Page 45 of Icy Pucking Play

Sophie steps between us, probably sensing my rising anger. "I think we're done here."

"You know," Clark continues like she hasn't spoken, "it's interesting how history repeats itself. You always did have a thing for ambitious women who…"

I'm over the boards before I realize I'm moving, years of buried rage surging to the surface.

"Evan!" Sophie's hand on my chest is the only thing that stops me from doing something career-ending. "He's not worth it."

Her touch grounds me, but it also reminds me of everything I have to lose. Everything that could be destroyed. Again.

Clark backs up, hands raised but smirking. "Just trying to help, old friend. But if you want to keep playing happy family, that's your business. For now."

The threat in those last words is clear.

He walks away, leaving me shaking with rage.

Sophie looks confused. "What was that about?" she asks softly.

"Nothing. Just Clark being Clark."

"Didn't seem like nothing." She touches my arm. "Evan, talk to me. What's really going on?"

"Drop it, Sophie."

"No." Her reporter instincts are clearly kicking in, and suddenly all I can see is another ambitious woman trying to dig up my past. "There's clearly history there. Something about 'ambitious women' and…"

"I said drop it!"

She flinches at my tone, and immediately I hate myself a little.

Because this is Sophie—who always looks at me like I'm worth knowing. Not just like I'm some story to crack.

"Sophie…"

"No, you're right." Her voice is carefully neutral now. The way it was when she first started shadowing practices. "It's none of my business. I should go transcribe my notes anyway."

"Wait." I reach for her, but she steps back, and the distance feels like miles. "Let me explain."

"Explain what? You've made it pretty clear there are lines I'm not supposed to cross." She gathers her things quickly, movements sharp with hurt. "Don't worry, I won't put any of this in the article. Wouldn't want to damage your image."

"That's not…"

"I'll see you at practice tomorrow. From a proper distance. And I’ll keep my mouth shut."

She's gone before I can stop her, leaving me standing there like an idiot in my gear, wondering how everything went sideways so fast.

My phone buzzes.

Julia:Just saw Sophie leaving. She looked upset. What did you do?

Followed immediately by:Fix it, E. Before you ruin the best thing that's happened to you in years.

I sink onto the nearest bench, fisting a hand into my own sweaty hair.

Because that's the thing about Sophie Bennett—she makes me feel alive again.

She makes me feel everything.

Including fear.

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