Page 86 of Breaking Away

“For the record, he was eating a bagel and almost choked.” Lokhov sighs. “Almost. Too bad.”

“You know, if anyone else heard you talk like that, they would think you were horrible.”

Lokhov slips both hands into his pockets. “That means you don’t think I’m horrible.”

“My opinion is not relevant.”

“It’s absolutely everything.”

“Stop making fun of me.” Walking over, I put my dishes in the dishwasher. Rinsing my hands, I hunt for a dishwasher tablet, because even if he gets this place cleaned professionally, I’ll do my part. “I… think…” I say slowly. “That you are putting up with me. Which makes you not horrible.”

“It’s a real nightmare,” he says, not with any obvious sarcasm but softly.

“Yeah?”

“Sleep is hard. Everything is… hard.”

“It won’t be too long,” I tell him, forcing a laugh.

When I turn around, I see the glint of something intense in his eyes, but it must be the light again. It’s gone in the next second.

I shake my head. “Back to this bet. You should do better.”

When I try sauntering across from him, he catches my arm. His mouth hovers by my ear. “I’ll win.”

My nose knocks into his shoulder, and I breathe in deeply, obviously frustrated. “Not at the rate you’re going.”

“Have any suggestions for me?”

It’s so hard to think when he’s holding me like this. Am I touch starved? My legs attempt to wobble until I lock my knees. “You should… invite everyone on the team over for a barbecue.”

He lets go of me, aghast. Shuddering. I choke back genuine laughter at the horror crowding his eyes.

“Doubt you’ll do it,” I egg on.

“Show me your new photography account. Let’s see what you’ve posted there.”

Dammit. Touché.

“Invite the team over first,” I goad. “Then I’ll show you.”

“Maybe. If we win tomorrow.”

“Guess I’ll be watching the game from home to keep you accountable. What a chore.”

“Suffer in person. Come to the game.”

“And why would I give you that kind of satisfaction?” I ask him.

“Over-priced stadium beer and nachos.”

My skin buzzes, like I’m secretly vibrating from the inside. I think about going to another hockey game of his.

For so long, games have been a site of disappointment for me because I haven’t been allowed to go, or a site of awkwardness because I never fit in with Tyler’s teammates. But the thought of seeing Lokhov play again…

Excitement lifts in me like a tide.

Let’s call itA Competitive Spirit To Crush Him.

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