Page 52 of Play Maker

“Everything good with you and Jace?” Dane added.

“Yep,” I replied quickly, reaching for my water bottle, and glanced over at Jace.

Bad timing. Jace was getting undressed. In the past, I made it a point to never look at him when that happened. But I couldn’t look away now. It was like watching a strip show, and I was helpless. Helpless and hyperaware of every ridge, muscle, and curve of his lean body. He slid his jeans down and revealed that pert ass, his tight cheeks framed by a black jock. I nearly swallowed my tongue along with my water.

“Maybe he’s been punking Ethan’s frat again,” Kayden offered.

His comment was the distraction I needed, but fuck, I was never living that down. I turned to Dane and Kayden and shook my head.

Dane gave me a wild grin. “You and Jace woke up the entire house. You’re legends.”

I groaned and held my head in my hands.

“I can’t believe I let Jace goad me into doing that,” I admitted.

Was I talking about the prank or the kiss? I wasn’t sure I could tell one from the other.

“He’s a very persuasive guy,” Dane quipped. “And I’m glad to see you’re not automatically arguing.”

I nodded.

“It’s always better to kiss and make up, right?” he added.

I lowered my eyes.Don’t think of kissing or making out or sex.But it was too late. My dick was half hard from the moment I spotted Jace, and this was not good. Sitting with an erection while wearing a sports cup was damn painful.

“I just want to get out there and win this game,” I croaked.

“That’s what I want to hear.”

Dane playfully smacked my leg and stood up. He started to walk away but paused and looked over his shoulder.

“If you ever need to talk, about anything, hit me up.”

I shouldn’t have been surprised, since Dane was friendly with everyone, but I was.

“Thanks.”

He quietly padded off in the direction of his stall and I finished getting ready.

I wasn’t as shaky as I was earlier, or as distracted. I double- checked my skates and my stick, ensuring everything was just how I liked it. Reminding myself that I had a job to do, and a position to fight for, I focused on my breathing and let everything else fade away.

By the time I headed out of the locker room, I was feeling pumped, ready to take on anything. Including Langston. I lined up in the hallway ready for our big entrance, as one by one, my teammates joined in. The rumbling echo of the crowd calmed me. Home games were a huge thing here at Sutton. Not as big as our football team, but still, the Cougars always packed the rink.

Today was no different. But it felt like it. Like I finally belonged.

Coach exited his office and walked by us, inspecting each player, and then letting out a sharp whistle to calm our chatter.

“I’ll keep it short and sweet,” Banning started as he crossed his arms, hugging his tablet to his chest. “Be intentional with every play. I want to see your best and nothing less.”

“Yes, Coach!” we replied in unison.

Banning motioned for us to get our asses moving. I was at the front of the queue and when I looked around, I spotted Jace at the back, talking to Finn and Kayden. Part of me wanted to walk back and say something but the bigger part told me to face forward and keep walking. I didn’t know what, if anything, I should say to him. Nothing, unless it involved the game. This was not the time or place to let personal feelings get involved.

Oh God, the fact that I even used the word ‘feelings’ had me shaking my head. I hadn’t even started playing and already I needed a time-out.

One by one, we filed onto the ice to start our warm-up. Surrounded by the buzz of the hometown crowd, I finally settled into my game- day zone. My head, my body, my heart; everything synced. I was ready to get this done. To play the best fucking hockey I could.

I had something to prove, not just to the Cougars, but to myself.

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