Page 126 of Play Maker

“Not much to tell,” I insisted as I glanced at Archie. “It was all teamwork. Jace made one of his lightning quick moves, a beauty of a pass, and I slid it home.”

“That’s it?” Jace exclaimed. “That’s all you have to say? Where’s the cocky dude from last semester?”

“I’m still here,” I replied as I turned to him and put an arm around his shoulders. “I’m just cocky in other ways.”

“Yeah, the dirty ones,” Ethan chuckled.

Everyone threw their napkins at Ethan.

“Come on, Ax,” Jace encouraged. “Tell them.”

I shrugged and leaned forward.

“It all started on a frozen pond when I was six years old,” I started.

This time, it was my turn to get a napkin in the face.

I chuckled and glanced at Archie. “Third period, less than two minutes remaining. I nearly get a stick in the face, but no penalty’s called. The clock’s running down. Jace gets the puck but then he gets boxed in, and since I’m on his ass?—”

“Stick to the game!” Jett shouted and everyone laughed.

“Jace saw an opportunity,” I continued. “Before I knew it, the puck was on my stick, and I was slamming it harder than any slapshot in my life.”

“And that’s how it’s done,” Jace added, squeezing my shoulder.

“Eh, just doing my job.”

“You’re way too modest, Axel,” Archie replied. “But speaking of high-stakes games, when are we going to have that competition? Crew vs. Cougars. Let’s see how fast and strong you guys are off the ice.”

“It’s on,” Dane leaned in. “But it has to be a sport that offers a level playing field.”

“Volleyball?” Jett suggested.

“Soccer,” Ethan countered.

Dane considered and offered his hand to Jett.

“Soccer. Done.”

“Losers have to shave their heads,” Jett added. “And beards.”

Silas looked horrified. I placed a protective hand over my head and glanced at Jace, but he just shrugged.

“We can do that,” Jace replied. “It’s offseason so no worries.”

Ethan pointed at Jett. “What does the winner get?”

“Bragging rights.” Jett offered a smirk. “What else do you need?”

“More than that,” Ethan replied and rolled his eyes.

“You think of something,” Jett countered.

“You’re on.”

This was going to be very interesting. I wasn’t sure how quick any of us on the hockey team would be able to move on grass. But hey, both sports involved footwork, so that had to be to our advantage. Then again, the rowing crew was known for their stamina and soccer fields were a lot bigger than a rink.

“I can’t wait to see you in a pair of tight shorts and nothing else,” Jace whispered in my ear.

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