Page 130 of Playing the Pucking Game
I have to.
The next three minutes are the longest of my life. My chest heaves and sweat trickles down my back, but as the time runs out, it becomes clear that it was worth it.
“Yesss,” I squeal when the screen announces the winner.
“Fuck,” Linc grunts, bending over and resting his hands on his thighs.
“All these years, and I finally beat you at something,” I state smugly.
He glances over, but there’s no annoyance on his face, only pride.
“Well done, Donnelly,” he says, holding his hand out to shake mine. “Best man won.” The second my palm slides against his, an electric current shoots up my arm. His eyes widen at the same time, and I can’t help but wonder if he felt it too. Thankfully, no one around us recognizes it, and they quickly begin planning the next round.
With a tug, Linc pulls me toward the couch and we fall onto it side by side.
“That was fun,” he says through his increased breathing. “I like hanging out with you, Donnelly.”
“Hmm…you’re not too bad either, I guess.”
“Friends?” he asks, turning to look at me.
I smile at him, my heart racing and that fluttering I’m becoming used to taking over my stomach.
“Friends,” I agree.
34
LINCOLN
“Fuck,” I breathe as I fall back onto my couch.
“Yeah,” Parker agrees as she copies my move on the one opposite.
The coffee table is still against the wall, and the dance mats are still in place.
I told Monroe that he should take them home so he could get some practice in. He proudly stated that he didn’t need any and that they should stay here for next time.
Next time…
I’m not sure I’ve got it in me to do that all over again.
“I know hockey players are competitive, but that was something else.”
“I can’t believe Handsy. For a guy who was adamant he didn’t want to play, he was shockingly good.”
Parker giggles, and the sound warms me all the way down to my toes.
I’ve missed that sound this past week.
Hell, I’ve missed her.
I might have been with her at the arena almost every day, but it wasn’t the same as hanging out with her. Not like tonight.
I’m not quite sure how she became such a vital piece of my everyday life in only a few days, but it happened, and losing her again hurt.
It was like six years ago all over again.
No, it wasn’t that bad. Nothing could be that bad—or at least, I hope not.
