Taming the Ice: #13 Beckett Storm

Chapter 23

(Elodie)

I could feel those familiar nerves that I always get before one of Hudson's games. But this time, it wasn't just for my best friend. This time my stomach was tied into knots because of what would happen after the game.

"f**k, I can't get over how hot you look!" Ari whispered beside me before clasping my hand tightly.

Tonight she was able to tame my natural waves, making them look like they probably always should. I swear Ari has the magic touch or something. I mean, how did she get my skin to glow like this? And what she did with my eyes, I swear they were glowing with whatever magic she did to them. She says it's just eyeliner, but how come when I try to do it they never turn out this good?

Of course I opted for the cherry chapstick. I didn't want to tell her why exactly, but it was kind of me and Beckett's thing now, right? At least I felt like it was... Maybe that's just me being weird.

The one thing I might've had a mini meltdown over was the jersey. I know it shouldn't be that big of a deal, but I have worn Hudson's jersey number every single game since middle school.

So putting on that number thirteen... It almost felt like a betrayal of our friendship and the fact that I have supported Hudson every single game. I'm just scared that this could hurt him.

"El, it's just a shirt. And besides, I think the number thirteen looks better on you." Ari smirked, making me roll my eyes.

Yeah, apparently there were sides now, and Ari was on team Beckett. Whatever that even means. There isn't even a team Beckett! Okay, I guess technically there isn't a team Hudson either, but still, she might be taking this a little too far.

I decided to put on a zip-up hoodie over the jersey, just in case I ran into Hudson before the game. Which I had a feeling I would. Especially since he hasn't stopped texting me all day.

I could even feel one coming in now as I quickly pulled out my phone.

"Seriously? And the man acts like he isn't obsessed with you." Ari grumbled, making me shoot her a glare. She might dislike Hudson even more now that I told her about everything.

Incoming Text:

Hudson: El, are you here yet? You know it's tradition to see eachother before a game. I swear it's like you are avoiding me.

Tradition... Is that what he is calling it now? I mean, I would always give him a hug before every game, but I didn't think it was a necessity.

Elodie: I'm not avoiding you and we just pulled in.

Okay, that was a lie but what was I supposed to say?!

That's when another text came through.

Incoming Text:

Beckett: Sit where I can see you easily. And Elodie, remember what I said, don't even look at him.

I frowned down at the phone before scoffing. Seriously? Now he wants to start bossing me around after pretty much ignoring me the past two days.

I agreed to not look at Hudson after the game but said nothing about it before. There is no way I could ignore him the whole time.

I began typing out a message to Beckett when he suddenly sent another.

Beckett: And take that damn jacket off.

I read the text, what it said making my eyes widen before snapping up and scanning the rapidly approaching arena.

Was he outside watching me or something?

I could see dozens of people heading towards the building as I scanned each one carefully, not seeing Beckett anywhere.

"What? Is something wrong?" Ari asked in confusion, looping her arm through mine now.

"It's nothing." I grumbled, feeling my chest tighten as I swear I could feel his eyes on me. Maybe I'm just being paranoid.

I took a deep breath and began typing back a response.

Elodie: I will once I get inside, are you spying on me or something? Also, I promised Hudson I would say hi to him.

I added quickly, hoping Beckett would ignore that part. Of course he didn't.

Incoming Text:

Beckett: Sunshine, are you trying to get into trouble? And haven't you realized that I'm always watching?

I felt a shiver tremble down my spine, his words causing a different reaction than you would expect as warmth flooded through my body.

I didn't know which part affected me more. The fact that I might get into trouble for talking to Hudson or him saying he is always watching. He has to just be messing with me, right?

Elodie: Sure, you haven't even seen me in two days and there is no reason I should get in trouble. You told me not to talk to Hudson AFTER the game, nothing about before.

I felt my finger hover over the send button for a moment as hesitation filled me.

I mean, it's not like he controls me... Besides, saying hi to Hudson isn't going to ruin anything.

I quickly hit send and slipped the phone back into my pocket, deciding to ignore his response as I lifted my head up high and continued walking to the stadium.

The closer we got, the louder the atmosphere became, making my nerves heighten even more as the urge to switch off my ear began to rise.

I can do this.

My goal was to at least keep it on until we found our seats, but with every step I took, that goal seemed further and further away.

"Ari! Hey girl!" Someone yelled loudly, making me flinch as the girl ran up to Ari, hugging her tight.

That's when they started to talk, making the sounds around me seem to grow exponentially as my heart began picking up speed.

I could tell Ari was trying to include me in the conversation but the noise of the music blasting in the arena and all of the people talking around me made my hand fly up as I covered my ears.

"You okay?" Ari asked, prompting me to give her the best attempt at a smile.

Then I heard someone call my name.

"El! Over here!" Hudson shouted, waving towards me as I saw a group of girls practically stampede over to him.

"Hudson! Can we take a picture with you?!" A blonde girl asked, making me frown. She was one of the usual puck bunnies that came to every game. They learned to come early to watch the warm-ups. That's when they did most of their scoping.

"Sorry, I'm running a little late, after the game though okay?" Hudson said, giving the girl his most dazzling smile as I swear she almost fainted.

"El!" He called out again, waving me over as I couldn't help but glance around.

God, why did it feel like I was breaking the rules? Can't I support a friend?! Well, I guess I want Hudson to be more than that, but right now we are friends.

I let out a shuddering breath before stepping forward.

"H-hey." I squeaked, weaving my way through the crowd of girls when I finally reached him.

He didn't even waste a single second.

I felt him pull me towards him, making me crash into his hard chest. He had on his dark blue and teal jersey with all the padding underneath. All he was missing were his skates.

"We need to talk after the game." He stated, making my brow furrow as I was about to pull back when I saw a pair of ice-blue orbs glaring at me from the dark corner behind us.

I swear I froze immediately, my eyes going wider than I ever thought possible as the most sinister look filled Beckett's face.

That's when he leaned forward, coming more into the light.

"You didn't listen to me. Jacket off Elodie." He mouthed dangerously, making my head shake no as Hudson continued speaking. I wasn't hearing a damn worth though.

"Fine, I warned you." Beckett added, and I quickly swallowed hard, wondering what that even meant.

"Did you hear me El?" Hudson asked, his hand going to reach for my hair when I quickly dodged him, slipping from his grasp.

"Uh, yeah. We can talk later." I rushed, seeing confusion fill Hudson's face as he slowly looked back.

I thought he would see Beckett lingering behind us and our cover would've been blown, but to my surprise, Beckett was gone. How is he so fast?

"El, you're not mad at me for the Ari stuff, are you? I mean, if you are upset about it, you can tell me." Hudson stated, making my eyes snap to his brown ones as we just stared at one another for a few moments.

That's when I felt something weird. I didn't know how to explain it, but it was almost like a shift.

"I want you to be happy Hudson." I whispered, meaning those words but not sure how they might turn out.

Obviously Ari was going to turn Hudson down if he asked her out, and that would probably hurt him, bad.

"That's what I want to talk to you about-"

"Hudson, there is something you should know. Ari and Pete, they are getting back together." I blurted, feeling the guilt of what could happen if I didn't tell him. He might've made a huge fool of himself in front of everyone.

"I know." Hudson said, making my jaw drop as I just stared up at him.

"You know?" I asked, seeing Hudson nod yes before reaching up and brushing my hair away from my face. The action took me by surprise.

"Pete told everyone this morning at practice. I'm okay with it, I promise. That's why I want to talk to you."

"Yo Captain! It's time to go!" Ace yelled out, making Hudson pull back from me slightly before looking back towards his goalie.

"Time to go kick some ass. Wish me luck El, you are my good luck charm after all."

I was?! Well, that is new.

"Good luck Hudson." I breathed, feeling Hudson pull me into another hug as it seemed to last longer than it usually did.

"See ya soon." He added, winking down at me before jogging back towards the locker room.

That's when I was left standing there feeling confused..

Because why did that hug feel awkward?