Page 75 of The Roommate Remodel

She glances up from her clipboard. “Of course. Wouldn’t miss it.”

I shove my hands into my pockets. “It’s expected to wear a jersey, and I know you promised Lucian you’d wear his already. So I wondered if you wanted to wear mine for the second game?”

She bites her lip. She’s going to turn me down. I can see it all over her face.

“That’s so nice of you to offer, Brax. But I can’t. I already promised someone else.”

“Who?” I ask in shock.

“Leo asked me yesterday if I needed one.”

That little weasel.

I don’t answer, I just storm out of the closet and head straight into the locker room where Leo is slipping on his shirt.

I slam the locker next to him.Loudly.“You asked her to wear your jersey?” I hiss at him.

The locker room grows suddenly quiet as all heads turn my way.

“Youfinallyasked her? Good for you,” Leo says.

I fist the collar of his shirt and shove him against the locker. “You set me up. You knew she was already wearing yours. You wanted to humiliate me.”

“Get a grip,” Leo says, trying to wriggle away, but I press my forearm into his chest harder. “I couldn’t believe you hadn’t asked her yet. I figured this would get you to actuallydosomething.”

“Iamdoing something, Leo. I’m going to stuff you in this locker if you don’t come clean now.” I muscle him into the locker opening, and Leo immediately squirms.

Vale rushes over. “Easy, Brax. Let him talk before you go throwing hands. Coach won’t be happy if you hurt him.”

I let out a low growl. As much as I hate it, Vale’s right. He’s one of the best on the team, and he can’t stand the fact that I’m scoring more than him in practice games.

I ease up on Leo and back away, but only a step. “Then why do you have it out for me? What did I do to you?”

Leo shakes his head. “That’s the problem. You think everything’s aboutyou.”

“First you offer Jaz your jersey, then you slam me into the wall at practice. How could Inotthink it’s about me?”

“Sometimes you get a little cocky out there.” Leo flicks his thumb toward the rink. “And our competition isn’t going to play nice. I’m just preparing you for battle.”

“We’re supposed to be on the same team, Leo.” I shove him just enough to let him know I’m not playing around. Teammates or not.

Vale steps between us as Lucian and Dawson join him.

“You gotta cool down,” Vale mutters, pulling me aside. “This isn’t the way to teach Leo a lesson or help Jaz.” He gives me a look of warning.

The last thing I want is Ego running off to tell the Ice Queen about us dating.

“Fine.” I drag a hand through my hair. “What’s this about, Leo?”

“I was trying to help you,” Leo grumbles. “You’re too afraid to take a risk. This was my way of getting you to move.”

“By having her wearyournumber?”

Leo steps closer to me. “You wouldn’t let an opponent take a shot away from you. Why would you let her get away?”

I narrow my eyes. “So, you were trying tohelpme?” I can’t believe I’m saying those words. Why would Leo sacrifice anything forme?

“Yes,” Leo mutters. “Believe me or don’t. But it’s true.”

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