Page 42 of Face Me Off

Jonas leans back in his chair. “Well, boys, looks like we’ll have to be on our best behavior. No more pre-game rituals involving lucky jockstraps or Easton’s infamous ‘Victory Song.’”

The table erupts in laughter as Easton’s face reddens. “Hey, that song is a work of art!”

“Yeah, if by ‘art’ you mean ‘crime against humanity,’” Andrew quips, dodging Easton’s playful swat.

My shoulders shake with laughter as the guys continue to rib each other. These idiots drive me crazy sometimes, but they’re my team. My family. Whatever comes next, we’ll face it together.

I shift my gaze to the window. The California sun casts a warm hue on the sidewalk. Fall in LA doesn’t mean much change, but there’s a subtle shift in the air. It’s like the whole city’s holding its breath, waiting for something big to happen. The question is, what?

My dad’s face flashes in my mind—the pain etched in his features after the accident, the way his eyes lit up when I told him about PT school. I clench my fist. Yeah, I definitely need to pass that test. Thanks to Maddy, I think I can.

“Sorenson!” Drew’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “You planning on joining us anytime soon, or are you too busy jonesing about your future NHL contract?”

I pull my gaze back to my teammates. “Sorry, man. Still thinking about my physics test.”

Andrew rolls his eyes. “Dude, you’re gonna crush it. You always do.”

I shrug, trying to play it cool. “Yeah, well, can’t slack off now. Gotta keep that GPA up if I want to impress more than just the scouts, you know?”

“Nerd alert!” Easton coughs into his fist, earning him a French fry from Jonas to the face.

I chuckle with them, but inside, my stomach’s doing somersaults. They don’t get it. They can’t. For them, hockey’s the endgame. For me, it’s just part of the puzzle.

My fingers drum against the table. “So, uh, what’s the game plan for practice tomorrow?” I lean forward, eager to steer the conversation back to familiar territory. “Coach mentioned working on our power play. Think we should focus on that?”

Drew nods. “Hell, yeah. Our penalty kill’s solid, but we could use some work on the man advantage.”

“Speaking of advantages,” Easton chimes in, “Anyone else noticed how the puck bunnies have been waiting for us outside practice more often?”

“So much for our image,” Andrew says.

The guys laugh, but I feel a twinge of guilt. My mind flashes to Maddy for a split second before I push the thought away. No distractions. Not now. She made it crystal clear how she felt about me. But damn, was the night something. Her eagerness to learn was hot as hell. And the way she rode my face … I could’ve stayed there forever. My dick twitches at the thought. The last thing I need is half a chub while eating out with the guys.

I clear my throat and try to keep my voice light. “Focus, boys. We’ve got a shot at the playoffs this year. Can’t let anything throw us off our game.”

Jonas raises an eyebrow. “Says the guy who’s been zoning out all night.”

I feel my cheeks heat. “That’s different. I’m just … multitasking.”

“Sure, sure,” Drew teases. “Multitasking between hockey and what? Your secret plans for world domination?”

I force a grin. “You caught me. Step one: ace this test. Step two: lead us to victory. Step three: take over the world.”

Determination surges inside as everyone finishes their meal. I might juggle more than they realize, but I’ll be damned if I let anything slip. Not my grades, not our team’s shot at glory. My mind’s already mapping out a study schedule to be with Maddy, analyzing our last game, and planning the next trip home to care for Dad. It’s a lot, maybe too much for most people. But for me? It’s fuel. Every challenge and obstacle is just another chance to prove myself.

Tomorrow’s another day, another battle. But tonight? I’ve got plays to review, chapters to read, and a team counting on me.

Bring it on.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

MADISON

What the hellwas I thinking about having Amanda meet me at the Captain’s Cup? Talk about a colossal mistake.

I hastily shove my books into my backpack, trying to simmer down. This is my fault. I invited Amanda here when I should’ve had the balls to confess what Ryan and I did in the confines of our apartment.

I just wanted to come clean. Not telling her is eating me alive, and since my parents canceled their visit, I’ve run out of excuses. She isn’t like my other friends. She can keep a secret.

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