Page 75 of Penalized Love

I’ve decided to talk to him once I know that Isla and I are on solid ground regarding rekindling our relationship, and I’ll take whatever he throws at me.

Because I’m not going to lose her a second time. At least, not if I can help it.

But now isn’t the time to think about that.

As I push myself through the drills, I swear every muscle in my body burns. Sweat drips down my face, stinging my eyes, but I barely notice. The thought of fucking all of this up has me on edge, even though I know there is nothing I can do about any of this now besides focusing on killing it at this practice and at our next game. I’m determined to show Coach that I’m back in control and that the last couple of weeks were just a fluke.

The puck flies across the ice, and my eyes are on it. Every movement I make is sharper, and my stick handling is clean. Icatch Levi’s eye as I pass the puck, and for the first time in a while, he gives me a nod of approval.

A quick glance toward the bench confirms Coach is still watching me, his arms crossed, and eyes narrowed. But I’m not slipping up this time. I’m laser-focused and do not give him any reason to question me today.

We move into one-on-one drills, and I’m up against Knox. He’s quick as always, but today, I’m faster. I break toward the goal and fire it at the net with everything I’ve got. It sails past Wilder’s outstretched glove and slams into the back of the net with a satisfying crack.

“Nice shot, Bennett!”Levi yells from the side, and even Knox gives me a small grin.

After several deep breaths to calm my heart, I realize I’m happy. Sure, there are things in my life that could be better, but at this moment, I’m content. And while it took my time on the ice to realize that, my gaze drifts back to the stands, finding Isla. She lowers her favorite piece of equipment, and our eyes lock.

But I shake it off before I’m caught staring for too long.

Thankfully, the rest of practice flies by in a blur, with no complaints from anyone about me. It takes everything in me to not look at Isla as I leave the ice and head into the locker room. I can hear the usual post-practice chatter and laughter, but my mind is elsewhere. As I pull off my sweat-soaked practice jersey, I can’t stop thinking about Isla because now she has my full, undivided attention.

I’m jolted back to reality by a slap on my shoulder. It’s Wilder, whose grin is taking up his entire face.“You were on fire out there today, man. Whatever’s gotten into you, keep it up.”

It’s more what I’ve gotten into, but I digress.“Thanks, bro. Just trying to stay focused and help the team in any way I can.”

The truth is, I’ve never felt this focused or more alive than I do right now, and I know it has everything to do with Isla beingback in my life. It’s like her presence ignites something within me, a fire that burns hotter and brighter every time she is near.

After showering and throwing on some fresh clothes, I grab my gear and head out. Most of the guys have left, meaning the tunnel is nearly empty, but I know she’s nearby. I hope it doesn’t make me sound like a creep, but it’s almost as if I can sense that she’s near. As if summoned by my thoughts, Isla appears from around the corner, her camera bag slung over her shoulder. The sight of her takes my breath away, and I can’t help but smile. She returns my grin, her blue eyes sparkling as she approaches me.

“Hey there, hotshot,”she teases.“Quite the performance out there today.”

I chuckle, running a hand through my damp hair.“Well, I had some extra motivation today.”

She arches an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.“Oh really? And what might that be?”

I glance around the empty hallway before taking a step toward her.“You know exactly what, or should I say who, that is.”I punctuate my sentence with another step toward her.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Ash,”she murmurs, her gaze flickering to my lips.“This is a high-traffic area, and anyone could see us.”

“I know, but I can’t seem to give a damn.”

“We can’t,” Isla whispers. “Not here.”

“Then let’s head out of here so we can be alone. I don’t care where; I just... I need to be with you.”

Isla hesitates, her eyes darting down the hallway before they land back on me.“Okay. Meet me at my dorm room after we leave here. Tessa is hardly ever there lately, so we should be alone.”

“What’s going on here?”

The two of us jump apart like kids caught trying to sneak snacks out of a cookie jar. We both turn to face Coach, who’sstanding a few feet away. The suspicion in his eyes is hard to miss. “Nothing, Coach. Just chatting about some shots Isla got during practice.”

Coach’s gaze shifts between us before landing on his daughter.“Well, wrap it up. Isla, didn’t you mention earlier that Bailey needs those photos edited and sent to her by tonight?”

“Yes, Dad,”Isla replies.“And I’ll get right on it.”

With a final pointed look at me, Coach turns and walks away, leaving us alone once more. I let out a low whistle as the tension leaves my shoulders. That was too close for comfort.

Isla shoots me a glare.“See what I mean? We have to be more careful.”

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