Page 77 of The Roommate Remodel

“Brax, you’re just being an?—”

“Don’t even say it,” I cut him off. “We share DNA, so whatever you’re going to call me, you’re essentially calling yourself.”

His jaw clenches as he waits a beat. “You’re making a mistake by not telling the team.”

I shrug. “Maybe. But it’s my choice.”

Vale frowns. “If Felipe injures you worse, you’ll never play again. Hockey is your life. Everything we’ve worked a lifetime for. You’re going to give that up?”

I rub the knot on my shoulder from Leo’s hit today. I don’t want to imagine a life without hockey. But lately, I’ve been thinking about what my future would look likewith Jaz, fixing up her house, turning it into her dream home, one renovation at a time.

A place for ustogether.

It’s the first time I’ve ever been able to imagine a life beyond hockey.

“I’m not giving up anything,” I tell Vale.

Not even Felipe can stand in my way.

SEVENTEEN

Jaz

Brax sprints down the ice, hustling toward a loose puck with Leo close behind.

Even though it’s just a practice, the heated excitement pulsates in my chest. It’s a welcome relief from the worry about Sloan’s unpaid medical bills, which pile up faster than the players’ dirty workout clothes. She feels better every day,thank goodness. If that pattern continues, she’ll eventually go back to doing what she loves. But money is still an issue until that time comes.

If it wasn’t for Joshua and Brax working on the house, I don’t know what I’d do. Brax uses all his spare time outside of practice to fix little things, while Joshua slowly makes progress on my bedroom project while painting the kitchen cabinets. When I ask Joshua how much I owe him, he tells me Sloan’s chocolate chip cookies cover his fees.

What kind of guy works for cookies?

Brax just winks at me when I try to argue with Joshua about it.

It’s a stark contrast from the guy on the ice who is totally focused on his game. He cuts Leo off, forcing him into the wall before Brax slaps the puck toward the goal, where Dawson standsready. Dawson attempts to block it, but the puck zips by him with practiced ease.

Leo’s shoulders slump. Brax skates by me, giving me a smile only I can see.

“Showoff,” I mouth to him. It’s true, but I love it. Watching him dominate the ice is thrilling, even when it is just a practice.

Vale gives his brother a high five as Coach Thompson calls a break. I watch as Leo mutters something under his breath, shakes his head, and then turns around and skates toward Brax. Then he does something that makes my jaw fall. Leo slaps Brax on the back for a shot well played.

I’m still in shock when Brax skates over to me, stripping off his helmet and running his fingers through his hair. “Are we still on for tonight’s private practice?”

I glance up from my laptop, keeping my face in check. Better for everyone to think we’re discussing work and not our next moment alone, even if he makes me feel like a tightly wound spring. “This is for charity, you know. Not a date.”

He leans on his stick and lifts an eyebrow. “I get you all to myself, and that’s the only thing that matters. No guys teasing us. No one else we have to worry about.”

I scan the perimeter of the rink and spot Alex watching through a window on the opposite side. “Speaking of people watching, Alex is right behind you.”

“For all she knows, we’re working on the charity fundraiser together.”

“Maybe. But after the team-building event at the zip line, she’s watched us like a hawk.” So have the rest of the staff. It’s like she has her own spy ring. “You should probably go before she gets any ideas.”

“I’ll be in the gym lifting weights. See you tonight.” Brax winks at me with the most adorable grin. He knows Alex can’t see his face, but I can and it’s unnerving.

My gaze flits over to Alex, who is now openly glaring at me.

I clamp my lips together and try to keep a poker face.

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