Page 123 of Puck Me Secretly

He glanced back at me. “I’m not great company tonight.”

“Oh, okay,” I sat up disoriented.

He couldn’t get his shoes on fast enough.

“See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, okay.”

He didn’t even give me another kiss goodbye.

I worried that night. Scary feelings of doubt crept in, replacing my joy.

It will be okay. Don’t worry. It will be okay.

CHAPTER 43

Two days later,I sat in the stands near the ice with my notes, watching a practice. I waited for Dad, who had texted me to tell me that he was at a doctor’s appointment. We had two defense men who wanted to retire after this season. I would have no part in the decision about who we’d contract to replace those positions, but Dad expected me to present him with my ideas as if I was.

There was a break in practice. I felt concerned that Dad hadn’t made it back yet.

Me: Everything okay?

Dad: Had a couple routine tests. Pulling up to the stadium now

Me: I’m still at practice

Dad: Wait for me near the ice

I studied my notes.

“You’re cute sitting there.”

I smiled and lifted my head.

Max, dripping wet with sweat, leaned against his stick. Something inside me eased up. Sunny Max was back. Whatever internal debate he had been fighting, my sidehad won. For now.

I gave him a saucy smile, “How’s it going?”

“Better now that I’m talking to you.”

“Your fancy skating moves impressed me.”

His smile made my toes curl. “So, you want to go on a date?”

“With whom?” I pretended to look around for a suitable candidate.

“Smart ass.”

“Does it involve sex?”

“It could.”

“Sold. When and where?”

Baxter skated up and glanced between the two of us.

“What’s going on?”

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