Page 26 of Revenge Puck

“Then how would they get better, or be adequately prepared for our games? The assholes we go up against don’t pull any punches. They all just need to toughen up and quit whining like a bunch of babies.”

“If you say so,” I reply softly. “You seem to take hockey very seriously.”

“It’s my job, how I earn a living. I have to be the best defensive man on the team, or I’ll be replaced with someone bigger, stronger, more violent.”

“I’m not sure there are many men bigger, stronger, or more violent than you, Preston.”

“Younger then, faster. I don’t want to get replaced, so I try to give it my all, even in practice.”

“That dedication has obviously paid off.” I don’t bother telling him that Christian would often wake up late and show up to practice when it was nearly over because he thought he was already the best at everything.

“I may only have another eight good years left in me if I don’t get hurt. If I’m lucky. That’s why I save as much of my checks as possible now.”

“That must be tough, never knowing if one game, one practice, could be your last.”

“It’s not easy.”

After that comment, he glances away, as if he’s thinking about all the pressure he’s under. When he frowns, I follow his gaze to a man recording us on his phone with the flashlight on.

“Everyone is still looking at us.”

“I’m used to it at home and traveling to other cities,” Preston says. “Although it’s not usually this bad. One growl from me telling them to fuck off and they scurry away.”

“Didn’t you hit someone for taking your photo?”

“He deserved it.”

Okay then.

“Well, all this is because you have a reputation for not dating, right?” I ask.

“Right.”

“A reputation you’re deviating from today.”

“No kidding.”

“You really don’t date, or do you just keep your relationships quiet?” I can’t help but ask.

“I don’t date period,” he remarks.

“Why not?”

“Like I said, my career could end any day. I’ve already had five good years in the majors. I need to take every game seriously, play my best until I can’t anymore.”

“So, what you’re saying is that you don’t have any time for distractions?”

“Exactly,” he answers faster than a speeding bullet. “Dating would just be a huge waste of my time. I’d rather be in the gym, running, or sleeping. Doing something more productive than…well, you know.”

Oh yeah. I know exactly what he’s saying. Hockey is more important to Preston Lawrence than dating and sex because he only sees both as a waste of his precious time.

Which is super awkward. Lowering my voice, I ask, “Isn’t this, us fake dating, a pretty big distraction, especially during the championships?”

“This is a good kind of distraction. A necessary one,” Preston says, making me feel a little better. “Nobody thought I couldmake it through an entire game against Riley without getting ejected.”

“Why not?” I ask, my brow furrowed in confusion.

“Because I’ve never done it before today in the pros.”

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