Attacking Zone (Utah Fury Hockey Book 4)

by Brittney Mulliner

  Miami had possession, but Erik and Reese were closing in. Noah got the puck away and passed it to Erik. He turned and got it past the neutral zone and into the attacking zone. Wyatt was open and waiting. Erik passed the puck and without missing a beat Wyatt turned and shot it in.

  They scored!

  The entire restaurant exploded with cheers.

  “Yes!” I stood and clapped while Joey simply nodded.

  “I told you. Our boys have this in the bag.”

  We watched the rest of the game, barely touching our food, in this same fashion. I was stressed, unable to sit still, while Joey calmly ate and nodded when they scored.

  The game was over. The Fury won six to three. The guys wanted it. Everyone could see.

  All I wanted was to be able to see Wyatt. I wanted him to know I was watching and cheering for him…and his team.

  Joey turned around on her stool and leveled me with a look. “This can’t go on, Kendall.”

  I looked from her to the plates to the TV and back to her. “What do you mean?”

  “You’re hurting. He’s hurting. You need to try again.”

  I shook my head. “I can’t. I can’t go through that again.”

  She stood up and threw a few bills on the counter before tugging me by my elbow out the door. “I know it’s going to be hard. I know it will be uncomfortable, but it’s something you need to do.”

  I tried to protest, but she wasn’t having it.

  “You need to think big. Show him what he’s missing. Show him that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to get him back.”

  “I don’t know how.”

  She smirked. “It’s a good thing you’ve got friends that do.”

  “You?”

  She laughed and shook her head. “Oh no. You’ve got the Pride.”

  “How did you know about them?”

  “I know all.” She winked before laughing again. “They came in to check up on you while you were still out sick. I told them where you were and that was that.”

  “You gave my address to strangers?”

  She shrugged. “They seemed nice enough.”

  I rolled my eyes. That must have been the day they came over. “Well, I’ll try.”

  “That’s all you can do, sweetie.”

  She started walking down the street leaving me alone with my thoughts. She was right. I needed to fix this. It couldn’t be too late.

  I pulled out my phone and hurried to my car.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Wyatt

  There were really no words to explain the feeling of playing in a Stanley Cup finals game. Reporter after reporter asked me to describe it, but I would just give them one word.

  Incredible. Unimaginable. Otherworldly.

  We were up by two games going into game four and we were playing at home. We had the advantage. I repeated that to the guys over and over. We couldn’t get psyched out. I could see the look in the rookies’ eyes. Noah was trying to keep his composure, but I knew he was freaking out.

  “This is just another game. We’re going to go out there and do what we do every single day. We have the ability to win this. We just have to stick to what we know. Got it?”

  Two dozen heads nodded in response.

  The lights flashed toward our tunnel and I heard my name announced. I ran out and onto the ice in an explosion of applause and cheers.

  It was deafening.

  It was exhilarating.

  If we were lucky, it would intimidate Miami.

  I skated around the ice, taking in the energy flowing off the crowd. They were pumped. They came to see us. They wanted us to win.

  That was what I needed to focus on.

  Kendall had entered my mind a few times through the past few days, but I shoved thoughts of her out. Far away from my attention. As much as I missed her, I’d done the right thing for the team.

  After all we’d gone through this season, they deserved my best.

  The national anthem and first puck drop occurred while I was on automatic mode. I was running through plays in my mind. Considering options of how to start the game.

  I wanted to throw Miami off from the very beginning. Score early and get in their heads. Make them think the game was over as soon as it started.

  Erik was next to me and I leaned over, trying to be discreet. “We’re going to start with the rookie in the corner.”

  He looked at me with raised brows. “Really? Are you sure?”

  I nodded. “He’s got this.”

  The ice was cleared, and our first line stayed on the ice, ready for play to start.

  I stopped next to Noah and nodded once. “You’re on.”

  He looked panicked for a second before smiling. “Got it, Cap.”

  Reese and Brassard picked up on the change and were ready. I went to the face off and winked at the Miami player across from me. “You look tired. Don’t worry, we’ll end this in two games and you can go home and rest.”

  He glared at me and hesitated when the referee dropped the puck giving me a split-second advantage. I got possession and immediately passed to Erik. Miami was ready for this. They knew Erik was my go-to. What they didn’t expect was for him to pass it to Brassard. I got into possession near the net and instantly had two players on me. Good. I wanted as many as I could. They assumed I was waiting for the puck, so I could score. I was actually just making sure I had a good view for what was coming.

  Noah got to the right corner, his secret sweet spot, and watched.

  Brassard passed to Reese who turned and dodged a defender before passing it cleanly to Noah.

  No one saw that coming. Reese was in a great position to pass to me. It was like they forgot we had a fifth player.

  Noah slapped his stick against the ice, sending the puck straight through the goalie’s hands and into the net.

  I cheered before it went in. I knew it. I could see the line.

  The alarm sounded, and the lights went dark with a spotlight on Noah.

  He was grinning from ear to ear. His first goal in a final’s game. This was a moment he would remember for the rest of this life. He would tell his children about it. His children’s children. I skated over and patted him on the back.

  “Nice shot.”

  He shook his head. “Thanks for the set up.”

  I nodded and went back to center ice. We were a long way from the end of the game. We couldn’t get too excited yet.

  There was no feeling like this.

  No other win felt this good.

  I said that every year, but it was true. It just kept getting better.

  The fans were insane.

  Miami never scored.

  It wouldn’t get better than this.

  “That was a great game, guys,” Coach said. “Let’s not get too excited though. We still have one more game to win.”

  I nodded as Coach spoke next to me. “Miami finally knows what they’re up against and they’re going to fight next game. They aren’t going to go down easy.”

  There were a few mumbled comments, but Coach ignored them.

  “We’re going to their territory next. We lost a game there. Don’t forget that.”

  A few of the guys had the decency to look humbled. Erik was not one of them. He just sat back and smirked. I eyed him. Now was not the time to make a smart remark.

  His eyes challenged me, but he kept silent. Good choice.

  “We’re opening the doors in five minutes. Shower quickly or wait until after the interviews are done.”

  There were only a few guys that took the risk of being caught in only a towel when the cameras rolled in. I wouldn’t chance it. I knew I’d be hounded and a small, very immature, part of me hoped the worse I smelled the shorter the interviews would be.

  “Who’s the MVP, Coach?” Brassard yelled out with a wide smile.

  Coach looked around. We normally voted, but I had a feeling things would be unanimous tonight. “I think we should go with the surprise goal.�
��

  He picked up the gold helmet that we rotated as MVP was decided and walked to Noah. “This is yours tonight.”

  Noah looked gob smacked. It was his first time receiving the honor. “Thank you, Coach.”

  I started clapping and soon the rest of the team joined. Noah stood and took a few mock bows. Just when he sat back down, the doors opened and dozens of people poured into the room.

  I went to my locker and sat down. This was the routine. It made it easier for reporters to find me. I barely had a chance to get comfortable before three mics were shoved in my face.

  “What are you thinking right now, Wyatt?”

  I eyed the first mic. That you need to back up, sir. “I’m really happy with how the whole team performed. They’ve all worked hard all year, and they really deserved this win.”

  For the next forty minutes I answered the same questions while trying to change up my responses enough to keep them all happy. I didn’t understand how they expected me to have a new brilliant answer when they asked the same question as the person next to them.

  I was exhausted, and they wanted me to be clever?

  Not a chance.

  Security came through and started kicked out the reporters. Family and friends were allowed to stay, but no more press. Thank heaven.

  Emma, Chloe, Madeline, and Colby walked in together, leading the rest of the Pride. They went directly to their significant others while I watched. Alone.

  It was hard not to feel bitter when I saw the happy couples. They had it all. Even the rookie. Why was I the one that had to sacrifice? Just because I was captain?

  I shook it off and smiled at them. It wasn’t their fault I was single.

  I turned to gather my things to shower when someone tapped my back. I looked over my shoulder expecting to see a child or fan, but it was neither.

  “Kendall?”

  She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Hi.”

  What? How? Why?

  My brain had reverted to its caveman setting. One-word questions only.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be here.” She took a step back, but I caught her arm before she could leave.

  “Why are you here?”

  She bit her lip and I had to look away. That always got to me. I hated it. She only did it when she was nervous or anxious. I never wanted her to feel that way around me.

  “I’ve been thinking about you. Us. I made so many mistakes, Wyatt. I know that, and it kills me.”

  She stopped and closed her eyes. She looked pained. I opened my mouth, but she spoke again.

  “I’m so sorry for everything I did. For running away. For pushing you out. For lying. I would give anything for the chance to could take it all back.” She swallowed. “I’m learning just how delicate life is and how little time we have.”

  My heart clenched. I wanted to reach out, pull her in and hold onto her. I didn’t though. I needed to hear what she had to say.

  She spoke again. “I know you have your priorities. I respect that. It’s actually one of the things I like most about you. You put everyone else first. Their needs before your own. I saw that, and I didn’t want to take advantage of it. I didn’t want you to watch me go through treatments. I didn’t want you to waste your time on me.”

  Anger quickly boiled inside me, but she continued.

  “I know that’s wrong. I know I’m hard on myself.” She turned and looked to where the girls were standing watching us. “It took a few people talking some sense into me, but now I know. The people in our lives that matter will be there for us no matter what. They want to be there. I’ve always felt so guilty about being alive. Both my parents died, but I didn’t go with them. Uncle David gave up his life to raise me. I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone else sacrificing for me.”

  I really couldn’t imagine what she’d gone through. There had to be plenty of lies she’d told herself over the years. It wasn’t her fault. Her life had been harder than most. She needed to see that people could love her without obligation. They could choose to be there for her.

  Guilt washed over me. I should have taken the time to understand this. The girls had. They helped her. I’d kicked her out of my life when things got hard.

  “Kendall, I’m sorry, too”

  She put her hand up to stop me.

  “Please don’t say that. You have nothing to apologize for.” She looked into my eyes and I saw the emotions whirling in hers. “I know you told me you were done. I know you need to focus, so I’m not here to ask you for another chance.”

  “You’re not?” Why was she here then? I couldn’t handle another round of breaking up with her. I wouldn’t survive watching her walk away one more time.

  “No. I’m here to show my support.” She waved down and I realized she wasn’t wearing anything with the Harbor’s logo. She was wearing a black Fury t-shirt.

  I smiled and almost laughed.

  She smiled back, much shier than I’d ever seen. “I’m here to let you know that I’ll wait.”

  “For what?”

  “For you. I was greedy when we first met. I expected you to change into what I wanted. I realize how unfair that is. So, I’m going to wait for you to be ready. I’ll be here for every game. I’ll cheer you on for the rest of your career. When you’ve decided that the timing is right, I’ll be there.”

  Was she really saying what I thought she was? What woman would do that? An indefinite promise?

  “You will?”

  She nodded. “Take as long as you need. The team comes first. I won’t bother you again. I’ll give you space.”

  Huh. “Okay.”

  She smiled. “Okay.”

  Without another word, she turned and waved to the girls as she walked out. So that was it? She came here to tell me she was going to wait for me? What if I never changed my mind?

  I would. I knew I would. She was special. I wanted to give us another chance. I had a feeling we’d get it right this time.

  I looked over to the girls and all four of them waved back.

  Conspiring against me. I never thought the day would come.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Kendall

  Miami had won the last game so the series was at three to two with the Fury leading. The guys were back home, so Chloe got me tickets to watch them win. This was the final game, hopefully. I felt it in my bones. The Fury would win.

  I walked into the arena this time feeling as jittery as one of the guys prepping for the team. Actually, I was probably even more nervous than them.

  I looked around the hall packed with fans. Chloe told me to meet her here, but I didn’t see her. I spun and looked back outside. This was the right place. I checked the time. I was two minutes early. She would be here.

  “Kendall!” I turned at the sound of my name. Chloe and Colby were running toward me. Relief washed over me. They hadn’t abandoned or forgotten about me.

  “Hi guys.”

  Chloe held out a jersey for me. “Since you promised you wouldn’t wear Harbor colors anymore, I figured you could use one of these.”

  I took it and held it up. Hartman was spelled out across the back. Wyatt’s jersey. “Thank you.”

  She smiled and nodded. “Come on. We’ve got your pass.”

  Colby linked her arm through mine and led the way through the crowd to an elevator that required an electric key. Chloe held a black tag from her keys up to the sensor and the doors opened. While we were inside I slipped the jersey over my shirt. When I caught my reflection I almost laughed. If only Uncle David could see me now. He’d disown me.

  “We saved you a spot with the Pride. We sit pretty low, but I doubt he’ll notice you.”

  I nodded, too nervous to speak. I didn’t want to distract him. I’d made Chloe and the other girls swear to secrecy. I didn’t want Wyatt knowing I was coming. I didn’t want him to lose focus, but I also didn’t want to hear about how he reacted to the news. That would have to come after the game.

  “Down
here.” Colby smiled at the security guard checking tickets and started down the stairs.

  Music was blasting over the speakers. Some new rap song that was probably supposed to pump up the crowd. The seats were packed. I was still in shock that Chloe got me in. This was game five of the Stanley Cup Finals. You can’t just decide you want to go the day before. That is, unless you have really good connections.

  Which I did.

  Thanks to Wyatt.

  I couldn’t wait to tell Uncle David about this. Maybe if I broke the news about being friends with some of the player’s wives first, the sting of betrayal would lessen. If things went well with Wyatt, I could promise to bring my uncle to a playoff game next season.

  Whoa. I was getting too far ahead of myself.

  Emma stood when she saw us and gave me a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  I hugged her back before stepping away. “Thanks.” I took a deep breath. At least they were happy to see me.

  “We saved this seat for you.” She patted the open spot next to her.

  I sat and felt a squeeze on my shoulder. I turned, and Madeline was leaning forward from the next row. “You doing okay?”

  She looked serious. Not like she was just causally asking how my day was. There was a lot to her simple question.

  “I am. Hopefully I’m doing better by the end of the night.”

  She smiled and nodded. “I hope so too.”

  She leaned back as I turned forward. Chloe scooted past and sat on my other side. “I know you’re nervous, but just enjoy this moment. The boys are in the finals. Soak that in.”

  How could I not? This was a huge moment for me, but I couldn’t imagine what the team was going through. Three years in a row to the finals. A team hadn’t won three championships in a row since 1964, but if any group of players could break that record, it was the Fury. Wyatt was an amazing captain and the team had been so in sync this season, they were unstoppable.

  I took in the energy of the fans, buzzing, waiting for the game to start.

  Minutes later the lights dimmed, and the music changed. The announcer introduced the Miami team to little applause then the first line of the Fury. When Wyatt stepped onto the ice the arena went crazy. I couldn’t believe it. He was their hero. They loved him. And I was the fool that left him.