Hands Off The Ice King novel Chapter 172

172: HOPE

Hope’s POV

I glared at Levi as he drove us to the arena where the game between Oakridge and Xavier University was going to take place It was the final game of the Hockey Collegiate League, and Harley had texted that they were already going to start warming

We were running late because Levi had stayed true to his words last night. It felt like we had marked every corner of our house, from the driveway all the way to the living room, then finally to the bedroom and even the balcony,

I shook my head at him, still feeling the heat crawl up my cheeks every time I remembered it.

“What did you do, son?” my dad asked from the backseat, sounding both curious and amused. “Why is Hope upset?”

Levi scratched the back of his neck and grabbed my wrist, placing a soft kiss on the back of my hand.

“Sorry, babe. It’s because of me that we’re late.”

My mom chuckled. “Don’t be too upset, Hope. Your father also just woke up. He had way too much fun last night. Besides, the game hasn’t started yet.”

Levi smiled sheepishly at me. “Sorry,” he said again, and I finally gave in and nodded.

He was lucky he looked cute right now.

Finally, we arrived at the rink. The parking lot was already empty of people, most of them probably inside already, waiting for the game to start. The distant sound of cheering and the muffled announcer’s voice echoed through the air, making my heart beat a little faster..

It was a good thing we had reserved seats because it would be difficult to find seats at this time.

Family perks.

Levi helped my dad out of the car first, effortlessly carrying him in his arms, before my mom took over and wheeled him inside.

Levi and I walked beside each other just behind them, our shoulders brushing every now and then.

Just before we could enter, Levi pulled me back.

“Are you still mad?” he asked with a small pout.

The behavior was so unlike him that, I admit, I was getting swayed.

I decided to enjoy this side of him a little bit longer, but when I heard the sound of the buzzer, I smiled and finally gave in.

“Not anymore,” I said, going on my tiptoes to pat his head. “But we’re not going to have sex for a while.”

With that, I turned away from him and began walking to the arena.

“Hope,” he whined, but I ignored him. “How long?”

I bit my lip to hide my smile before turning on my heel to go back to him. I grabbed the cap hanging from his belt hook. and pulled a mask from my bag, placing it on him.

“We can’t have you making a scene here,” I said with a smile before turning away from him again.

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THU

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Hands Off The Ice King

I heard him take a deep breath before running after me.

20 veter

Before we could make it to our seats, I spotted someone reluctantly trying to go in. I paused and tilted my head to the side

“Zayla?”

She turned to us in surprise.

“What are you two doing here?” she asked.

I giggled. “Of course, my brother’s playing in the finals. Why wouldn’t I come and watch?”

“Right,” she muttered.

“What about you? Did you come here to watch Harley-”

“No!” she exclaimed right away, making me step back in surprise.

Well, that was a violent interjection.

She cleared her throat and fixed her hair. “My friends forced me to come because they like someone on the team.”

She glanced at her phone and chuckled nervously. “Well, she just texted me where she is. See you guys later!”

With that, she left the two of us alone, practically speed-walking away.

Levi and I glanced at each other, both puzzled by her behavior.

He shook his head and held my hand. “Let’s go.”

The moment we arrived, the game had already started. My parents were seated on the edge. I took the seat next to them, with Levi beside me. I glanced to his side and saw three empty seats beside him.

I wonder who those were for.

My gaze was immediately caught when cheers erupted throughout the arena.

“Who scored?”

My mom turned to me excitedly. “Your brother!”

“Wooh!” I began to cheer too, my voice blending with the crowd. “Go, Harley!”

He glanced our way and raised his fist in the air. We gave him a thumbs-up before the game resumed.

It had been a while since I’d watched one of his games, and this little one had improved yet again. My chest tightened with pride.

It was evident that he watched a lot of Levi’s games because I could definitely see where the inspiration came from. The way he positioned himself, the confidence in his skating, even the timing of his shot-it all carried traces of Levi, but it was still undeniably Harley.

Just then, my view was obstructed when three people arrived. I pursed my lips, but then gasped when I realized who they

were.

“Beth? Lia? Aiden?” I exclaimed in succession as they took their seats next to Levi.

Lia and Aiden waved at me while Beth spoke to Levi.

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12:38 Thu, Aug 13

Hands Off The Ice King

“I came here just like you said. An earlier heads-up would have been nice! My hair is still wet.”

“What are you guys doing here?” I couldn’t help but ask.

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