Page 26 of Pucking Amazing

I shake my head, trying to dispel the painful memories. I can’t let myself go down that road again. I’m at the top of my game, one of the best players on the Blizzards.

But at thirty-three, I’m not exactly a spring chicken anymore. The NHL is a young man’s league. If I get sidelined again...

Anxiety knots in my stomach at the thought. The team could easily cut me loose. Then how would I keep supporting my mom? She depends on me to help cover her mortgage ever since she got screwed over by a shady investment scheme.

I can’t let her down. I won’t let her down.

I take a deep breath and gingerly test my weight on my aching knee. I’ll just have to grin and bear it for now. Tape it up, pop some Advil, do whatever it takes to push through. No one can know I’m hurting. I paste on a cocky smile and wink at Ethan.

“Race you to the locker room, slowpoke. Loser has to buy lunch!”

I take off across the ice, ignoring the twinge of protest from my knee. Mind over matter. I’ve beat this once before and I’ll beat it again. Nothing’s gonna keep DJ Johnston down for long.

As Ethan and I glide off the ice, I spot Tyler perched on the bench, his sandy hair tousled and damp with sweat. There’s a hesitancy in his chiseled features, like he’s not sure how to approach me after our little spat on the plane.

Well, can’t let my favorite goalie stew in awkwardness, now can I?

I skate over with my most dazzling grin and clap a hand on Tyler’s broad shoulder. “Hey man, we good?”

Relief washes over his face at my friendly expression. “Yeah, totally. Sorry about before, I was just stressed about starting and?—”

“No worries, water under the bridge.” I pull him into a quick bro-hug, his solid muscles pressing against me for a brief, tantalizing moment before we separate.

And that’s when I notice it—the pink rising in his cheeks, the way his blue eyes drop to my mouth and linger just a beat too long.

Well, hello there...

A thrill zings through me.

I’ve been into Ty for a while now—how could I not be, with that chiseled jaw and the way he fills out that uniform? And I’ve definitely caught a vibe from him before, a spark in his gaze when he looks at me.

I mean, what was that on the plane?

But he’s never been this obvious about it.

My mind races with the possibilities. I know he’s always considered himself straight, but maybe he’s finally ready to explore this thing between us. My pulse kicks up at the thought.

I’ve never been one to deny myself pleasure, in any of its delightful forms.

And Tyler? I have a feeling he’d be very pleasurable indeed...

Instead of stepping away after our hug, I trail my fingers down the firm muscles of Tyler’s forearm, marveling at the heat rising off his skin.

His breath hitches and those stunning blue eyes darken with desire.

God, he’s gorgeous. And so close to giving in to what we both want.

“You know Ty, we could slip away right now,” I murmur, leaning in until my lips brush the shell of his ear. “No one would even notice we’re gone. There’s still at least an hour until practice starts officially.”

Tyler shivers and for one glorious moment, I think I’ve got him. His tongue darts out to wet his lips and my eyes track the movement hungrily.

But then he’s pulling back, shaking his head.

“DJ, I... I can’t. Not yet.” His voice is strained, apology and frustration warring in his expression.

Damn. I want him so bad it hurts. But I get it. Coming to terms with a new side of yourself is a big deal.

As much as I’m dying to take this further, I respect Tyler too much to push.

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