlete.

That was a really nice goal you scored, by the way. I think I could get into hockey.

find an open chair and take off my sneakers. “You’re sure on the ground a lot tonight.” “I don’t mind.” His mouth hitches up in a smirk. “There are worse places to be.”

Sorry for the awkward clip. That’s how you say mommy loves you. Can you pass that along to Lucy? Or show her? Me I’d be happy to. Have fun tonight, KG. I promise your girl is in good hands. Madeline I know she is.

“That must’ve been really hard for you,” Piper says, and it helps to bring the violence level down a degree.

Hudson blinks, and it’s like he moves from unconscious to wide awake in the span of two seconds. His gaze roams down my body, and he’s never looked at me like this. Intentionally, and without an hurry.

But I’ve never seen anyone, not even my ex-husband when we were at our happiest, look at someone the way Maverick looks at Emmy.

“Gosh. You really are something else, Mads. A sight for sore eyes.”

“Madeline,” I murmur. “Yeah?” she whispers. “Maybe we should kiss,” I tell her, not fully knowing what I’m saying. But those lips… and the corner of her mouth… “To see if it brings us good luck.” “You want to kiss me because you want good luck?” “Yeah. But I also want to kiss you because I’ve been thinking about it for weeks.”

“Next time you come to a game, don’t show up in someone else’s jersey.” His fingers trace the outline of the letters spanning across my shoulders. They dance down my spine, and my eyes flutter closed. “I’ll buy you a hundred jerseys with my name on them so you never run out.”

“I, uh, bought these the other day. Not because I assumed anything would happen,” he adds, and I do my best to not laugh at his backpedaling. “Just, you know. In case. Wishful thinking.”

“I can’t believe I get to have you like this.”

His mouth stretches into a grin, and I give him one right back. “My name looks good on you, Galloway.”

“Let’s get a move on. We have a busy day, and I refuse to lose tonight when Sarah is watching.”

It was nice. She is nice.

“Who gives a shit if she doesn’t want to get married? Look at me! I was so against monogamy, and now I’m wondering how I can order a fucking casket that fits two people so I can hold Emmy’s hand when we’re dead.

Love is what you make it, dipshit.”

This is the most important moment in my life. Bigger than the Stanley Cup win. Bigger than any contract I could ever sign, and I’m so excited, I’m going to be sick.

How my heart beats fast when you’re around.” “It does not.” “Does to.” He takes my hand, resting it on his chest. I feel it beating rapidly, and it makes me blush. “Told you.”

“I’m sorry I missed your game. I heard you scored a goal.” “It’s not important. What can I do to help you, Mads?” “I want to go home,” she says, and I love that’s what she calls the condo. I love that she feels like the place is hers, because it is. “Please.”

Mine. Mine, mine, mine. Lucy and Madeline are mine, and I’ll do anything it takes to keep them safe.