Page 215 of Pucking Around

“I know,” Caleb, soothes, his arms around his hulking frame.

“I saw Marchand skate in. I saw the hit. I couldn’t stop it—wasn’t fast enough—”

“I know. I was trying not to watch, but I couldn’t bear it,” Caleb murmurs. “Couldn’t keep my eyes off you on that ice.”

“I heard Mars yell,” Jake says, his hands fisting tight to the back of Caleb’s polo shirt. “He cried out in pain, and I heard you in my head,” he sobs. “I was right fucking there all over again. I watched your hit, Cay. I watched your bones break. I heard it. Oh god—I heard the snap like the cracking of a tree branch—”

“Shh,” Caleb soothes, tears streaming down his face too. “There was nothing you could do.”

I’m crying too, standing back helplessly, as they both fall apart before me.

“You lost everything,” Jake cries, his heart shredding into pieces. “And you deserved the fucking world, Cay. You were the better player. Faster, stronger, smarter on the ice—”

“Stop,” Caleb murmurs, his voice twisted with pain. He brushes his hand through Jake’s sweaty hair, still trying to soothe him. “Baby, stop—”

“It should have been me,” Jake cries. “God—it should have been me taking that hit—”

“No,” Caleb growls, grabbing him by the jersey and shoving him back. He’s right in Jake’s face, his own beautiful face a mask of rage. “Never fucking say that again.”

“Cay—”

“Neversay it again. I took the hit, alright? That’s all there is to it. We can’t wish it any different. So, you are gonna let this fucking go. We are done reliving that one shitty moment and sharing the awful weight of pain and regret, Jake. I’m so fucking done. No more. Move on with me. Move onwithme,” he whispers again, his voice softer. It’s a wish, a plea and a prayer.

Jake’s battered hand cups Caleb’s face as they gaze into each other’s eyes, hazel green meeting brownest black. Jake breathes through parted lips, chest heaving, his face wet with his sweat and tears. “I’m with you, Cay.”

“Jake—”

Before Caleb can get another word out, Jake’s hand snakes around to hold him at the nape as he presses in, kissing Caleb with parted lips. Caleb goes still as stone, his body stunned. Seconds pass before he recovers, his arms going around Jake, kissing him back with the pent-up passion of all his long years of waiting.

I stand back, dazed, heart overflowing, as I watch them find their way to each other at last. Jake is ravenous, groaning his need into Caleb’s mouth as Caleb lets him lead. They’re awkward with their hands, encumbered by Jake’s gear. And their height difference is pronounced because he’s still in his skates. But none of that matters—

“Doc!”

I jolt, watching the guys break apart, as seconds later the new equipment guy comes running down the hall.

“Hey, Doc. They need you up on the bench.”

I spin to face him, heart in my throat. “Why—what happened?”

“Novy just took a skate to the face. He’s bleeding like crazy.”

“Oh shit,” I breathe, glancing over my shoulder to look at Jake and Cay.

“Go,” Caleb says. “I got this.”

Breaking myself away, I rush out into the hall and follow Nate back out to the bench.

94

Rachel runs off after the new kid and I’m left alone with Caleb. He’s standing there, my blood on the collar of his shirt, looking at me like I’m the answer to life’s great unanswered question. My heart races a mile a minute.

I just kissed Caleb.I just kissed a man. I kissed my best friend…in front of my girlfriend. And I liked it. Loved it. I want to kiss him again.

Okay, I’m officially freaking out.

Caleb’s eyes go wide as he watches me spin out. He knows me too well. Knows I’m a goddamn mess. He takes a step back. “Jake, it’s okay—”

“I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing!”

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