Page 11 of Pucking my Enemy Boss

I slide down the wall, sitting on the cold concrete, alone with my demons right there.

Memories of David are a sharp pain in my chest. I see him as a young boy, looking up at me with hopeful eyes. He was my reason for fighting, for pushing myself to be the best.

And when I reached the top, he was the one who held me together. Without him, I’m just a bunch of broken pieces. And if he saw me now, he’d tell me to push on and not let Frank and his family get to me.

I stand up, brushing the ice off my clothes. I need to get back to the locker room before someone sees me like this.

As I walk back, I force on an imperceptible mask. It's all I have right now.

The locker room is still a chaotic blur as I step back inside. But the bodies are now moving out.

Ryan appears, a towel draped around his waist. "You okay, man?" he asks, his voice filled with concern.

I nod, trying to sound casual. "Yeah, just tired."

He studies me for a moment, then nods. "You sure? You seem off."

I force a laugh. "Just a long day."

Ryan gives me a skeptical look. "You know, you don't have to pretend with me, Ethan. I know you better than anyone on this team."

I look away, unable to meet his gaze. I don't want to talk about it.

"How about you join us tonight? It’ll be fun. You need to relax."

I hesitate, then shake my head. "Not tonight, Ry. I have to go home,” I mutter, already regretting the confrontation.

“Something special waiting at home?” Ryan teases, but his tone is gentle.

My mind immediately flashes to Holly Bennett, the beautiful stranger now occupying my house. The first time I met her, she was a distraction from my misery. Now she’s a complication I didn’t see coming. The approaching Christmas season is the worst time to have a housemate, especially one I can’t trust. Lauren, our team therapist, advised me to live with someone for a while, to change some things in the house to help let go of some of the pain that David is no longer there.

Lauren said changing things and having a new roommate might help me better adjust. But Holly isn’t someone I can easily ignore.

Ryan watches me, waiting for an answer. “Remember that time we went to a club after the preseason game in L.A.?”

He chuckles. “Yeah, you were smitten by that redhead beauty. Came back sulking, claiming all women are liars.”

“I was never smitten,” I grumble. “Or sulking.”

“Sure, you weren’t.” Ryan laughs harder. “I’ve never seen you talk to a woman for more than ten minutes, let alone dance with one. You were definitely smitten.”

“Get out,” I growl, but there’s no real heat in it.

“Why’d you bring her up? Been dreaming of her lately?” Ryan smirks, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I refuse to answer, heading toward the showers. “Go keep the team in check at the dinner, Ryan. We have a match tomorrow.”

“You know, you’d be a damn good captain if only you could relax once in a while.” Ryan mutters.

“Bullshit,” I snort and walk into the bathroom. “I’d be the worst captain ever. You’re good at it.”

From outside the bathroom, Ryan calls out, “I’m so happy with the compliment, I’m thinking about coming in there to thank you properly.”

“If you do that, you won’t be playing tomorrow,” I shout back, a reluctant smile tugging at my lips.

As the hot water cascades over me, I let the tension ease from my shoulders. Holly Bennett. Lauren had said her ex-boyfriend cheated on her and she’s here for a fresh start. That man must be as blind as a bat…or stupid. No way any functioning, sane man cheats on a woman like that.

I’ve dated my share of beautiful women, but none of them were the five-foot seven, red-haired, green-eyed stunner with curves that would make a monk sin. Maybe she’s a horrible person, and that’s why the guy ditched her.

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