Page 101 of Defensive Zone

“Good night, Max. Rest up so you can kick ass on the ice and then we can celebrate when you get home. Clothing optional.”

She slipped out of the room with one final kiss and he dropped his head to the wall in frustration.

“Gabi?” Ava’s voice carried through his door and then he heard a thud.

“Ava? What are you doing up?” Gabi asked, and Max wanted to crack open the door. She’d have no excuse not to tell Ava the truth now.

“What are you doing coming out of my brother’s room?” Ava asked.

“Um. I just had to ask him something.”

“Ask him something? Really?”

Max chuckled at the disbelief in his sister’s voice. He should open his door and step out there, but he held back for multiple reasons, including the fact that he was naked.

“Yep. You know, about tomorrow’s game,” Gabi said.

She was really pushing her story. He bristled.

“You’re actually going with that?” Ava asked.

He couldn’t resist any longer, and maybe he wanted to see Gabi squirm. He opened the door and poked his head out—only his head. “Hey, Av,” he said. “I’m trying to sleep and you guys are being super loud,” he deadpanned. He pinned his eyes on Gabi, watched her fidget, and waited.

“Ugh. Okay, fine. We’re hooking up,” Gabi said.

Fuck. She said it like it was a chore. What the hell?

Ava rolled her eyes. “Obviously.”

“You’re not mad?” Gabi asked, not looking at him.

“Why would I be mad? You two are perfect for each other and not subtle, but I don’t need the dirty details. I mean, he’s my brother, after all,” Ava said with a grin as she waved her hand toward him.

“It’s new and we’re just having fun,” Gabi said, her gaze darting between him and Ava.

“Yeah, having fun,” he echoed, but he was pissed. That’s all this was to her. “I need to get back to bed. Big game tomorrow. Thanks for the fun, Gabi. Night, Ava,” he said, ducking back into his room and hoping the door didn’t slam.

He climbed into bed and pulled the covers up. He wasn’t pouting. He just needed to be well-rested for tomorrow.

Fuck. How were they not on the same page after everything?

Gabi stared at Max’s door, flinching when it loudly shut. He hadn’t slammed it, but there had been extra force behind it.

Shit.

“Damn. Really, Gabi?” Ava asked over her shoulder.

She spun to face her friend.

“I’m sorry, Av. This wasn’t supposed to happen.”

“You should not be apologizing to me. He looked hurt. You can’t lie to me and tell me you don’t have feelings for him,” Ava said.

She sagged against the wall.

“I do, but it’s going fast and there are so many things that can go wrong. And he’s not my type,” Gabi said.

“And you’ve been lighter and happier than I’ve ever seen you. You mellow him and he brings out the fun in you.”

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