Page 51 of My Pucked Up Enemy

Flirty banter fires across the space like a puck. Our chemistry is not just back, it’s glowing hot beneath the surface.

Parker grins and offers Nina a high-five. “That was badass, Doc.”

James mock-bows. “Queen of Mind Games. All hail.”

I just keep looking at her like she’s the only thing in the room worth watching.

Because she is.

***

It was a great night all around. Derek handed out free game tickets to a huge Acers fan and his family, grinning as the kid shouted loud enough to echo through the rafters. A few local teachers received community awards, and Parker, unsurprisingly, was honored for logging the most volunteer hours with the Life Spark program last year.

"I’m taking that title next year," I said, bumping Parker’s shoulder as he tried to downplay the applause.

"You’re on, Chadwick," he smirked. "Better start logging hours now."

I grinned. Game on.

I’m sitting in my truck, parked in the dark outside my house, engine off but keys still in the ignition. Streetlight filters through the windshield in long beams, and I haven’t moved in ten minutes. I should get out. I should go inside. But I can’t.

Because I’m still seeing her.

Nina. Standing at the mic, composed as hell in front of a crowd full of people, laying down truth like it was gospel. Calm. Fierce. Focused. God, she owned the damn room. Not just with her words, but with the way she carried herself—shoulders back, chin lifted, like she knew exactly who she was.

And maybe that’s the part I can’t shake.

It’s not just attraction anymore. It’s not just the kiss. It’s the fact that she’s… more. She’s the voice in my head when I need clarity. The anchor when I’m spiraling. The reason I’m even thinking clearly enough to have a shot at getting my edge back.

And she doesn’t even realize it.

I rub a hand across my jaw and let my head fall back against the headrest. I’m in deep, way deeper than I meant to be.

She told me we had to reset. Be teammates in the mental game. Nothing more. And I agreed.

Out loud.

But in my chest? In the space where all the noise quiets down and the truth lives?

There’s no reset.

There’s just her.

And this gnawing feeling that if this is what staying away looks like…

I’m not sure I’m strong enough to keep doing it.

Chapter fifteen

Nina

CoachDerekStephensisalready pacing when I step into his office. The blinds are half-drawn, and a shaft of morning sun is cutting across the room like a spotlight. He’s got his hands folded behind his back, lips pressed into a line, expression serious.

"Morning," I say, careful to keep my voice light.

He stops pacing, nods, gestures to the chair across from his desk. "Thanks for coming in early."

I sit. "You sounded serious. Everything alright?"

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