Page 24 of Until He Scores

I wouldn’t have it any other way, either.

As my breath hitched and my balls drew up, singling my impending orgasm, I knew none of the scenarios I created in my head would ever come true. Even as I watched my release splatter against the tile wall then wash down the drain, the emptiness I’d been left with, made me hate myself more. I had to move on. Find someone new and quit thinking about him. Because reality was, he’d forgotten about me a long time ago, too.

That kiss was nothing more than a slap to the face.

Revenge served cold.

While I checked out the available apartments in the area after my shower, I couldn’t keep my mind off jacking off in the shower. With Pope’s visage linger at the back of my mind, I wondered if he’d be at the compound tonight.So much for not thinking about him.He fucking infected me with his presence. He drilled into my subconscious, planting himselfthere permanently as if cursing me for eternity to remember him.

Fucked up part? While flipping through the photos of each place I looked at, and eventually choosing one I liked, I kept asking myself the same questions repeatedly; would Pope like this space? Should I get something bigger?I settled on the last remaining three-bedroom penthouse-style apartment on the top floor of the newest complex not far from the sports arena.

Of course, I called myself all kinds of stupid as I got ready for the party. I needed to leave the past in the past. Try to find someone to move on with, but the likelihood was slim and none. Pope crawled into my bloodstream. He was a part of me now. I had to accept that fact.

As I pulled up to the compound, I again told myself I could go home. I could drive to Nashville—even though I’d hired a moving crew to pack and move my shit, so I didn’t have to return—hit up a bar, and find a way to forget about tonight, releasing the rest of my pent-up tension.

I guess the question was, why hadn’t I done that?

Because Wes invited you, and you could never tell him no.

Yeah, that.

I found a spot near the other vehicles and parked. The internal debate I’d had with myself since Wes showed up to the house, raged within me once more. No one had seen me yet. I could go home. I could call Pavel. I’m sure Rosemary would enjoy seeing me again. Or I could text Richard and Christopher to see if they had anything planned for the weekend, since we didn’t have another game until Tuesday.

I groaned. What the hell was I doing? I was thirty-five. Not fifteen. If anyone saw my internalized agony while I sat there, they’d probably laugh at me. I’d laugh at myself. It was all so stupid. I shoved out of my truck then slammed the door behindme. Music thumped inside the building, getting louder the closer I got.

I needed a drink.

The second I entered the main area where most of the festivities happened for the club, a round of shouts greeted me. If my paranoia didn’t know any better, I’d swear they’d been waiting for me. I shrugged off the thought and went straight for a cooler filled with beers after acknowledging their greetings. I might enjoy a mixed drink here and there, but a beer could eliminate my sour mood in an instant. Twisting off the cap, I lifted the bottle to my lips and took a couple of swallows.

“You made it,” Wes said, smacking me on the shoulder. “Glad you came.”

I grinned. “Yeah. Thanks.”

“Saw the game last night,” he said. “You looked good as a coach. Like you hadn’t missed a beat, even though you weren’t on the ice. How’d it feel?”

“You know,” I replied before tipping the beer back again for another swallow. “Felt like old times.” I drained the rest of the bottle then grabbed another one out of the ice. “Lots of people here.”

Wes smirked. “Place has grown since you’ve been gone.”

Figured as much.

I glanced around the area just as a smiling July and December started toward us. Both women had bright expressions on their faces, reminding me just how dangerous they could be. No one ever told a Mayson no. As far as I could tell, that extended to their spouses as well.

“You’re here!” July hugged me tight. As much as I might not have wanted to be there, seeing her again knocked some of the tension from me. The knots in my stomach unfurled and I reciprocated the greeting. “We’ve missed you so much, Thier.”

Warmth bloomed in my chest. It’d been a long time since someone used my nickname. I sighed, holding onto her for a second longer. “I’ve missed you too, Blondie.” I hugged December next and laughed when she pulled away. The squeal she let loose had me wincing. I cut my gaze to Wes who raised his hands, allowing me to be devoured by his wife and her sister.

“We saw the game last night,” July said. “You looked so professional and handsome behind the bench.”

“You were amazing out there,” December added. “How do you feel?”

“Good. It was different, sure. But the same adrenaline as being out on the ice… I—” Come to think of it, how did they watch the game? “I’m sorry, you watched the game?” I didn’t know they were televised. Didn’t even think the popularity of the AHL was that big until I stepped into the rink. Though, I should have with the size of the crowd in the complex.

“Yep,” December answered.

I glanced over my shoulder at Wes. He nodded. “YouTube. Each team has a dedicated channel. We streamed the game.”

“Cool. You guys should come to the complex sometime,” I said. “You might enjoy it more, live.”

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