Page 47 of They All Puck Me

I let out a bitter laugh. “Yeah, well, it did.” The weight of my own words hits me. I need to focus on hockey—proving myself. And here I am, caught up in some fucking soap opera.

Olivia takes a tentative step closer. “Ethan, I don’t want to mess things up for you or for the team— or anyone for that matter.”

“Well it's a little too late for that isn't it,” I mutter under my breath. I turn to leave before I say something I regret.

She reaches out, hesitating before placing a hand on my arm. I turn around and see the tears begin to fall from her hazel eyes. “I'm sorry, I'll fix this.”

I look down at her hand, feeling the warmth seep through my skin. Part of me wants to pull her to me, kiss the fuck out of her, and apologize for being such an inconsiderate prick.

But I don't get the opportunity to, because she nods solemnly, and turns to walk away.

My stupid fucking pride has me rooted in place. I should apologize, I should tell her to fuck what everyone else thinks. But I've built such a fortress around myself that I can't even break through anymore.

"Olivia, wait." I call out.

She doesn't stop, she doesn't hesitate, she just keeps walking.

“Good,” I say gruffly, turning away before I change my mind.

18

OLIVIA

Isit on my couch, surrounded by a sea of notes and recordings for my article. Oscar sits across from me on the recliner. My own damn dog doesn't even want to be around me, and I can't say I blame him.

My laptop rests on the coffee table, the cursor blinking at me impatiently. I try to focus, but memories of Liam's laugh, Noah's boyish grin, and Ethan's unexpected vulnerability keep intruding.

Liam's kiss was commanding, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. The way he pulled me into his world, making me feel like the center of it. I shake my head, trying to push the thought away.

Then there's Noah. His gentle touch, the way he made me laugh even when I felt like crying. Our kiss was softer, more tentative, but no less impactful. His warmth is like a blanket I didn't know I needed.

And Ethan... brooding Ethan with his dark eyes that seem to see right through me. His kiss was raw and intense, full of unspoken words and emotions he rarely shows anyone. He’s a mystery wrapped in an enigma.

My fingers hover over the keyboard, but nothing comes out. How can I write objectively about these men when my heart is tangled up in each of them?

A knock on the door startles me out of my thoughts. "Who could that be?" I mutter to myself as I get up to answer it.

I open the door to find Sophie standing there with a bag of takeout and a knowing smile. "Oscar honey, I'm home!" She calls out as the little wirey ball of fluff runs to her pawing her legs. "Figured you could use some company, but truthfully I just came to visit Oscar." she says, reaching down to scratch him behind the ears and brushing past me into the apartment.

"You're the best, bitch." I admit, following her to the kitchen where she starts unpacking containers of Chinese food. "I hope you brought Ice Cream, and Bridesmaids."

She fishes for something in her tote bag and pulls out both. "Uhm, duh. I've even got Lizzo's album in rotation on the playlist."

"Thank God for you." I say, as I place a big soppy kiss on her forehead.

"Ew… so," Sophie begins, handing me a pair of chopsticks, "how's the article coming along?"

I groan, sinking onto a barstool. "It's not. Every time I try to write about Liam, Noah, or Ethan, all I can think about is... well..."

"Them," Sophie finishes for me with a smirk.

"Yeah." I pick at my food, not really hungry.

Sophie leans against the counter, her expression turning serious. "You need to figure out what you want, Liv. This isn't just about your career anymore."

I sigh heavily. "I know."

"Have you talked to any of them about how you feel?" she asks gently.

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