Page 20 of Pucking Only

I don’t know what the hell any of that means, but I nod, smile and pretend like I do. I’m much more interested in the fact that all four are just as big and good looking as Carson and Jensen.

Cruz looks like a buffer, hairier version of Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid with his black hair and blue eyes. Wilder looks just like his name suggests - a little wild. His hair is long and curly, like his beard. I could totally see him chopping down a tree in the middle of a mountain forest while wearing flannel and one of those floppy winter hats. Jayce is leaner than the others. He’s got blond hair and deep blue eyes. I’m getting real California surfer guy vibes from him. It is a little strange since he’s a hockey player in Denver, AKA, Satan’s frozen butthole. Finally, there’s Zander. He particularly stands out because he looks like fucking Thor after he got the haircut. His green eyes are stunning. His dark hair is short and neatly styled. His beard closely trimmed.

He smiles as he steps forward.

"Nice to meet you, Skyler," he says, shaking my hand firmly. "Grace told us you’re here to learn more about the sport."

"Yes, I’m fromCode Kickers, and we’re developing a hockey-themed game, so I’m here to get more insight into the game," I explain. “Get some hands-on experience, so to speak.”

Jeez, since when do I speak like a corporate robot, and why is this guy making me so nervous? Yeah, he’s big and hot and that megawatt smile does funny things to my insides, but…wait, where was I going with this train of thought?

"Oh, man, I’m a huge fan of Code Kickers,” Zander declares, surprising me. “I’ve played Zombie Dance III like five times. I can’t get enough of it.”

“That’s one of my favorites too!” I exclaim. “I helped with character behaviors on that one. It was my first project I was assigned. I put a lot of hours at the tail-end of development for that Box release. It was worth it. The gameplay was some of our best work!”

Zander gives me a wide smile and leans slightly into my touch. “It’s so cool that you’re here. I’d, uh, be happy to help you however I can. If you need any specific information or have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“I appreciate that,” I say, my lips curling into a grin. Zander is hot…really hot. He’s actually right up my alley with his thick beard and burly build. Plus, he’s a gamer? Sploosh.

“You can ask me anything too, beautiful,” Jayce says, sliding up next to Zander and giving me a wink. “It doesn’t have to be hockey related, either. Whatever comes to your mind. The weather, pop culture, the intricacies of the female anatomy…I’m happy to discuss any topic in depth.”

I chuckle. “That’s good to know.”

“Ignore him,” Wilder groans. “The head on his shoulders is not in charge.”

That makes me laugh. Zander even chuckles as he slaps Jayce on his shoulder good-naturedly.

As I’m standing there talking with Zander, I catch movement out of the corner of my eye and I glance over to find Carson and Jensen off to the side of the group. Carson looks irritated. I can’t help but think back to high school. He never wanted me hanging around his friends then, and it seems like that hasn’t changed. I arch my brow at him and turn my attention back to Zander.

“I’ll show you some moves on the ice, if you’d like,” he offers.

"That would be great," I say, smiling. "Thank you."

I shoot a pointed look at Carson, who’s clenching his jawso hard he’s probably cracking teeth. He doesn’t say a word or try to approach us. I brush off his reaction. If he’s going to be a moody ass, that’s his problem, not mine.

Once the introductions are over, the guys start gearing up for practice. Grace and I leave the locker room and go out to find seats in the stands. The arena is vast and cold, but there’s an undeniable energy in the air.

I pull out my phone to open my notes app. I am ready to jot down my observations and any questions I might have as I watch the team.

As practice begins, I sit back and take in as much of the action as I can. This is so much better than just watching a game on TV or online. I get more insight into the mechanics of the game by listening to Coach Sullivan’s instructions and the exchanges the guys have with each other as they work through drills and plays. It’s a relief to know that I can get my questions answered directly by the team.

I try to focus on Zander. I watch the way he moves on the ice. He has such grace and power. However, despite my best efforts to ignore him, my eyes keep wandering to Carson. I can’t help but notice how impressive he is out there. He moves with a confidence and skill that commands attention. He guards the net like an impenetrable wall.

"Carson’s good," I admit begrudgingly, more to myself than to Grace.

Grace nudges me with a knowing smile. "He’s one of the best, " she says with pride.

I watch as Carson blocks puck after puck with laser-like precision. His focus unbreakable. There’s something about seeing him in his element that stirs a mixture of admiration and frustration within me. I do not want to admit it, but it is undeniable. He is very talented.

The practice continues. I force myself to take notes, jottingdown observations and ideas in my phone. No matter how much I try to focus on anyone or anything else, my gaze keeps drifting back to Carson. Frustration blooms within me. I can’t let Carson distract me. I have too much on the line right now. My game, my promotion…my entire career! I’m not going to let Carson Monroe and his stupid, handsome face get in the way of me and my dreams… no matter how difficult it is to pretend he doesn’t exist.

CHAPTER SIX: JEALOUSY

CARSON

“Yo,Carson, you okay? You look like you’re spacing out.”

I blink and am surprised to find Wilder standing in front of me, frowning as he studies me closely. We’re standing in the middle of The Ice Hawk, our favorite bar, unwinding after practice. We’ve got a few days until our next game so getting a little partying in isn’t that big of a deal.

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