Page 21 of Puck Lust

Kids? What the hell did I miss?

I clear my throat. “Sorry, I, uh, didn’t catch that. Damn music is so loud.”

Sam flips me a curious look. “I was just saying that Play It Forward, the organization I volunteer for, is hosting a series of donor sporting events for celebrity athletes. Kind of like all-star teams. The more athletes we can recruit, the more games we can host, and the more money we can raise.”

“Yeah, for sure. I’d love to help. Anything you guys need.”

Sam smiles. “That’s great news. I recruited Brixton and Jack to volunteer a while back, and Bryce Maxwell and I have been there from the beginning. Between us, I think we can get some awesome teams together. People love celebrity exhibitiongames. We’ll have them out here and in Ohio to start. And then, depending on how much of a turnout we get, we can take the show on the road. Jase Maxwell and Lucas Bentley, the founders, are trying to find new locations for additional centers. Maybe New York will be next.”

I’d really like to ask more about Play It Forward, but I suspect Sam already explained all of the details while I was zoning in on Jack and his newest groupie. So I keep my mouth shut and try not to expose any more of my ignorance. After all, I can google the details later.

Masterson edges closer while Tate leans toward Sam to continue their conversation.

“Hey, what’s up, bro? You’re on another planet right now.” He smirks and nods over at Livvie. “Wait, lemme guess, you’re thinking of all the shit you’re gonna do to her when you get her home later, yeah?” He claps me on the back. “You’re living the dream, VK.”

I try to smile but fail. Epically.

“I’ve just got a lot on my mind with the game coming up this weekend.” I steal a glance at the bar and my stomach clenches when I see the guy sign something.

He’s leaving.

“You’re good. So you fucked up at practice a little bit. Everyone does. We can’t all be Larson, you know?”

I yank my gaze back to Masterson. “What did you say?”

“Must be nice not to have to worry about your spot. I mean, Oakland paid through the nose to get him out of his New York contract. Larson is the highest-paid player in the NHL right now.”

“Yeah, well, nothing is a guarantee. Enver just chewed him out after that last game for not being a team player.”

Masterson laughs and takes a sip of his beer. “Gimme a break. Oakland is never gonna let him go now that they havehim. They’ll fire Enver’s ass before they let Jack go. They brought him here to win, no matter what.” He shrugs. “It’s great to be number one. At least we got him on our side, you know?”

Jack’s groupie leans in to say something to Jack and then leaves him at the bar. I fist my hair, following him with my eyes as he moves through the crowd.

“I’ll be right back.”

I don’t give Masterson a chance to stop me before making a beeline to the men’s room. But I don’t get that far.

The guy stops once he rounds a corner and pulls out a cell phone. The screen flashes, looking like he’s getting a call or text. The narrow hallway is dark and quiet-ish. He sticks a finger in his ear and puts the phone to his ear.

I duck behind a column, straining to hear what he’s saying.

“Hey, I’ve got him. We’re leaving in a few minutes. I’ll text when we get there. Make sure everything is ready.”

What the everlovingfuck?

Anger bubbles in my chest, and as soon as he ends the call, I’m around the corner with my hands fisting the sides of his shirt.

“What the fuck game are you pulling?” I growl, slamming him against the wall.

A look of shock flickers in his eyes, then his face relaxes into a smile. “If you were into him, you should have done something about it sooner.”

“I heard your phone call. What the fuck was that all about?” I say through gritted teeth, my fists clutching him tight.

He puts his hands on top of my fists. “I don’t think you want an assault charge slapped on you, VK. Am I right? You know, since you’re probably one breath away from being traded again.”

Heat rushes into my neck, rage flooding me. “I don’t know who you are but stay the hell away from him. Understand?”

“What, are you his keeper or something?” The guy doesn’t seem at all fazed that I still have my hands on him. “Like it or not, he’s coming home with me. So why don’t you just step the fuck off?”

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