Page 168 of Puck Me Secretly

“What about Flanynk?”

“His flight is scheduled to land any minute. The Minnesota DA is standing by at the airport to take him in for questioning.”

“What time did Katrina say they would release the interview?”

“As soon as they apprehend him.”

“Holy shit.”

“Can you convince your mom to reverse the proxy that gives Baxter power?”

“I will try. She doesn’t want to think about hockey right now.”

“Keep trying. I drew up the paperwork. We only need a signature. But you need to work fast. If Max’s contract doesn’t get reinstated by tomorrow, he won’t play the rest of the season.”

“I’ll make it happen.”

I hung up, wondering how I would get that done. Mom was in denial. And right now, she didn’t give a rat’s ass about hockey.

“Rory?”

I lifted my head. Max stood in the doorway. He wore a baseball hat low over his eyes.

I sat frozen, staring up at him. “Max.”

He shoved his hands in his pockets. The expression on his face was inscrutable.

I stood up and moved towards him, approaching him with caution, terrified that he’d leave. “Are you okay?”

He shrugged. “I’ve been better.”

“Things will come together, okay? I’ve been working around the clock and I’m trying to get you reinstated.”

“I don’t give a fuck about hockey.”

I froze. “What?”

“Did you mean it?”

“Mean what?”

“You said you loved me. Did you mean it?”

Everything rushed up over me. All the anxiety and fear over Max pushing me away. Tears blurred my eyes. “Yes. I meant it.”

“Say it.”

“I love you.”

“My life’s a fucking mess.”

“I don’t care about that.”

“I may never play hockey again.”

I swallowed the tears that wobbled my voice. “That would break my heart because I know how much you love the game, but it doesn’t change how I feel about you.”

“I suck at this.”

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