Page 60 of Pucking Amazing

“Okay, have a good day, sis,” Selena replies, studying me with a hint of concern in her eyes. She can probably sense something is off, but thankfully doesn’t press the issue.

I head to the bathroom and crank the shower as hot as it will go, desperate to scald away the guilt clinging to every inch of skin DJ’s hands caressed last night. As the steaming spray hits my face, I squeeze my eyes shut.

What the hell am I doing?

Hooking up with one of the players—twice—is beyond unprofessional. Plus I totally betrayed Tyler’s trust. I was the one encouraging him to explore his attraction to DJ. And now I’m sleeping with DJ behind his back?!

Enough, Sydney. Focus on work. This team is counting on you. No more slip-ups.

Easier said than done when my treacherous body still tingles with the memory of DJ’s touch. I vigorously shampoo my hair, trying to wash him from my thoughts.

Needless to say, it doesn’t work.

CHAPTER 20

DJ

I sit on the bench in the locker room, methodically wrapping ice packs around my aching knee.

The sharp pain that flared up a few days ago has stayed at a manageable level thanks to my diligent recovery routine—rest and ice at every opportunity. Hell, I’ve even been avoiding any unnecessary strain during sex, though that thought makes me smirk to myself.

My mind drifts to flashes of last night with Sydney—the sultry look in her eyes as she undressed me, the silky touch of her hands on my body, the breathy moans escaping her lips...

“Yo DJ, what’s good bro?”

Jason’s voice snaps me out of the erotic reverie as he strolls into the locker room with a few other teammates.

I quickly rearrange my expression into an easy grin. “Oh you know, just the usual. Getting ready to dominate out there.”

“Hell yeah, that’s what I like to hear!” Gabe chimes in, clapping me on the shoulder. “But hey, you sure you’re good, man? Saw you limping a bit at practice yesterday...”

The others exchange worried looks.

“Nah, I’m all good, just tweaked it a little. Nothing that’ll slow me down,” I assure them, flexing my leg for emphasis and taking care not to wince at the dull ache.

The last thing I need is the team knowing I’m hurting and making a big deal out of it.

“Alright, if you say so,” Jason says, looking me over skeptically. “Just don’t push it too hard out there.”

I keep my voice light as I steer the conversation to safer territory. “No worries, I got this. Now let’s focus on what really matters - we’re gonna wipe the ice with the Kings today, yeah?”

The guys whoop and holler their agreement, and soon the locker room is a flurry of activity as everyone gets into game mode. I keep icing my knee while the usual pre-game rituals and pep talks swirl around me.

After 10 minutes, I unwrap my knee and slowly flex my leg, relieved to find that the movement produces nothing more than a dull throb. It’ll have to do. With the crucial game against our biggest rivals coming up, I can’t afford to let this injury hold me back.

Failure is not an option, especially not with so much on the line.

From the moment the puck drops, energy buzzes through the arena, charged with bitter history: The Vortex aren’t ranked well and yet beat us horrifically last time we matched up. The whole team is hungry to regain our pride by delivering a victory today.

I snag the puck and weave between two defenders, my skates carving the ice in decisive slashes. With a flick of my wrists, I send a crisp pass to Lukas streaking up the left side. He catches my feed in stride and snaps a wrist shot that beats their goalie over the blocker.

The red goal light ignites, and the crowd erupts as we take an early lead. Damn, that felt good.

I pump my fist and holler at Lukas, “Beauty, bro! Right where I wanted it!”

He grins back at me through his cage. “Put it on a platter, DJ! Keep ‘em coming!”

The Vortex try to answer back immediately, coming in hot off the next faceoff. They gain the zone and their top winger rips a heavy one-timer, but Tyler slides post-to-post like a big cat, snagging the puck out of thin air.

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