“Thanks.”

“You’ve got this. I have faith in you.” She beamed at me, and just like that, I felt better, lighter, more capable of going back out there and kicking some ass. How she did that with just a smile, I didn’t know. The power she had over me was starting to get a little disconcerting.

“Come on, guys, we have to win this one for Brick,” Ice said as he stood near the boards with the first line gathered round. I focused my full attention on the game, but the effect of Geneva’s smile stayed with me like bubble wrap protecting me from a bumpy ride.

I tapped my stick on the boards to express my agreement, then sat back to watch the first line take their spots on the puck drop.

Cedric won the drop, and play resumed. Arizona moved quickly to take advantage of Jock, who was cold off the bench. Jock bent down low and deflected the puck like the professional he was. His concentration was flawless, his timing exact, and his determination was not to be denied. He deflected everything they shot at him, practically standing on his head at times to do so.

Late in the third, a pass from Rush to Cave resulted in a score, and we won the game two to one.

I tromped down the hallway to the locker room. My body ached, and all I wanted was a hot shower. I felt better about my game. Even though I hadn’t scored, I had an assist and was finding my zone.

Some of the staff stood in the hallway, as usual after a win, with fist bumps all around, including Geneva. We fist-bumped, and I winked at her. She gave me a nod and a smirk, as if to say I told you that you could do it. That one simple gesture made the win that much sweeter.

In my heart, I knew I was getting in deeper every time I laid eyes on Geneva. She warmed my soul and strengthened my confidence just by being her. I couldn’t explain the feeling, but it was as if we’d known each other for a lifetime, as corny as that sounds. I’d had steady girlfriends before, but none of them lasted long, and not one of them made me feel like Geneva did by just being in her presence. Sex with her would be beyond my wildest dreams. Only I couldn’t go there. Jock would kill me, and the coach would send me packing if I caused any more grief for the team. Being with Geneva wasn’t going to happen except in my nightly fantasies. At least I had those.

The locker room was unusually quiet after a victory. We were all worried about Brick.

My teammates took turns walking over to Jock and congratulating him on a game well played. I waited until the last, knowing I didn’t dare avoid speaking to him, yet dreading the reception I might get.

Jock was sprawled on the bench in his hockey pants and nothing else. He’d long ago stripped out of his pads and jersey.