Page 107 of No Pucks

“You are not fucking allowed to do that. You are becoming twice the player your father ever was.”

“I told you. I don’t want hockey to be my life. I have more than enough money, and if I want to work in hockey, good news—my grandfather owns a team.” I won’t let him resent me.

Anthony grabs my shoulders. “I’m not letting you do that.”

“Letting me?”

“You heard me.”

I lift a brow, slightly amused despite feeling every single other emotion simultaneously. “Okay, Ice Daddy.”

He sighs. “We will find another solution.”

“If you quit, I’m quitting.”

He narrows his eyes. “That’s not fair.”

I shrug. “I am a petty bitch. I’ll fucking transfer if you leave.”

Anthony fights a smile, but I win, and it spreads across his face. “I love you.”

My heart explodes, and I’m pretty sure my soul leaves my body. I shove him into the counter, kissing him aggressively. “I love you.”

He moans into my mouth, and we make out like neither of us has gotten laid in a long time. When we finally come up for air, he thrusts a hand into his hair.

“I need to sit down. My leg hurts, and I’ve got to think.”

I curl up against him on the couch, and we fall into silence.

“We have to figure out a plan. I know this will come to a head. I just wish there was a better way to shut your dad up.”

The solution occurs to me. It’s right there. I don’t know why I didn’t see it before.

“I have an idea.”

“What?”

I shove off the sofa. “I’ll be back.”

“Where are you going?” He gets up to follow me, but I have the advantage here.

I quickly explain my plan, and I can tell he’s not sold. “I promise I’ll be back in like an hour. Trust me.”

He grumbles but agrees.

I leave before he can talk me out of it.

THIRTY-FOUR

LOGAN

Irealize it as soon as I step out of Anthony’s apartment—I need to do one thing before I implement my plan. I call a car, and a short while later, I’m in front of my family’s house. I hope Mother is here and not out of the country or something, but with Evander living here again full time, she should be.

I let myself in, and I’m quickly greeted by Lena. I give her a hug, and she then insists on looking me over.

“You’ve put on so much muscle.”

“Have I?” I haven’t looked at myself seriously in months. I’ve been too preoccupied.

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