Page 58 of Puck Me Secretly

With my head held high, and confidence in my stride I started the long, lonely walk past the three couches filled with the Wolves.

I focused on my phone, pretending not to see any of them. I could sense the moment they all noticed me. One by one, I could feel the group still and watch as I walked past. Nerves strummed my body but I couldn’t acknowledge them. If I did, it would force me to stop and chat, and that was not an option.

I could feel him staring at me.

I tried to resist, but I failed. I lifted my gaze and looked at him. Only him.

The cute blonde was curled up next to him, talking in his ear, but he tracked me as I walked past him.

I felt myself flush hot. I ducked my head and disappeared into the washroom.

CHAPTER 20

TWEET

Hockey Gurl@hockeygurl

I heard that Rory’s dad not only paid her tuition, but when she failed every class, he needed to buy a new library to ensure she graduated. She really is that #dumb.

CHAPTER 21

I didn’t even needto use the washroom. I washed my hands, touched up my lipstick and gave myself a pep talk.

Max is a free agent. He can date or sleep with anyone he wants.

We have a professional relationship.

I am not jealous.

My only job is to make sure he succeeds on the ice.

I patted my hair into place and then took a deep bolstering breath. I could do this.

I opened the door and paused. Leaning against the wall, across from the door, was Max.

“Hi, Max!” I sounded way too high pitched and chipper. I cleared my throat.

“Having a good night?”

“Um, yup.”

His eyes traveled down the length of me. His voice sounded casual. “How’s your date going?”

I rapidly blinked not sure how to answer. Not sure if I wanted him to know I wasn’t on a date. “You’re here with the team?”

“I am.”

I did not understand why he was waiting for me or why he wanted to talk.

He let me know when he asked, “Did your parents go out of town?”

“How did you know?”

“I saw your dad with a suitcase.”

My stomach did a slow flop. “Yes. They went down to Seattle for the weekend.”

He stared at me for a long moment. “Phone.”