Page 98 of Silver Fox Puck

Didn’t let me fall into old patterns.

He made me choose. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I grab my phone off my nightstand, tapping through my contacts.

Talia picks up on the first ring. “Oh, this should be good.”

I roll my eyes. “You don’t even know why I’m calling.”

“Please. I’ve known you for years. If you’re calling me before noon, it means you’re either having a crisis or doing something reckless.”

I grin, because she’s not wrong.

“No crisis. Just reckless.”

A pause. Then, “Oh, I like this already.”

I don’t hesitate. I tell her my plans. She squeals like she’s my personal cheerleader. I grin, ending the call.

Then, I don’t second-guess myself. I just go.

Straight to the rink, straight through the hallways I’ve walked a hundred times before—except this time, I have one goal.

Find Grant. Make him listen. Make him believe me.

I push through the doors into the locker room like I belong there.

Technically, I don’t.

But that’s never stopped me before.

The guys are scattered around the space, some getting out of their gear, some slouched on benches talking, all looking vaguely amused when they see me.

Gator lifts his head, grinning. “Well, well, well. Look who’s gracing us with her presence.”

I wave him off. “Where’s Grant?”

Jake—who’s sitting on a bench, lacing up his skates—snaps his head up like I just announced I’m moving to Antarctica.

His eyes narrow. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Ignoring him. That’s what.

I scan the room, but no Grant.

Damn it.

The universe owes me a win here.

The guys exchange looks, and I don’t miss the way Kingston leans in to Gator, whispering something. Jake notices it too. His glare sharpens.

I do not have time for whatever testosterone-fueled nonsense is about to go down.

I sigh, leveling Jake with a look. “Seriously. Where is he?”

And then—like the universe is actually listening for once—

A voice rumbles behind me.

“You lost?”

---