Page 23 of The Stud

He calls for them to fall in line.

Commands that they get to where they’re not in the direct line of fire.

Puts himself in harm’s way rather than them.

All of a sudden, I realize theotherpurpose for this exercise.

Team dynamics.

Like he said.

Pracky starts with the basics.

And knowing who has your back versus who just has their own is one of the core fundamental parts of any successful team.

Spotting Peck a short distance away with his hands out and head on a swivel about to take an unknown ball to the back of the head has me rushing over, puffing out of my chest, and absorbing the hit. It slightly stumbles me backwards into him prompting his arms to Superman extend backwards to catch me on his back instead of letting me fall.

“Thanks, Pecks,” escapes as I regain my footing.

“Anytime, Snowman.”

Fairly certain the heat is off of him, allows me to direct a glance towards our bench to see Hoss is still here.

Except now she’s alone.

Completely alone.

Just watching.

Filming.

Andfuckme, smiling.

Actually. Smiling.

Full fledge, straight white teeth, shimmering in the tacky barn lights smiling.

Messierhavemercyis there anything more incredible than that?

Unable to resist getting a better look – acloserlook – I slyly begin skating towards her around stopped players and sandwiching myself perfectly between coaches, forcing them to hit each other instead of us.

Laughter reverberates around the arena alongside ice carving symphonies and cursing solos from those getting kicked off.

The instant I arrive safely at our bench, I cheekily inquire, “Where’s your talking bird, Archimedes? Did he fly off back to his clock?”

Amusement – thank fuck – remains in her gaze as she lifts her eyebrows. “The Sword in the Stone?” Additional snickers hit my ears, speeding up my already racing heartbeat. “Seriously?”

“It was my favoritenon hockeymovie as a lad.”

“Same!”

“No shit?” Excitement pushes me to lean over the edge towards her. “Because it is the tale of King Arthur?”

“Exactly.”

“Have you seen other variations?”

“Pretty muchallof them.”

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