Page 10 of Puck U Been Gone
My head is telling me to stay pissed at Kai and Hudson, but my heart is telling me I have feelings for all four of them.
ten
Kai
“She seemed upset. Doyou think she’ll forgive us?” I ask Hudson during the second period break.
“I don’t know. She looked pretty mad. But I refuse to give up on her.”
I stare at my hockey stick. How did we end up here? We found the woman of our dreams, only to throw her away.
“What if she doesn’t want us anymore?” I can’t stop the doubt running through my head. Seeing her with those other two guys really messed with my head.
“We’ll do whatever it takes to win her back, even grovel if that’s what it takes.” Hudson’s voice might sound confident, but his eyes have taken on a vacant, almost hopeless look.
I can’t help but point out the obvious. “Those guys seemed really protective of her. I don’t think they’ll give her up without a fight.”
“If they don’t fight for her, then they don’t deserve her.” He taps my knee. “Now let’s go out there and kick their ass on the ice if we can’t do it for real.”
The rest of the game went by in a blur. Whenever I saw Ryker or Felix, I wanted to lash out at them. But I didn’t want to upset Ollie.
The only thing that got me through the game was Ollie herself, out there with us doing what she loves.
Seeing the happy look on her face, I vow to do whatever it takes to keep it there—even if it means giving her up.
eleven
Ollie
There isn't enough winein the house to handle the four snarling, half-feral guys in my living room. I lift the wine glass to my lips and take a huge drink before continuing the conversation. It’s a little unnerving having the last two guys you had sex with and the next two guys you want to have sex with sitting in your living room.
“Are you guys about done with the dick measuring competition?” Four pairs of eyes snap toward me, causing me to inhale sharply.
Damn, this is going to be more complicated than I thought.
“Do they need to be here while we discuss what happened before…” Hudson trails off. I can tell by the pain in his voice that he’s hurting as much as I was when they dumped me.
“Before you and Kai threw our relationship away?” I press further, "Or before you decided you wanted me back?”
“You know we’ve always wanted you.” Kai takes my hand in his, brings it to his lips, and gently kisses my palm, just like he has done a thousand times before.
I harden my heart when feelings overwhelm me, but I push them down. “No, I don’t know that you’ve always wanted me.” I pull my hand away from his. “As far as I knew, you were ready to move on.” Hudson and Kai have the decency to look ashamed. “I’ve moved on with my life. Ryker and Felix are part of that life now, and I want them to stay and hear what you have to say.”
“Fine.” Hudson growls. “I made a mistake. I thought I was protecting you from Ty and how he could ruin your reputation. I believed his lies, and I convinced Kai it was for the best to break up with you. He was pissed at me, probably still is.”
I look at Kai, and he still seems pissed, but more than anything, he looks sad and lost. “I hated hurting you, Ollie. You were ourworld—still are. We want you back.” Kai gazes deeply into my eyes as if trying to see into my soul.
“She’s ours now.” Felix grits his teeth as Ryker looks on sadly.
My head starts to hurt as I absorb the reason why Hudson and Kai broke my heart. I’m touched, but I’m also pissed. Do I want to go back to them, or do I want to start fresh with Ryker and Felix?
“I-I need some time to process all this.” I set my empty wine glass on the table.
“No, you don’t. Felix and I will bow out of the race.”
“What the fuck, Ryker?” Felix snarls.
“Look at her, Felix. She’s pale and looks like she’s about to throw up--she’s so upset about having to choose. I refuse to be the cause of her pain.” Ryker stands and taps Felix on the shoulder. “Let’s go.”
