Page 20 of Play Maker

“Two reasons. One, Coach made me permanent captain today—” he started.

“Holy fuck! Congrats!”

I reached over and hugged Dane.

“Thanks. Formal announcement coming soon. And second,” Dane continued as he pulled back, his smile wide. “I want to make sure my two best forwards aren’t gonna get into a fist fight today and get thrown off the team for good.”

I shook my head, fidgeting with my keys as we headed out of my room.

“Don’t worry,” I assured him. “It’s all under control.”

I think. I was in control, but I had no idea about Axel.

“I trust you,” Dane replied as we headed for the stairs. “I still don’t know Axel that well, though, so he’s kind of a wild card. But I’m pretty sure he won’t do anything to fuck this up.”

“Does that mean you’re not going to stay to watch our practice?”

“Nope, I’ve got a date with Jackson,” Dane offered a dirty grin, and I shoved his shoulder.

“You’re so gaga over him.”

“Fuck, yeah.”

I had a momentary pang of envy, but it passed like one of Axel’s assists; fast. I couldn’t fathom a relationship. Not now,not ever. Why would I want to go through that shit again? I’d rather wear a funky jock for a year.

“Please think of me while I’m out there sweating my balls off and you and your boyfriend are—” I paused, smirking at my friend. “Wait, I guess you’ll be sweating your balls off too.”

I snorted and Dane chuckled as we stepped out of the dorm and into the bitter cold.

“Come on, you know that Coach is doing the right thing. If you and Axel don’t click soon, the team’s not going to improve.”

“We’re never going to click,” I hissed, my breath releasing like a plume of smoke. “He’s besties with my ex. And because of that, I can’t even look at him, never mind have a civil conversation.”

“You don’t need to like the guy to work with him. On the ice, it’s not personal,” Dane countered. “Remember, he’s just another player.”

“You don’t get it,” I sighed. “My ex, Preston, he…fuck, you know what happened. And I can’t talk about this now.”

I walked faster, needing to move.

“I hate to say it but at some point, you have to open up,” Dane insisted. “Not just to your friends but to Axel. Tell him the truth.”

“I don’t know if I can. And chances are, Axel won’t believe me,” I admitted quietly, then stopped short. “Preston messed with my head, and I don’t want to go back there, to fuck up my concentration. Not now. There’s too much at stake.”

Dane didn’t push any further but instead, patted my back.

“Let me know if I can help, however I can help. I’m here. Jackson too.”

“Thanks.”

We then walked silently to the rink and surprisingly, Dane followed me inside.

“I’m okay now, Daddy. I swear I’ll be fine on my own and I willnotcause trouble,” I announced sarcastically as I rolled my eyes.

Dane messed up my hair and I shoved his shoulder. Everything was back to normal.

“Fine.” He walked backwards down the hallway and pointed a finger at me. “Have a great practice. Be good.”

“Go on, get out of here!” I teased. “Go have sex with your hot boyfriend.”

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