We have a great team, and Randy is an excellent front line player. “Home ice advantage should help, shouldn’t it?” “He needs to go into this game with a positive frame of mind, and my biggest concern at the moment is that he’s beating himself up over the loss.” He’s incredibly loyal, and even though it’s the truth, I know all Darren wants to do is protect him. I’ve seen it during the games, and then there’s the conversation Violet and I had.ĭarren chews on the inside of his lip for a few seconds before he gives me a reluctant nod. “Alex is struggling.” It’s not a question. “You can only be as good as your teammates allow, though.” I drag my nails down the back of his scalp and goose bumps flash across his arms. “Not well enough.” He blows out another breath. His smile disappears and his eyes seem to trace over my face.

He cracks a lid and a smile, then lifts his head.

“Unless you feel like you need to lie to me about it to make yourself feel better.” He runs one hand slowly up and down my thigh. “How are you feeling about the game tomorrow night?” When he’s like this, unguarded and at ease, he looks much less severe. I run my fingers through his hair and his head drops back, eyes falling closed. “You can open it before we go to sleep since that’s when it’ll come in handy.” He reaches over and picks up the single wine glass, offering it to me before he takes a sip.

Pucked love