Page 9 of They All Puck Me

"It is," Liam says quietly.

Our food arrives then—a welcome distraction to the heavy subject we were headed towards—so we dive into burgers and fries with gusto.

Between bites I can’t help but notice the easy rapport between Liam and Olivia. They’re laughing at some inside joke about a game from last season, and it’s clear Liam’s enjoying himself. He leans in closer, his eyes never leaving hers. It’s like watching a perfectly executed play unfold—smooth, effortless, and with a clear goal in mind.

The realization that I’m attracted to the same woman as Liam hits me like a slap shot to the gut. Guilt gnaws at me—Liam’s my best friend, practically a brother—but there’s also this spark whenever Olivia’s eyes meet mine that I can’t ignore.

“So, what do you think of our chances this season?” Liam asks her, steering the conversation back to safer territory.

Olivia tilts her head thoughtfully. “You guys have a strong team. If you keep playing like you did last night, I think you’ve got a real shot at the championship.”

“That’s what we like to hear,” I say with a grin.

Liam chuckles. “We’ll do our best not to disappoint.”

As they continue talking strategy and stats, I find myself watching Olivia more closely. She’s passionate about her work, and it shows in every question she asks and every note she scribbles down. There’s something incredibly attractive about that kind of dedication.

“So Noah,” she says suddenly, turning her attention back to me. “What do you do when you’re not on the ice?”

“Me? Oh, you know... hiking, fishing... basically anything outdoorsy,” I say with a shrug.

“Really? That sounds amazing,” she says genuinely interested.

“It is,” I reply. “Maybe one day I’ll show you some of my favorite spots.”

She smiles warmly at that. "I’d like that."

The moment hangs between us for just a second too long before Liam clears his throat.

“Well," he says with forced cheerfulness, "we should probably get going soon if we want to catch conditioning tonight."

“Right, you definitely don't want to miss that,” Olivia agrees, gathering her notes. "Thanks for inviting me out today."

"Anytime," Liam says smoothly.

As we all stand up to leave, I catch Liam's eye again. There's something unspoken there—an understanding that we both know what's happening but neither of us willing to back down just yet.

As we head back toward our cars in silence, my mind races with conflicting emotions—loyalty to my best friend versus this undeniable attraction I'm starting to feel for Olivia.

It's going be one helluva season both on and off the ice.

4

ETHAN

The arena feels like a pressure cooker, ready to explode. I don't really want to be here, but I have no fucking choice. Traded and thrown into the wolves' den, the irony. The whispers and cold stares as I walk into the locker room are almost tangible.

"Traitor," someone mutters under their breath.

"Dirty player," another voice joins in.

I catch a few glares but don't acknowledge them. Let them talk. They don’t know the whole story, and I sure as hell don’t owe them anything yet.

Liam Makar stands by his locker, arms crossed. His eyes narrow as he watches me approach mine. "Ethan," he greets, the word coming out more like a challenge than a welcome.

"Liam," I respond curtly, setting my bag down with a thud.

Noah Kane sits on the bench nearby, lacing up his skates. "Missed the first game," he comments, not looking up. "Hope what ever you were doing was worth it."

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