Page 16 of Puck Lust

The locker room banter is in full force once practice ends, but my frenzied thoughts drown out the noise surrounding me.

Jack’s words latched onto my brain and refuse to let go. Familiar bubbles of panic rise in my chest, the same ones that I felt years ago when he kissed me.

What the hell does it all mean?

I’d never felt a damn thing for a guy other than the crazy rush of sensations that seem to assault my body ever since Jack skated back into my life.

Hell, I’ve showered with maybe a hundred guys over the years and I’ve never saved those soapy images to my highlight reel.

Not till the other night.

Maybe it’s just envy, something so fierce that it’s messing with my head, making me feel things because I’m so fired up emotionally about being on a new team and proving myself to a whole new fan base while worrying about my old rival stealing the attention away from me.

That has to be it.

I’m just going through a transition and it’s stressing me the fuck out.

And the fact that I haven’t had feelings for anyone else that even come close to the ones I had for Jack, not even for Livvie, my on-again, off-again girlfriend for years…that’s normal, too, right?

I let out a shaky breath, forcing myself to stare at my locker as I undress instead of at Jack whose locker is a few feet away.

“So you do know how to pass the puck,” Masterson calls over to Jack as he tugs his jersey over his head. “Thank fuck. Maybe we can try that in an actual game, like maybe the one in Ohio this weekend?”

All the guys eventually join in, lancing Jack with snarky comments.

But he doesn’t get angry. Doesn’t dish it back. He just goes with it, and I can’t say I’m not shocked to hell at his reaction.Sure, the criticism is warranted but never in a million years did I ever think I’d see him at anyone’s mercy.

And the weirdest thing is that it doesn’t even seem to faze him.

Who the hellisthis guy?

Jack chuckles as he pulls off his practice jersey and gear. “Okay, okay. Get in now, guys. I’ll allow it.”

Some of the team starts disappearing into the showers and Jack turns with his towel wrapped around his waist. I have to drag my eyes away from the deep vee of his tan torso but not before he catches me staring.

My skin prickles as the corners of his lips lift the slightest bit. I clench my jersey tight, my heart pumping hard.

“Hey, ah, if you guys are free on Thursday night, I have some passes to a private concert,” Jack says.

“Oh yeah? Who’s playing?” Masterson asks, grabbing a towel.

“Sin City,” Jack says with a roll of his eyes. “My arch rival or whatever the press is saying about us these days.”

The guys laugh.

“No fucking way, that’s awesome,” Tate says. “I love their shit. I’ll be there.”

Masterson nods. “Yeah, I’m in, too.”

Jack looks at me with a bit of hesitation in his gaze. “What about you, VK?”

Is it me, or is his voice a tiny bit strained?

Masterson nudges me when I hesitate. “Come on, you got a hot date or something? Bring her along.”

Jack forces a smile but I don’t miss the shadow that darkens his expression. “Yeah, sure. Whatever. Whoever.”

I give a quick nod. “I’ll be there. Thanks.”

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