Page 93 of Puck Lust

I’ve tried for so long to live on the straight and narrow, never wanting to upset the applecart because of what it might do to my career. I played it safe and now?

I’m miserable and alone, just like Jack said I’d be.

I stab the ignition button and the truck’s engine roars.

And like a flash, I know exactly where I need to go.

I pull out of the parking garage and drive through the city until I get to Play It Forward. I’m not even sure who might be there today, or if it’s even open on weekends.

But I have to try.

Maybe Jack came here. It’s kind of his safe place, and if he is there, I feel bad that I’m going to invade it while he’s hurting so badly.

He won’t take my calls, that much I know since he didn’t answer any of my calls or texts earlier. The wounds are fresh and he pretty much hates me right now.

I can’t see that changing any time soon, either.

I pull into a spot against the curb, hop out of the truck, and look around. Sunlight streams over the buildings lining the quiet street. It seems almost peaceful, which is kind of ironic since my insides are in complete and utter turmoil.

I take a deep breath and walk toward the door like I’m marching down death row.

Pushing through the glass revolving doors, I scout the lobby for any sign of Jack. On the left, there’s a room full of kids shooting hoops, but other than that, it’s pretty empty.

I look toward the ice rink at the back of the facility.

It’s dark.

No lone figures on the ice.

My gut clenches when Sam walks out of one of the offices. His lips pull into a tight line.

Shit. Did Jack already get to him? Does Sam know what I’ve done?

I take a few steps toward him, but my legs fight me, my body unwilling to hear what I already know in my heart.

“Carter,” Sam says, placing a clipboard on the reception desk before walking over to me. “I’m so sorry about what happened. I didn’t realize it was a secret.”

My brow furrows. “What are you talking about? Did you talk to Jack?”

“No, not since the day he beat the shit out of Jeremy’s dad. I’ve called him, but every time, I go straight to voicemail. I guess he’s trying to lay low.”

“Yeah, but I still don’t understand. What are you sorry about?”

Sam’s eyes narrow. “I figured you were here because you were upset with me for saying anything.”

“Look, Sam. I really have no fucking clue what you’re talking about right now and I’m trying really hard to understand. Can you please just lay it out for me?” There’s a tense edge to my voice and I don’t even bother to hide it because my head is in a total twist.

He sighs and pulls out his phone to hand to me.

I stare at the screen, at myself kissing Jack at the arena.

In the darkened corner Ithoughtwas private.

“She leaked it,” I mutter. “Fucking Christ.”

“I didn’t know you weren’t out. When Jack told me he had a thing for you and that you were involved, I figured it was public. I mentioned it to Brixton and he must’ve said something to the guys because next thing I knew?—”

“Livvie must have followed me and took the video after shewas tipped off.” A dry laugh escapes my lips. “Well, I guess this is what I get for trying to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes.”

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