Chapter 1

Ashley stood over her twin brother's bed and shook him awake.

“Nick. Get your lazy ass out of bed. You've slept all day! We need to be in the car in an hour if we plan on getting to the game on time!”

Nick's eyes flew open, “An hour?!”

Ashley sighed, “Yes, stupid. I put your stuff in the car. We just need to eat.”

Nick groggily got out of bed and took his sheets with him. He looked over at Ashley who was giving him a quizzical look. All he replied was, “I sleep naked.”

Ashley shook her head and made her way to her own room across the hall.

It was December and she had just finished her third semester of college. Finals had absolutely killed her, but she got through the week knowing that today, Saturday, her brother and her would be taking a road trip to San Jose to see her favorite hockey team play.

When Nick and Ashley were 5 years old their dad had begun to share his passion for hockey with them. It took a few years, but finally they both were just as into it as their dad. At 8 Ashley started to take lessons on ice skating. And eventually that morphed into her joining a recreational hockey team. By no means was she good at it. She couldn't keep her balance, she couldn't shoot, and she most definitely couldn't skate. Many times Ashley would sit in her room after a game and sob. It was always Nick who would console her. He always promised that she would get better and that she would beat all the girls who laughed at her. At nine, this was enough to keep her going. She decided that every day she would practice hard. At her team practices she would listen and learn everything she could. Then on game days she would play her hardest. It wasn't a quick process. When her and Nick were ten Nick decided to try hockey himself. Unlike her, he was a natural. He was completely graceful on skates. He was the quickest, and strongest boy on his team. Ashley tried very hard to be happy for him, but there were some days, like when she had lost a game, that she got tired of hearing their dad tell Nick he should go for the NHL.

One day in particular Ashley remembered being her turning point. It was November, her and Nick had both turned 13, and for their birthday they had both gotten new skates. Nick and her both rushed out to get to the rink near their house. (One of the perks of living in Tahoe.) Ashley had gotten so excited she didn't even think about Nick. She laced up her skates and got onto the ice. Pretty soon she looked around at all the people and couldn't find Nick. She skated a little faster and weaved through some people. Pretty soon she found him skating with a group of girls in matching pink outfits and she had skated over to talk with them. As she approached Nick turned his head to look at her.

“Oh hey. I didn't expect you be able to stand up so quickly. Figured you'd be falling for at least an hour.”

Ashley's face reddened. The other girls now turned and laughed at her.

“Skating isn't for the klutzy, you know?” the blonde of the group spoke.

Ashley felt the anger and embarrassment rising up. She didn't think she was THAT bad. The group continued to laugh at her.

“Shove off!” Ashley shouted at Nick.

Nick smirked when she got upset, “Are you really crying? Why don't you go cry to mom. Dad wont care. He thinks you suck as much as we do.”

Ashley quickly wiped away her tears, and grit her teeth.

Nick laughed and turned to face the other teens, “Let's go.”

The redhead of the girls looked over her shoulder as they left, “Oh and I like your skates. Are they from the thrift store? VERY classy.”

At that point Ashley had enough. She turned to the edge of the ice to sit in the snow. Through tears she tried to unlace her skates. Finally she got them off and she threw them beside her. Hopelessly put her head in her hands, and tried to keep her tears from falling. A moment later she heard someone skate up beside her. The person made no effort to talk to her so she just kept her head down. She figured it was Nick. A hand then rested on her back. She flinched and lifted her head. Right in front of her was the face of a boy. He smiled sympathetically. Ashley figured he was younger than her.

“Hi” He spoke.

Ashley felt more embarrassed.

“Hello.” She answered quietly.

“I'm Logan.” He stuck out his hand to her.

She lifted her gloved hand out to him and shook.

He glanced her over, “Do you mind if I sit by you?”

Ashley shook her head and Logan took a seat.

“I heard what that boy said. I don't know what he's talking about though, because you seemed to be skating just fine.”

Ashley sighed and watched her cold socked feet. “He is right. Normally I don't skate well. I guess I'm getting better.”

He frowned. “I just realized I never asked you your name.”

Ashley smirked, “I'm Ashley.”

He smiled warmly at her, “Well it's very nice to meet you Ashley.”

She listened to him speak and tried to figure out his accent. “Where are you from?”

He laughed and looked down, “I'm Canadian. Though my family would be considered French. I speak French though.”

Ashley turned her body to face him. Now very interested. “That is so cool! Say something in French!”

He laughed. “Vous avez de très jolis yeux.”

Ashley smiled, “What did you say?”

He smirked mischievously. “Oh, nothing.”

She looked confused. Logan stood up and reached his hand out to Ashley, “Would you like to take a lap with me?”

Ashley grabbed her skates and quickly laced them up.
She put her hand in his, “I'd love to.”

During that lap they decided to take another and another around the ice rink. As they skated they chatted about his family and hers. They talked about their schools and ages. She learned that they were both 13, but he was 6 months older. They talked about lots of things, but mainly they talked about hockey.

“I've never met a girl who can play! That is so cool!”

Ashley laughed and looked at her skates. “I want to be a professional.”

Logan looked over at her, “What wrong with that?”

Ashley sighed. “Well, like I said I'm not very good. Nick is-”

Logan cut her off, “That doesn't mean you can't do it. Even you have said you've gotten better. I think that's what counts.”

Ashley smiled, “I guess you're right. What about you? Will you play professionally?”

His face lit up. “Yes, I want to play for Canada. I don't know what team. As long as I play.”

“That is awesome! We will have to stay in touch.”

Logan nodded, “Do you have a cell phone?”

Ashley nodded and unzipped one of the pockets in the front of her jacket. She pulled out her small slider phone. Logan took off his glove and tucked it under his arm. He grabbed the cell phone from her and began pressing buttons. He handed it back.

“I go back to Canada in a week, but we can still talk. I'll be back next month for 3 weeks.”

Ashley tried to hide her happiness. “Okay.”

All too quickly it began to get dark and the pair had to split paths. She hugged Logan goodbye and thanked him for being so kind.

He shrugged, “I only told you the truth. Don't let your jerk brother get you down. Maybe I'll teach him a thing or two.”

Logan put up his fists in pretend fight position.

Ashley giggled. “I'll text you, okay?”

Logan smiled. “I'll be counting on it.”

After that first encounter the two had become the bestest of friends. Logan Couture and Ashley Brooks against the world. Logan and her both grew up only seeing each other once in a while. Usually Logan's family would fly down during the summer to see family. So the pair would reunite once, maybe twice a year. It was hard, but they were close. Everyday they would text 24-7 and call when they could. They told each other everything. And for the most part, there was no fighting.

Ashley's junior year her family had talked with Logan's to try and get him to come visit. Little did she know, the families were also planning on him asking her to her prom. Eventually the plan worked and they went to the prom together. For Ashley, the night had been magical. She had the biggest crush on him, but at the end of the night both agreed they were just friends. Secretly, Ashley had wished it wasn't the case, but they had made that pack and followed it since they were 16. It wasn't that they weren't attracted to each other. (I mean, how could you not be.) They just didn't want anything to split the two up. They figured you could ignore the thought of them together and it would pretty much disappear. So now, at 20 the two of them were to see each other again. This time at a home game for the San Jose Sharks. Logan never did end up playing for Canada in the NHL. He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks and had been playing for them ever since. He had moved to California (Only 4 hours from Ashley.) but it was still hard for Ashley to find time to see him. He traveled so much with the team it was nearly impossible for them to pick a date.

Ashley looked at the clock on her desk. It flashed a red “2:20” She winced and walked into the living room. Her brother sat on the couch with a sandwich and chips. His black hair was dripping wet and was slowly dropping water droplets onto his sandwich.

Ashley gagged, “Ew! Go put on somethings besides a towel! We have to go!”

Ashley walked into the kitchen to get herself food as well.

Nick hollered from the living room. “My gosh, I know you are anxious to see your boyfriend, but calm down!”

Ashley growled, “He's not my boyfriend! He probably has a girlfriend!”

Nick laughed behind her causing her to jump. “Aw, so you really are the only single one.”

Ashley rolled her eyes and walked out of the room with a yogurt in hand. “Oh shut it, Nick. The only reason you have a girlfriend is because she wants to be famous.”

Nick laughed and followed her out. “Are you saying I'M famous?”

Ashley snorted. “Hardly. You are going to be playing in the NHL, so she's sticking with you.”

Nick rolled his eyes and walked down the hall.

Ashley called after him, “Oh and you're driving first by the way!”

She laughed as she heard his groaning response.

~

Within 20 minutes Ashley was kicking back in the passenger seat while Nick drove.

“Is Amanda ready to go?” Nick asked while signaling left.

Ashley nodded.

The second best thing about the day was Nick and Ashley's best friend Amanda was going to be coming with them. Ash and her had been best friends since kindergarten. Amanda wasn't the biggest hockey fan, but she was more than willing to go see the game. Nick pulled into the parking lot of Amanda's apartment complex. Unlike Nick and Ashley, Amanda had already moved out of her parents house. Amanda sat on a planter box with two bags in front of her. She looked up as they drove near her. Ashley waved. Amanda smiled and picked up her bags. When Nick stopped the car Amanda got into the back seat of the Prius.

“I see we are taking the grandma car.” Amanda laughed as she threw her bag into the unoccupied seat.

Ashley looked behind her seat at Amanda, “Yeah, best gas mileage.”

Amanda looked around at the immaculate car. “It's so clean. I feel like I shouldn't be sitting in it.”

Nick laughed, “Someone's a clean freak.”

Ashley snorted. “No, you are just nasty.”

The next 1 ½ was spent listening to Nick's screamo music. Once they hit Sacramento Ashley was very relieved to take her turn. She popped in her mix cd of Ed Sheeran, Adele and Coldplay. They spent her 1 ½ easing her head ache. She could feel butterflies in her stomach, but she couldn't figure out why. Well, she kept denying why. She had always had feelings for Logan. She got like this every time she saw him. What if he doesn't talk to me? What if he's found someone? Ashley pushed the thought out of her head. He would have told me. She decided.

When her driving time was over they were only an hour away from San Jose. She looked in her rear view mirror and saw Amanda completely passed out. She looked to her side and saw Nick asleep as well. She smiled and decided to drive the rest of the way herself. That was when she got thinking about her life. After her encounter with Logan she decided she was going to be a professional hockey player. She played on teams until she was a freshman in college. She tried for her first college year to both play hockey and to go to college. She had to drop out of hockey. Her San Jose women's team was VERY angry. Like Logan had predicted, she had gotten good. Not just good, but amazing. Her and Nick both played and planned on going to pro. For Ashley, she decided that she couldn't be a translator and play sports. It was the hardest decision she had ever made, but after talking with her mom, counselor, and coach she decided it was best. Only problem. She dropped out of hockey the week her third college semester started. Which was five months ago, and she hadn't told Logan yet. She was terrified to think of how he'd respond. She had tried so hard to be good only to drop out. She didn't want to disappoint him. Meanwhile, Nick had been drafted to play for the Phoenix Coyotes and he would be moving before the start of the next season.

When Nick and Ashley were 18 there was a season that Logan came to live with his cousins in Tahoe and he played for a minor team there. The Stockton Thunder. Coincidentally, Nick had also joined the Thunder that year. Nick had already heard Ashley talk all about Logan, and they had met briefly before, but now they had time to get to know each other without Ashley there. Ashley remembers being worried. Though soon she realized that she had nothing to be worried about. The two ended up getting along very well and became friends. Though the season came to a close and Logan got back onto a plane to Canada. Nick and him promised to keep in touch, but with college starting they hadn't stayed as close as Ashley and Logan had.

Ashley turned on her blinker and got off the freeway to the right. They had arrived. She made a left and tried to ignore the homeless guy on the corner. She drove a little ways and turned into a parking lot. She read the sign. “25$ for parking.” Ashley grit her teeth as she handed the man waiting outside her money. The man smiled at her, but she glared in response. She found a close spot to the gate and shook Nick awake. He woke up with a jump and looked around.

“Is it my turn to drive?” He asked.

Ashley shook her head, “No, dummy. We're here.”

Nick sat up and grabbed his stuff excitedly. Ashley sighed at her idiot brother and reached behind her seat to shake Amanda as well. Amanda sat up much easier and yawned exaggeratedly.

“Wow, we're here. Slept right through my drive time. Oh, darn!”

Ashley turned and glared at Amanda. Shocked. “You weren't asleep?!”

Amanda smiled and grabbed her purse. “One may never know.”

Ashley rolled her eyes and put her keys in her purse. She stepped out of the car and noted that she should have grabbed a jacket. Nick shivered a little too.

“Nippy.” He stated.

Amanda laughed at the twins. She was wearing a thick grey sweatshirt. Nick read the front and started cracking up.

“Oh, don't be too hapy. You're wearing a Los Angeles sweatshirt. Do you realize that's our biggest rival and who we're playing tonight?”

Amanda's eyes widened. She unzipped the jacket so nobody could see the words. The twins laughed and started walking towards the SAP center. Amanda walking on one side of Ashley and Nick walked on the other.

“Are you excited to see him?” Nick asked Ashley quietly.

He had to lean down a good amount to whisper in her ear. He stood at 6'2 where she was only 5'5. Ashley elbowed him playfully.

“Cut it out. You know I don't like him.” Ashley whispered back.

In her head she wondered if that was the truth. Nick laughed quietly and looked ahead. Ashley pushed her hair back. The night before she had gone and got temporary hair dye for her and Amanda. Both brunettes now had long teal streaks placed randomly through their hair. Ashley was wearing her favorite skinny jeans with tight, black, low heeled boots. She wore her favorite San Jose Sharks shirt; a black one that had 'Hertl' printed on the back along with number 48. Hertl, besides Logan, was her favorite player. They both were the same age and both had November birthdays. He was the rookie and so far proved to be phenomenal. And she'll admit he wasn't too bad on the eyes either. Originally she had planned on wearing her Couture shirt, but Amanda had begged to borrow it.

The group was let in right away and they made their way to their seats. 121 row 10 seats 18,19, and 20. They were sitting right above the place where the refs come in. They were close enough to ice that they could see the players expressions. 2 hours till puck drop. Ashley pulled out her iPhone and went to her messaging. She typed a quick message to Logan.

“Ashers: Hey, right behind your goal.”

Within seconds she got a reply.

“LoCo: See you in a few”

Ashley smiled and handed the phone to Nick. He smiled and held handed it back. Ashley looked at the score board in the middle of the arena. 15 minutes till practice.

“I'm going to go to the bathroom and get food. Amanda, wanna come with me?”

Amanda looked up and grabbed her purse. “Oh! Yeah let's go. It's hunting time.”

Nick frowned at Ashley when Amanda stood up. She noticed, but didn't make a comment. 10 minutes later the girls returned with their arms full of food. She dropped a tray of french fries and a corn dog in Nick's lap.

“No mustard or ketchup. But lots of mayonnaise. You are disgusting.” Ashley stated.

She sat one in from the aisle. Amanda to her left and Nick to her right. Ashley and Amanda both got souvenir cups of coke and shared caliente fries. Nick handed over two posters for Ashley and Amanda as the buzzer sounded out came both teams to practice. Stalock took goal. First to shoot was #39. Logan. Amanda yelled and raised her sign. The shot hit of the side of Stalock and bounced into the goal. Logan swung around the back of the net to get another puck. He looked up when he got to the glass. Ashley smiled as he looked around for them. Finally he saw them and they waved to each other. Amanda held out her sign and watched him laugh.

The practice ended and the team went back to the locker room. Pretty soon Ashley's phone buzzed.

“ LoCo: Tell your friend I'm free tonight.”

Ashley choked on her soda and could not stop laughing. She handed her phone to Amanda whose face reddened immediately.

“Oh my gosh I didn't think he could read the sign from there!”

She flipped over the sign and read “All I want for Christmas is Logan Couture.”

Ashley let Nick read the text and he joined in on the laughter. The game was about to start. When things quieted down and the stadium was about full Ashley avoided thinking about tonight. Logan, her, Amanda, and her brother were all planning to go out for pizza since Logan was off the next two days. Now she felt like it was going to be like her and Nick were the odd ones out as Logan and Amanda socialized. She tried to not be jealous.

The game was fought hard. LA scored 2 goals against the Sharks, but towards the end of the 3rd period, Burns and Hertl tied up the game. Finally it went into overtime and then a shoot out. Stalock was still in the goal right in front of them. First out to shoot was Joe Thornton. He made his way to the goalie as the fans watched the screen. Then he shot! Everyone cheered, but it hadn't gone in. The stadium went silent as a Kings player took the ice. He lined up and shot directly to Stalock. Easily Stalock caught the puck and saved the goal. Next out was Logan. The crowd cheered wildly. He skated from side the side and blasted the puck. The goalie in a miraculous movement saved the puck. No goal. Ashley, Nick and Amanda both sighed and slumped into their seats. Whoever scores next would win. A King took to the ice and shot quickly. The shot went wide. Ashley and Nick both jumped out of their seats along with the rest of the stadium. The crowd screamed so loud it popped Ashley's ears. Off the bench came Tomas Hertl. Ashley's heart pounded as he skated with the puck. Left, right, left. He hit the puck hard, right as the goalie moved to the right. The puck sailed into the left, top corner of the net. He had won the game. Ashley screamed and hugged Nick. The teams both went into the locker room and the game winners came to skate out. First out was Tomas Hertl. He skated out on the empty ice as everyone cheered. He threw a puck to a little kid behind the glass. Next out was Burns and finally Stalock. Ashley smiled and grabbed her things. Her phone buzzed again.

“LoCo: Meet me behind the stadium. Do you mind if I bring a friend?”

Notes

Yes, I'm aware that nowhere does it say Logan speaks French. Just go with it :P