Page 45 of They All Puck Me

“I am!” The words burst out before I can stop them.

Noah looks taken aback for a moment before his expression hardens again. “Wow,” he says softly. “I see how it is.”

"Noah wait"— I start. But he turns and skates toward the exit without another word.

I watch him go, feeling more isolated than ever as his figure disappears through the door. The rink is silent again except for my labored breathing and the distant hum of arena lights overhead.

Taking a deep breath, I drop onto one knee to tighten my laces and reset for another round of drills. Pushing through this is all that matters now—no matter how much it hurts.

17

ETHAN

Liam and Noah are a fucking joke. "Off their game doesn't even begin to cover it. Their passes are off, their timing’s comical, and their usual coordination is more like a bad dance routine. I watch them fumble through drills, a growing knot of frustration tightening in my gut.

Coach Bergman’s face is a storm cloud as he blows the whistle. “Alright, listen up,” His eyes zero in on Liam and Noah, who can barely look at each other. “We’ve got a playoff game in two days! I don't know what the fuck happened to ya'll, but you better kiss and make up.”

Liam’s jaw clenches. “We’re fine, Coach.”

“Bullshit,” I mutter under my breath, loud enough for them to hear. The tension between them is thicker than the ice we’re skating on.

Noah shoots me a look, but it lacks his usual fire. “Not now, Ethan.”

“Actually,” I say, skating over to them, “I think now is exactly the right time.” I can’t believe I’m about to get involved in this drama, but if they keep this up, we’re screwed.

Liam crosses his arms over his chest, glaring at me. “What’s your deal?”

“My deal? My deal is watching you two tank our chances because you both keep dropping your dick in the dirt.” I step closer, lowering my voice. “Whatever this is between you two—it has nothing to do with hockey, and everything to do with a certain brunette.”

Noah looks away, guilt written all over his face. Liam’s expression hardens even more if that’s possible.

“Stay out of it,” Liam growls.

“Can’t do that,” I say, matching his intensity. “We need to win. And you two acting like morons isn't helping.”

Noah finally speaks up, his voice strained. “As much as I hate to say it, Ethan's right.”

Liam scoffs. “So what should we do Dr. Phil? Talk it out?”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Truthfully, I don’t give a damn about your personal issues. But all I know is if you don’t figure it out, we’re all going down with you.”

Coach Bergman skates over to us, his eyes narrowing as he takes in our little huddle. “Everything alright here?”

I nod quickly. “Just working some stuff out.”

“Lovely,” he says curtly. “Now get back on the damn ice.”

As Coach skates away, I turn back to Liam and Noah. “Figure it out,” I say quietly but firmly. “Before it’s too late.”

Liam’s eyes flicker with something—maybe regret? He finally nods slightly before turning back to the drill.

Noah follows suit but not before giving me a grateful look.

Practice ends in a mess of sweat and frustration. I skate off the ice, ripping my helmet off, feeling like I could punch a hole through the wall. Those fucking idiots didn't listen to a word I said. The locker room’s a minefield of tension, so I grab my stuff and head out before I do something stupid.

As I push through the hallway, I spot Olivia leaning against the wall, staring at her phone like it’s got all the answers to life’s problems. Her brows are furrowed, lost in thought. Despite every instinct telling me to keep my distance, I find myself walking over.

“Hey,” I say gruffly. “You alright?”

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