The Perfect Shot

Chapter 10: From Sunrise to Game Time

Stevie's POV

  I woke up to the soft light of morning filtering through the curtains. With a stretch and a yawn, I reached for my phone and spotted a note on my nightstand. Jack's familiar handwriting greeted me:---Morning, Snapshot,I hope you had a good sleep! I really enjoyed our movie night. we'll have to do it again, and it was my pleasure to tuck you in after you fell asleep on the couch. Can't wait to see you at the rink today 😉See you soon!—J.H

A warm smile spread across my face as I read his note. It was sweet and perfectly Jack—flirty but thoughtful. I got up and started my day with extra enthusiasm, knowing the Devils were set to face off against the Penguins. After a quick breakfast and a strong coffee, I packed my camera gear, making sure I had everything I needed to capture the action.

 Arriving at the arena, the energy was already buzzing. Fans in Devils jerseys were streaming in, and the anticipation was electric. I headed to the media area and began setting up my equipment, preparing for the day's shoot.

 The players started arriving for their walk-in photos. Dawson Mercer was first, his usual grin in place as he strolled by. I captured a few shots of him, his enthusiasm clearly evident. Luke Hughes followed, looking focused and determined. I snapped a dynamic shot of him as he made his way to the locker room.

 Next up was Nico, the captain. As he approached, he spotted me and grinned widely. "Hey, Snapshot!" he called out, waving. "Ready to catch some behind-the-scenes magic today?"

"Absolutely!" I replied, adjusting my camera. "You've got that game-day glow. Mind if I grab a quick photo?"

 "Go right ahead," Nico said, striking a playful pose. "Just make sure I look like a superhero."

 I laughed and took the shot, capturing Nico's playful energy. He gave me a wink before heading off, clearly in high spirits.

 A few more players came through, each adding their own unique vibe. Then Jack walked in. The moment he saw me, his face lit up with a genuine smile that made my heart skip a beat. He sauntered over, looking effortlessly cool in his pre-game gear.

"Hey, Stevie," he said, his voice warm and inviting. "Good morning."

 I grinned at him. "Morning, Jack. Thanks again for last night. I really appreciated you making sure I got to bed okay."

"Anytime," he replied, his eyes sparkling. "I enjoyed it too. Seeing you smile like that is a highlight of my day."

"Well, I'm glad I could bring a little sunshine to your morning," I teased, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks.

Jack chuckled softly. "It's more than just sunshine. It's a full-on sunburst."

I laughed and leaned in slightly. "You're quite the charmer, you know that?"

"Guilty as charged," he said with a wink. "But seriously, if you need anything today, just let me know."

"I will," I said, leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "You got this, Jacky."

His smile widened, a hint of a blush on his cheeks. "Thanks, Stevie. I'll do my best out there."

 With a final smile, Jack headed off to the locker room. I watched him go, feeling a mix of excitement and admiration. I quickly gathered the remaining camera supplies I needed and prepared for the game.

 When the puck dropped, the arena erupted with cheers. The Devils were facing the Penguins, and the intensity on the ice was palpable. The players skated with purpose, the puck moving swiftly from one end of the rink to the other.

 Nico led the charge with his characteristic energy, directing plays and making key moves. Dawson showcased his agility, weaving through opponents with impressive speed. Luke's defensive skills were on full display as he made crucial stops. Timo's strategic positioning and Jake's incredible saves were highlights of the game.

Jack, with his usual confidence, was playing with impressive skill. He had several standout moments, skating with determination and making impactful plays. I captured every thrilling moment—the fierce battles along the boards, the swift passes, and the exhilarating goals.

As the final buzzer sounded, signaling a hard-fought victory for the Devils, the crowd went wild. The players celebrated on the ice, their joy and relief evident. I snapped photos of their jubilant celebrations, capturing the raw emotion and elation of their hard-earned win.

After the game, the team was buzzing with excitement. Nico approached me with a wide grin. "Hey, Stevie! Great job today. Your photos are going to be amazing."

"Thanks, Nico!" I said, still energized from the game. "It was an incredible game, and I'm thrilled with the shots I got."

"Well, we're heading out to celebrate," Nico said. "You should join us. It's going to be a lot of fun."

I looked around at the excited faces of the team. "I'd love to. Where are we going?"

Nico's grin widened. "There's a new spot downtown that everyone's been raving about. It'll be a blast."

As we headed out, I felt a sense of camaraderie and excitement. The game had been thrilling, and now I was looking forward to a fun night out with the team. The season was off to a fantastic start, and I couldn't wait to see what the rest of it had in store.