Page 35 of They All Puck Me

We lay there in comfortable silence for a while longer before reality starts to creep back in. But for now, I'm content just holding her close and basking in this unexpected connection we've found.

Olivia shifts beside me, a soft sigh escaping her lips. “I should probably get going,” she murmurs, sitting up and reaching for her discarded clothes.

I watch her for a moment, fighting the urge to ask her to stay. “As much as I want you to stay, that’s probably for the best,” I say, my voice gruff.

She looks at me, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes before she nods. “Yeah, you’re right.”

I get up from the bed and pull on my pants, trying to ignore the pang of regret in my chest. I grab my shirt from the floor and toss it on. Olivia’s already halfway dressed, her movements quick and efficient.

As she buttons up her blouse, I can’t help but admire the way she looks in my room—like she belongs here. Shaking off the thought, I step closer and take her hand.

“Let me walk you to the door,” I say, more a statement than a question.

She gives me a small smile. “Thanks.”

We walk through the dimly lit hallway in silence. The air between us is thick with unspoken words and lingering desire. At the front door, I turn to face her.

“Tonight was... unexpected,” I admit, running a hand through my hair.

Olivia laughs softly. “Yeah, you could say that.”

I hesitate for a moment before leaning in and pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Drive safe.”

She looks up at me, those bright green eyes searching mine. “You too, Captain,” she says with a wink.

I watch as she walks out into the night, the door closing behind her with a soft click. For a moment, I just stand there, feeling an odd mix of satisfaction and longing.

Shaking off the thoughts swirling in my head, I head back into my apartment. The bed is still warm from where we lay together, but it feels emptier now. Grabbing my phone from the nightstand, I see a missed text from Noah:

"Yo Cap! Late-night gym sesh?"

A wry smile tugs at my lips. I'm too damn giddy to ruin my high by being around sweaty ass guys pumping metal.

“Rain check? I'm calling it a night." I text back before switching off the light and falling to sleep with a smile on my face.

The next morning, I wake up and reality hits me like a slapshot to the face. Olivia's scent still lingers on my sheets, a sweet reminder of last night's passion. But with that memory comes a gut-wrenching realization: I’ve crossed a line.

Staring at the ceiling, I run a hand through my hair. "Fuck," I mutter to myself. My position as team captain is supposed to be above reproach. Sleeping with the journalist covering our playoff run? That's a distraction we can’t afford.

I roll out of bed, my muscles protesting from yesterday’s practice and last night’s activities. As I shower, my mind races. This can’t happen again. I need to put distance between us, focus on the team, and lead us to victory.

14

OLIVIA

Iwake up in my apartment, the morning light streaming through the thin curtains. My mind is a whirlwind, replaying every moment from last night. Liam's bright blue eyes, the way he looked at me before pulling me into that kiss. The passion, the connection—it felt so real, so right. But now, in the stark light of day, guilt gnaws at me.

I roll out of bed, padding to the kitchen in my worn slippers. Coffee first. Maybe caffeine will untangle this mess in my head. As I wait for the coffee to brew, I spot Oscar standing by the refrigerator.

"Don't give me that look." I say to the small dog that licks his own ass, yet seems to be staring at my like I'm Hester Prynne from the Scarlet Letter.

"Who are you to judge me? You'd probably be a horndog too If I hadn't gotten you neutered after I found you."

That's it, I'm losing it. I'm sitting here validating my sexual encounter with a dog. I pace the tiny kitchen, my thoughts bouncing between exhilaration and regret.

"What were you thinking, Olivia?" I mutter to myself. "You crossed a line. A big, glaring line."

The smell of fresh coffee fills the air, grounding me for a moment. I pour a cup and take a sip, savoring the warmth. It does little to calm my nerves.

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