The game ended with the crowd on their feet, clapping and shouting Ethan's name.
The sound rolled through the arena like a wave, and he raised his stick in thanks.
His teammates patted him on the back as they skated toward the bench, but his mind was already somewhere else.
He had seen her. Riley.
He tugged off his helmet, running a hand through his damp hair as his eyes swept the stands again.
He caught sight of her leaving her row, weaving through people.
The same sharp eyes, the same stubborn set of her shoulders.
He felt his chest tighten.
"Cole, good game, one of the rookies said, grinning as he slapped Ethan's shoulder.
"Yeah, thanks, Ethan replied distractedly.
His focus was already locked on Riley's figure moving toward the exit.
By the time he reached the tunnel, she was standing just outside the lower hallway, waiting for someone.
Maybe waiting for herself to decide whether to walk away.
Riley's foot tapped against the floor, her leather jacket hanging open.
She heard the echo of skates clattering against concrete, and then he appeared, tall, broad-shouldered, his hair damp with sweat.
She folded her arms.
So it is you.
Ethan slowed his steps, his lips curving into a careful smile.
Riley James, I thought I was seeing things.
You're not," she said evenly. "It's me.
For a second, silence stretched between them, the weight of years pressing down.
You came to the game," Ethan said, trying to sound casual.
Riley shrugged.
Not by choice.
The Vipers dragged me and said it was for charity.
You still hang around with them," Ethan noted, his voice carrying curiosity instead of judgment.
"They're family," she said firmly.
"Loyalty runs deep.
He nodded slowly, his eyes scanning her face.
You haven't changed much and you still got that fire.
Riley arched a brow.
And you turned into Silver Ridge's golden boy.
Ethan chuckled softly with Golden boy? That's one way to put it.
I just play hockey, Riley.
"You do more than that," she said, tilting her head.
Everyone's chanting your name and You own the ice.
He scratched the back of his neck.
And you? What's your life like these days?
Riley looked away, her eyes narrowing.
Messy Complicated but You don't want the details.
I do," Ethan said quietly.
She met his gaze, a flicker of surprise crossing her face.
Why? It's been years since we were kids.
You've got your life now, your fans, your spotlight.
Why dig into the past?
Because the past was you," Ethan replied simply.
Her throat tightened that She wanted to fire back, to brush it off, but the way he said it pulled at something buried deep.
You still know how to talk smoothly," she muttered.
"I'm just being honest," he said.
She shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
Honesty doesn't change anything.
You left and I stayed, Two different worlds, Ethan.
He stepped a little closer, his voice low but steady.
Different worlds don't erase what we had.
Riley laughed without humor.
What we had was childhood, dirt roads, and late nights staring at the stars.
That doesn't mean we get to pick up where we left off.
Ethan's eyes softened.
Maybe not. But seeing you here it feels like something.
Her heart thumped harder, but she shook her head.
It feels like a coincidence. Don't read into it.
You always guarded your heart like this?" Ethan asked.
Only when I have to," she shot back.
The air between them grew heavier, filled with unspoken words.
People moved around them, the crowd filtering out, but it was as if they were locked in their own corner of the world.
Jade appeared suddenly, waving at Riley from across the hallway.
There you are, I've been looking everywhere.
Riley straightened quickly, "Yeah, I'm here.
Jade glanced at Ethan, then back at Riley with wide eyes.
So you do know him.
Riley groaned.
Jade, not now.
Ethan smirked, his voice light.
You always had a friend who liked to stir things up.
Some things never change," Riley admitted reluctantly.
Jade crossed her arms, grinning.
I'll give you two a minute.
She winked and walked off.
Riley exhaled sharply, "She's impossible.
"I like her already," Ethan said with a grin.
Riley rolled her eyes.
Of course you do.
Ethan's expression softened again.
Listen, Riley.
I don't know what your life looks like now, but I'd like to know.
Maybe grab a coffee, catch up, no pressure.
She stared at him, conflicted. Curiosity burned in her chest, but so did caution.
Coffee?" she repeated, as if testing the word.
Yeah. Coffee," Ethan said.
Nothing more.
Riley hesitated, "I'll think about it.
That's all I ask," Ethan replied gently.
For a moment, their eyes locked again, and it felt like the years between them vanished.
Jade called out from down the hall, "Riley, come on, we're heading out!
Riley broke the gaze first, her voice firm.
I should go.
Ethan nodded, though his eyes lingered.
Alright then But I'll see you again, I know it.
She turned, walking toward Jade, her heart hammering.
She hated that he was right.
She hated that some part of her wanted to see him again too.
As she left, Ethan leaned back against the wall, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
For the first time in years, the game was not the only thing that made him feel alive.