Page 118 of Ice Mechanic

FINA SPOTTED AT STRIKERS VS FOXES GAME

McLANELY’S GLAMAROUS EX… BACK FOR A SECOND CHANCE!

Right beneath the articles are images of a leggy blonde with themoststunning cheekbones I’ve ever seen on a human being. Paparazzi pictures show her cheering at all of Chance’s games.

Instantly, my mood sours.

Dragging the stick shift into position, I drive to the garage in a hurry. There’s a fire burning in my chest and, though I tell myself it means nothing, it’s hard to convince myself that’s true.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-THREE

CHANCE

The next day,we play the Konge Crusaders and wipe the floor with them. Theilan immediately sends out a group text inviting everyone to a local bar to celebrate.

“I’m gonna bow out,” I inform him, stripping off my jersey.

Theilan slams his locker shut and wiggles his eyebrows. “Got other plans?”

“Yeah.”

He narrows his eyes. “What you doing?”

“Calling April.”

Theilan boos. “I thought you were about to say something else.”

“What else would he say?” Gunner grumbles, walking past us in a towel.

A big, mischievous grin cracks Theilan’s face. “Nothing. It’s just… April’s allllllll the way back in town.”

I reach for my gym bag. If I wasn’t surrounded by my teammates, I’d call April immediately. She might be sleeping by the time I get back to the hotel, and the thought of not hearing her voice for a full day sends me into a tiny panic.

Theilan stops me as I turn to the showers. “Are you really staying in and calling your girlfriend tonight?”

I squint at him. “You’d rather I write a letter and send it by carrier pigeon?”

Chuckles break out.

Theilan’s eyes dart around.

We’re on better terms now, but there’s no hiding his desire to compete with me. Being extremely competitive is a hazard of the trade. As athletes, something in our biological code urges us to be the best in the room.

It doesn’t bother me anymore. Theilan and I have found our own rhythm on the ice—which is what matters.

“All you’ve done on this trip is play hockey and chase after April. Were you this lame in the league?”

Watson saunters into the room, scrubbing his damp hair with a towel. “All Renthrow does is play hockey and video chat with his daughter. I don’t see you ragging him about it.”

“Yeah, but that’s his kid. April’s just a girlfriend.”

I slam my locker shut and spin around.

Gunner immediately shoves a sock in Theilan’s mouth. “Shut it if you want to live.”

Theilan spits out the sock. “Did you just?—”

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