Gametime: A Moo U Hockey Romance by Jami Davenport (shoe dog free ebook txt) 📗

in order to return them, and we didn’t bring that subject up again.

We won our away game with Northeastern Friday night. I scored twice, and Patrick didn’t score at all. My brother was having a few off weeks, and I got the distinct impression he blamed me, which I resented. He didn’t come out and say it, but his actions and those scathing glares he sent my way communicated his feelings quite well. Patrick was a good captain, but lately he’d been barking orders indiscriminately, causing the guys to give him the side-eye. No one said anything because we kept winning, but we weren’t gelling as a team, and everyone knew it.

My father flew in for the weekend, leaving me wondering if he was maxing out a few credit cards this year in order to attend all these games. I knew he didn’t have the money, but his finances were none of my concern. He didn’t contribute a penny to my college education, a fact I was proud of. Naomi’s father, on the other hand, wasn’t present, so I wouldn’t be subjected to dinner out with my family and him. Naomi and I had made plans to get a bite to eat in the hotel cafe and look for a quiet, private place to get some alone time.

The team spent the night in Boston before being bussed to UConn the next morning.

I showered and dressed quickly, anxious to see Naomi. I was putting on my shoes when Coach Garf came up to me. “Pax, you have some people here to see you.”

“I do?” I racked my brain and couldn’t come up with any reason I’d have visitors during an away game.

Garf’s smile was secretive. “You do.”

My brother stood nearby, and I caught his surprised expression. He occasionally had a visitor to the locker room, but I did not.

Garf winked at me and patted me on the arm. “Don’t keep them waiting.”

I rushed to my feet and grabbed my jacket, heading for the door. I knew, whoever they were, this was big. Nervous yet hopeful, I stepped into the corridor. Unable to contain his curiosity, Patrick was on my heels.

Several of my teammates were gathered around three men nearby. I stopped dead in my tracks and gaped open-mouthed like a dumb shit.

It couldn’t be.

I was seeing things.

Lex broke off from the group. “You’re so fucking lucky. Can I spend an hour in your shoes just once? They came to see you. Watched the last period of the game.”

“They did?”

Lex nodded. “Yeah, you lucky fucker.”

“Wow, Pax, don’t just stand there.” Patrick gave me a gentle shove toward them.

Feeling as if I were in a dream, I stiffly walked forward. The group parted to allow me to join them.

“Paxton, so good to finally meet you.” The brawny, dark-haired man held out his hand. I shook it, still tongue-tied and in awe. When I didn’t speak, he continued, “I’m Cooper Black of the Seattle Sockeyes. This is Isaac ‘Ice’ Wolfe, and Cedric ‘Smooth’ Petersen.”

I nodded dumbly. “I…I know who you all are.” My voice cracked like a young boy approaching puberty.

“Good game tonight, kid.” Smooth clapped me on the back.

“I’d have a hell of a time defending against your slapshot,” Ice said.

“Thank…thank you.”

“If you don’t have plans, we’d like to take you to dinner. Talk to you about the team. Answer any questions you might have.”

“I’m flattered. I…I’d love to.”

“We’re in town, played Boston last night and again tomorrow night. Thought we’d take in a college hockey game and check out our top prospect.”

I was their top prospect? Holy shit. I glanced around for Naomi, wanting her to share this moment with me, but I didn’t see her. Unfortunately, I did spot my father, salivating and hovering nearby. Patrick came around the corner with Naomi. I shot him a smile of gratitude. He’d gone to get her and bring her here. My bro still had my back despite this rough patch.

I stepped back to include them in the circle. “This is my girlfriend, Naomi. My twin brother, Patrick, and my dad, Donald Graham.”

“Your family is welcome to join us,” Coop said graciously, including Naomi in his invitation. “It’s the team’s treat.”

“I never turn down a free meal,” Dad said jokingly. Not that he was joking in the least. He was the biggest mooch I knew. I grimaced at him, but the ass beamed at me like the proud father he sure AF wasn’t.

“Let’s go then.” Coop clapped me on the back. I grabbed Naomi’s hand and winked at her. She gave my hand a squeeze. We walked to a nice restaurant specializing in steaks and seafood and were escorted to a large table near the back of the room.

Coop sat next to me with Naomi on the other side, while Smooth and Ice sat across from us, leaving Dad and Patrick on the end. Used to being the center of attention, Patrick sat in shell-shocked silence, as if he’d fallen down a rabbit hole and had no fucking clue where he’d ended up. I felt the same way myself but for different reasons. To be able to share this moment with the two most important people in my life was beyond awesome.

“My son is excited to be playing for your team next fall,” my father blurted out between bites of the shrimp appetizer.

“We’re looking forward to having him on the team,” Coop said. “The coaches have given us glowing reports.”

“Thank you. I’m humbled.” I didn’t need a mirror to know my face flamed beet red. Under the table, Naomi squeezed my thigh and leaned into me. I appreciated the moral support and encouragement.

“We’re losing a few guys to retirement and looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table.” Ice studied me with an intensity that made me squirm. He was sizing me up, and I hoped I didn’t end up lacking.

“You have a wicked slapshot,” Smooth said.

“Paxton has always had a great slapshot thanks to me. I was a player until an