game, to think through the plays, the results. And based on that review, he could decide whether he’d had a good game or not, in a way that was independent of the score sheet. Not tonight, though.
And there was the issue of being half-starved. His daily requirements were over five thousand calories, and today he felt as though he was two thousand short. He rushed through his shower and, once dressed, headed to the post-game meal where he ate so fast, he practically inhaled his pasta with a rose sauce loaded with chicken and spinach, and his side order of rib eye.
Karl placed his plate on the table and sat next to Anders just as he was finishing up. “You were on fire tonight, though. Two goals and one assist. Keep that up and you’ll be a shoo-in for alternate captain next season.”
Normally, Anders would remind Karl that staying in Denver was not his choice. But tonight, he didn’t have the time or inclination.
“Thanks,” he said, hoping to stop Karl’s commentary. He opened his phone and saw a message from Olivia.
We agreed to three points, but I think I’m going to need to stipulate for future bets that you come off the ice in one piece. That’s more important to me than the points.
By his reckoning, she’d sent it minutes after he’d been nailed into the boards. His heart squeezed a little at the thought she was worried about him. He typed his reply.
You know what’s more important to me right now, Liv?
Stretching? LOL!
Three points. Three dates. You want me to come off the ice… I want you to come in my bed.
Three little dots had hovered in the bottom of his screen for a long while before she replied. He’d thrown her off. Something that seemed easy to do.
You’ve remembered an orgasm doesn’t always happen, right?
Neither does three points in a game, but I seemed to have made it happen for you.
I’m serious, Anders.
So am I! But, yeah. I remember.
And he had remembered. It was why he’d put on sunglasses, a beanie, and a scarf to go to the store to buy some supplies to complement the online order that had already arrived to help ensure he did everything he could to help Liv get off.
Kämpe?
Yes, Anders.
Whatever we do, it’ll be fun. Sex doesn’t have to be heavy and serious. Don’t let your enjoyment of the game depend on the result.
Says the guy who scored three points.
I’m on a roll, Liv. I’m bound to score again tonight.
Cocky.
Confident.
Karl gestured in the direction of Anders’s phone. “Liv?”
Anders nodded.
“I like her,” Karl said. “I like you and her. And if a night with her leads to you playing like you did . . .”
“She wasn’t there last night,” Anders replied, grabbing his bag from the seat next to him.
“Maybe. But the way you’re racing out of here, I’m guessing she’s there now. Night, pysen.”
“God natt, skitstövel.” He wasn’t really an asshole, but Karl knew he was teasing.
When he pulled into the drive, he found Olivia sitting on the step, a small bag perched next to her. She looked as pretty as a picture in a warm coat and hat, but he couldn’t wait to get her inside.
Anders parked the car and walked up the drive until he stood in front of her. He dropped his bag and offered her his hand to help her stand.
“You were amazing tonight,” she said. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled.
“Isn’t that something you are supposed to say tomorrow morning?”
“Oh my god, you’re so cocky.” She playfully slapped his arm, but he captured her hand and kissed the tips of her fingers.
“As I said. Confident. Let’s get inside.”
Anders picked up their two bags and let her into his house. Warmth hit him as he slipped out of his coat and hung it over the newel post.
When she opened her coat and slid it off her shoulders, he couldn’t help but grin. As she turned to hang it over his own, he felt his heart trip a little. The number forty-six and his name graced the back of the Rush jersey she was wearing.
“I’m glad you wore this.” He grabbed the surplus fabric at her waist and pulled her to him.
Olivia shrugged, but she blushed a little.
A happy quiet settled over the two of them. They were two of a kind. Happier when the outside world was just that. Outside. Anders cupped her cheeks and kissed her, slowly at first, but with a growing need.
“Did you eat?” he