Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
“Wow. Is Jacob Drayton really admitting to having been an arrogant ass who needed calling out?”
His grin is as cocky and sweet as Shawn’s. “Absolutely, ‘anonymous show host.’ Absolutely. And you wouldn’t have me any other way.”
Behind Jacob, the door flies open, and Shawn and Hayes almost tumble inside in their haste to get to us. I drop from my stool, open my arms, and draw them into a fierce group hug completed by Jacob when he envelops me from behind.
“We didn’t win, Riley,” Shawn says, laughing at my enthusiasm.
“I know, dufus. This is a commiseration hug.”
“An end of an era hug,” Jacob says.
“The beginning of a new one,” Hayes adds.
Malik, not wanting to be left out, throws his arms around Hayes’ back and squeezes him like a rabid koala. “I’m not letting you assholes leave,” he says. “Just come back for another year.”
Hayes squirms out of his embrace, which looks hilarious because he’s so tall and bulky. “How many times do I have to tell you? We’re not in prison, and no one’s welcoming that kind of attention. Quit pressing your dick against my ass.”
“You can press it against mine,” Katerina says, appearing with Imani. In a form-fitting red dress and spiked heels, her hair wild around her slim shoulders, she’s a bombshell waiting to explode.
“Oh, hell yeah!” Malik says, approaching with an exaggerated walk, but Imani forces her way between her friend and her brother, wagging her finger.
“I don’t fucking think so, Malik. You’ve dipped your dick into too many apple pies. Leave my friend’s alone.”
“Cock block,” he grumbles, and we all laugh.
With no practice to attend and no more games to worry about, the team descends into some seriously raucous behavior, earning a few warnings from the manager, but it’s all good. They’re just happy to end a difficult season with such a close call, and they know that next year, the slate is wiped clean, and they can begin all over again. And it’s all worth it when I finally get to see them all dance to Justin Timberlake’s ‘Stop the Feeling’, finding joy in their victory song despite the loss; the last time this particular group of men will celebrate being Icebreakers. It’s bittersweet but I don’t get a chance to shed a tear before Hayes’ drags me into the center of the throng and tries to teach me the terrible dance moves.
***
And after all the fun, I drive my men back to their place, where we hunker down together, four of us blissfully happy, wrapped up with the world at our feet, ripe for the taking tomorrow.
Maybe Shawn will get his name etched on the Cup. Maybe Hayes will succeed with his new purpose off the ice. And maybe Jacob will finally release the rest of the weight he’s been carrying for so long. Maybe I’ll find my dream job, or maybe I’ll just carry on with Icing the Cake and make cupcakes and babies one day. Who knows!
But right now, none of it matters.
Right now, it’s time for my very own hockey gods to show me exactly how skilled they are with their sticks. There’s no clock ticking. No keeping score. We’re playing to win at this game called love, and these three players are mine forever.
EASTERN ICEBREAKERS INSTAGRAM PAGE
Photo: The Drayton brothers—Jacob, Hayes, and Shawn—standing on the rink in full hockey gear, arms around each other, with their sticks resting against their shoulders. The arena lights are dim, except for a spotlight on the trio.
Caption:
As the final whistle blows on this season, we say goodbye to not only another incredible year of hockey but to two legends of the game.
Jacob and Hayes Drayton, your contributions to the Icebreakers have been nothing short of extraordinary. You’ve given everything to the game, your team, and your fans. Your leadership on and off the ice has left an indelible mark, and we are so proud to have been a part of your journey.
To Shawn, we’re so excited to see where you end up next year.
Thank you all for your dedication, resilience, and heart. Your legacy will forever be etched in Icebreaker history.
#ThankYouDraytons #EndOfAnEra #IcebreakerFamily #HockeyLegends #ForeverInOurHearts
Comments:
“End of an era! Jacob and Hayes, thank you for everything you’ve done for the team. Legends forever!”
“It’s so bittersweet to see Jacob and Hayes leave, but what a career they’ve had! Wishing you both all the best in life after hockey.”
“Icebreakers won’t be the same without you two. The Drayton brothers are hockey royalty!”
“Can we retire their numbers already? Absolute legends.”
EPISODE 269
ICING THE CAKE - THE HOCKEY CHANNEL WITH A SWEET BITE
[The video opens with Riley standing in her kitchen, wearing a blue striped apron with the words “Call Your Own Play” in bold white lettering. Her hair is loose, and she has a whisk in one hand and a hockey stick propped up against the counter.]