Page 87 of No Pucks

“It’s going to take you a long time if you’re stuck in the anger phase…”

“It’s normal to move back and forth through the stages,” she snaps. “Are you sure this isn’t a setup?”

“I’m positive. That would be weird. I’ve had enough of you sleeping with my coach. Once was more than enough.” I laugh because I thought she’d figured me out, but this is better—or maybe worse. “I’m just being nice while also pissing my father off.”

She narrows her eyes. “How is he going to know he’s here?”

“I just assume he’s stalking you as hard as he’s stalking me.”

“Is he still bothering you with school?”

I nod. “Especially with our winning streak. The better I play, the more insufferable he gets. Better warn Evander. With him back in the city, I bet he’ll be dealing with it too.”

“Good idea, but he’ll still have to see your father since he’s underage.”

“I forgot about that. No wonder he’s not exactly delighted to be home.” I rub the back of my head.

She pulls out sheets. “I gave Lena off for the holidays. I figured we wouldn’t need her. I didn’t expect so many guests.”

I move to help her get them off a higher shelf. “I don’t mind. We can clean up after ourselves.”

“Are you sure you’re okay having your coach in your space? I should have converted your father’s office and gym, but he’s been dragging his feet moving his stuff out.”

“It’s fine. I don’t think he’ll mind.” I give her the sheets for the guest room. “I bet you’re exhausted. Aren’t you jet lagged?”

“I am. I will head to bed after I get the room made up.”

“Make Evander and James do it.”

“I’m not sure either one knows how to make a bed…” She makes a face.

“My god, you have got to stop babying him.”

We take the elevator back up, and she gets off on the fourth floor while I go up to find Anthony pacing my room. He switched the record to the Black Parade, and I almost feel bad about how stressed he is.

“You going to keep that up all night?”

“Maybe!” He pushes the heel of his hand into his chest. “Fuck. Now I’m all jumpy.”

“It’s fine. We are good. She won’t be back up until morning.”

He stares at me. “Bullshit. She suspects us. I saw the look on her face. She’s going to try and catch us!”

I burst out laughing.

“What?” he asks incredulously.

“She thinks I brought you here to hook the two of you up.”

“Me and,” he points to himself, “her.”

I nod gleefully. “Yep.”

“Oh. That’s… Well, it would be funny, but I have my hands full enough with you.” He laughs, and I can’t believe I’ve gotten him twice in one night.

“I was going to save this for tomorrow, but I don’t really want to do this in front of my family. Do you want your gift early?”

“You bought me something?” he asks, stopping in his tracks.

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