Page 4 of Stick Handled

Half an hour later, I pull into the rink’s parking lot, cutting the engine. Practice is about to start, but I’m not exactly in a rush. I know Rowan isn’t going to be here for once. He has a meeting with our manager to discuss the promo for the big game with the LA Blades. He rarely misses practice, so today should be a bit chaotic unless Ares feels like talking and decides to put everyone in line. Good thing he’s rarely in the mood for that. Everyone already fears him as is. The last time I saw him angry at practice, we lost a teammate. Brody Levis. He’s not dead. Promise. He just broke down in tears in front of Ares, telling him how he had no idea how the blade of his skate ended up lodged into my helmet, and Ares threw him off of the team. I haven’t heard anything about Brody Levis since. That was over eight years ago, back when we weren’t as big, yet people still talk about it.Istill think about it.

Stepping out, I pull my bag from the back and head inside. The cold air hits me like a punch, and I inhale deeply, letting it clear my head.

I need to stop thinking about her. But hell, it’s not that easy.

Lexi’s already here, giggling with a few other influencers I recognize at the side of the rink. She never skips a chance to push her tits into our faces with her blonde hair in a perfect ponytail and tight leggings hugging every curve. She’s fun; we’ve been having a good time, no strings. Just how I like it.

But right now? I’m not feeling it.

“Hey, stranger.” She looks up, flashing a perfect, pearly smile.

“Hey.” I smirk back out of habit.

She walks over, swaying her hips.

“You’ve been busy,” she purrs, brushing a hand down my arm. “You told me not to call you this week. I was a good girl and kept my promise, but I miss you.” She pouts, wrapping both arms around my neck. “When are we gonna hang out again?”

I glance around, making sure no one’s listening, then shrug. “Who knows.”

Her smile falters, just a flicker, but it’s there. “How about tonight?”

I grab her hands and gently pry them away from myself.

“Can’t,” I try to keep it casual, but I can see it—the shift in her eyes. She didn’t like hearing that. “I told you, I’m not really looking for anything.”

Lexi narrows her eyes, but the smile stays in place. “You don’t have to be looking for anything. We’re just having fun, right?”

Fun. Yeah, that’s what it was supposed to be.

I give her an apologetic look. “Yeah, but I think I’m done with that.”

“You’re not serious.” She gives me a forced smile, but I already hear some of the boys calling out my name. Not that I’m in the mood to elaborate anyway.

“Practice is about to start,” I sigh, looking around. “Enjoy.”

Lexi stares at me for a beat longer, then lets out a huff. “I’ll call you!” she calls out after me in her usual fake, cheery tone before she turns on her heel and hops back to her friends.

I watch her go, feeling that familiar tug of annoyance. Girls like Lexi are fun up until a certain point. Or up until you see the girl you’ve been thinking about for two years again, and the familiar scent of the perfume she’s been wearing for years hits you. Angel’s Share. I know it because I was the one who told Rowan to get it for her all those years ago. She hasn’t changed it since.

Turning away, I head to the locker room to gear up. I can already hear the guys messing around on the ice.

As I walk back out, I see Ares at his usual spot, quiet and brooding. The guy’s a towering wall of muscle, black hair falling into his icy-blue eyes. He doesn’t say much, but when he does, you listen.

“Ready to knock some heads, asshole?” I ask as I pass him.

Ares just nods, adjusting his pads.

Before I can lace up my skates and leave my stuff on the bench, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, seeing a message from Rowan.

ROWAN:Keep the guys in line for me. Dinner at my place tonight. You and Ares better be there.

I look at Ares who’s looking down at his own phone and, no doubt, reading a similar text from Rowan. I smirk, tossing the phone on the bench.

Looks like I’ll be seeing her again sooner than I thought.

A few hours later, Ares and I are standing outside Rowan’s house, showered and definitely looking way better than we did a few hours ago at practice. I glance over at Ares, who looks about as thrilled as ever to be here. We each carry a basket full of wine, salami, cheese, and fruits.

“Ready for some family bonding?” I ask, grinning.

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