Page 32 of No Pucks

I’m horny, sore, and have the urge to be a cunt, so the last thing I want to do is go play nice with the team. But maybe it will provide a much needed opportunity to get laid. Plus, I like the guys, and I do want to know them better. I focus on the bright side. I grab my bag, only to see Anthony’s head pop around the corner, his hand on the light.

“Sorry, I thought the last of the guys had left.” He changed out of his normal team branded polo and slacks into a tee and gray sweatpants. All I can think about is the dick they cover. It’s as close to perfection as I’ve ever seen, and I’d kill to have it in my mouth again.

“Was your little speech about me?” No sense beating around the bush.

His brows pull, and he visibly softens. “I wouldn’t single you out like that. I don’t want the team to go in with expectations. I want you all to know you have to earn you spots with me. I want to build a team here, but I can’t do that myself until I’ve hand-picked everyone…” Anthony trails off.

“You’re hot when you’re passionate.” I take a few steps forward and lean against the wall.

“Don’t do this.”

I grin, all my pent up emotions suddenly in the background while my horny takes over. “No one is here.”

“That you know of. Anyone could walk in at any moment, which means we can’t let our guard down.” He’s gruff but nice about it when he doesn’t have to be.

I’m honestly surprised he’s still putting up with me and maybe that gives me more hope than it should. “Live a little.”

“I’ve lived enough.” He lifts a cane, pressing it into my chest. I haven’t seen it before. Why doesn’t he use it at practice? “Which means you stay six feet away.”

I glance down at the wood dividing us. “First, that’s maybe three feet, and second, you didn’t have that when we—” I cut myself off, sure he doesn’t want me to say it out loud.

“I should all the time, but I only use it on bad days.” He lifts a shoulder like it’s no big deal.

“Is that the injury that ended your career?” I realize I don’t know what happened. I could Google it, but I don’t want to know him because of numbers on a screen. I want to know about him from him.

“It is.” He gives me a funny look.

“What?”

He keeps staring but eventually speaks. “You don’t know?”

“Know what?” I cannot imagine why he’s looking at me like I should know. Did he expect me to have looked him up? Maybe he’s like every other professional hockey player and an egomaniac. Before he can speak, I add, “I didn’t Google your career or anything. I don’t care. You don’t have to be a good player to be a good coach.”

His frown deepens, and he looks at me like I have three heads. “Your father did this to me.”

TEN

LOGAN

Iknow this is standard team shit before our first game, but three drinks in, and I’m still wishing I was somewhere else. My mother always told me I was born an old soul, but the idea of being in bed with a guy double my age is far more appealing than drinking with people my own. Is that because I’m drunk on the idea of him, or because there really is a connection there? Or maybe I just want to piss off my fucking father. While it would be fun to stick it to him, I think it’s more.

“Need another drink?” Savage elbows in beside me.

I turn, processing his words with a delay. “No, I’m good.” I lift my glass, showing it’s still full.

“Already three sheets to the wind. Good.” He gives me a rueful grin.

“Why is that good?” I hold my alcohol well, but my auditory processing always goes first. Not something I need for most situations. It did help make people think I’m drunker than I am.

“We need all of you good and drunk!” Savage is giddy which means something is coming.

Can’t be worse than wallowing, I guess. “Why do we need to be drunk?”

“Because we have the adoptions coming up.” Savage’s pupils are massive.

“Shut the fuck up! You’re going to ruin the surprise,” Lovelace mutters as the upperclassmen herd us subtly towards the doors.

“Listen up, newbies!” Wolfe calls out, and the team falls silent. Since he’s the team captain, he’s good at getting everyone’s attention. “Tonight we are adopting you!”

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