Page 105 of No Pucks

“Is that all?” I ask, shoving to my feet, done with this meeting.

“It is.”

I shouldn’t walk home, but I need time to clear my head before I face Logan. I take the cane out of my bag and screw it together, giving into Krista’s voice in my head. I don’t need to be in pain later. With Cox Sr. this determined to ruin my life, I need to mentally prepare to be fired at any second. I’m sure he won’t stop as long as we keep winning, especially if Evander signs with us—or anywhere else, for that matter. I’m sure Cox Sr. will blame Logan.

I exhale, looking up at the sky, the skyscraper lights blinding around me, leaving few visible stars. It’s so much different than Florida where I lived before. There, I could see every star. But I’ve found happiness here, in a place where I never thought I’d be happy again. Nothing went right in Florida, and my life only got worse there.

I don’t want to leave my job or the city.

Or Logan.

Fuck.

I let myself into my apartment and pour myself a drink before I even turn the lights on.

“You’re using the cane I got you.”

I jump, spilling my damn bourbon and dropping the glass. It hits the edge of the counter, sending glass shards in every direction. Logan is behind me in an instant, picking up the glass.

“No, don’t do that. You’ll cut your hand.”

He hisses. “Fuck.”

“You need your goddamn hands.” I grab his wrist, trying to inspect the wound, but it’s too damn dark. “I can’t see a fucking thing.”

“It’s fine, old man.” He tries to pull his hand back, but I don’t let go.

I growl. “Turn on the light. You can’t see either, which is why you cut yourself.”

I reach over and flip the kitchen light on then demand his hand back silently. He gives it to me.

“I don’t think you need stitches.”

“I told you it’s fine.”

We finish picking up the glass together, and then he pours us both drinks.

“You shouldn’t be drinking during the season.” I eye him over my fresh glass.

“You gonna tell the other players, or should I start the mutiny?” He laughs, and I envy his lightness. “Meeting not go well?”

“It went—” I don’t even know what to say. “I’m still processing.”

“Were you fired?” He brushes his fingers over my face.

I shake my head.

“Are you on probation or something?” He slides his arms around my neck.

“I guess. Maybe.” I hold the small of his back, keeping him close. “Your dad reported me for breaking recruiting rules with your brother.”

He huffs out a laugh without humor. “What a fucking dick. I bet he’s going to try and set up a case preventing Evander from going here.”

“He never quits, does he?”

“Fucking never.” He ghosts his lips over my throat. “They just believed him?”

“Of course they did. You know his image after the career he had here. I doubt you’d find many in the state who don’t love him.” I tip my head back, holding the back of his head to my skin. “You feel so good.”

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