Page 11 of One Touch

Toby. God, I suddenly hated that name. Slapping my hand onto Toby’s shoulder, I squeezed hard as I stared at the man. Only when I noticed his shirt did I realize who he was—the equipment manager.

“So, Toby. What are we talking about? Hm?”

“Oh.” He swallowed and looked between me and Miller. “I was just telling Miller how I had a spare room he could use.”

My mouth spoke of its own free will. It was the only reason I could fathom the words that escaped my mouth. No way I would willingly say them.

“No need, Tobs. Bambi’s staying with me. Now, don’t you have blades to sharpen?”

Much to my dismay, he was not scared off by me. He glanced between me and Miller before nodding. “Yeah, sure. I’ll see you, Miller.”

Miller didn’t respond back. He was too busy scowling. It was cute. He looked like a baby deer trying to stare down a lion. He was way in over his head. He just didn’t know it.

That’s okay, Bambi. I’ll remind you.

CHAPTER5

MILLER

I’d always pridedmyself on my ability to get along with people. Growing up in a small town in Michigan, you learned how to resolve conflict quickly. If not, facing that person at every turn became uncomfortable, and the whole town would weigh in. There was nothing like trying to buy milk and have five people talk to you about your fight.

“No, Mrs. Johnson, I didn’t know your husband liked to clip his toenails in bed. Yes, that must be horrible to wake up to. I’ll definitely take that into consideration when making up with my brother.”

So, yeah, I avoided that circus and learned how to get along with people for my own sanity. That motto had served me well through four years of college and two years in the league. But it looked like that streak was going to end today. The audacity of this man.

“Excuse me?”

Lathan’s gaze scanned me from head to toe, and I hated how my body reacted to his attention.We do not like his attention! He’s the enemy! We hate him.

“I’ll text you the address.” He turned and stalked off, ignoring my question.

Maybe it was the lack of sleep, the poor performance on the ice, or the stress of starting on a new team. Heck, it was likely all three. Whatever the reason, at his dismissal, I saw red.

Anger clouded my vision, and I didn’t stop to think. I reacted on instinct—something that didn’t happen off the ice. Ever. I’d deal with that revelation later.

Reaching out, I grabbed the back of his sweater and spun him around until he hit the wall. My extra height gave me a slight advantage, and I pinned him against the concrete. My body pressed into his, and my hand wrapped around his throat in a matter of seconds.

I didn’t know who was more surprised at the move—me or him. Again, I didn’t stop to think about it.

“I don’t remember asking to stay with you, Silver Spoon. So how about you keep your offer to yourself? I don’t need your charity.”

He gritted his teeth and pushed against me, but I didn’t budge. “I’m not doing it foryou, Bambi. Landon called and asked. It’s a favor forhim.”

“Favor rescinded then. I’m not taking anything fromyou.”

“Aw, did I hurt your feelings? Are you sad I didn’t accept your friendship bracelet? Have to say, I’m impressed with the level of rejection you’re willing to endure. How many bracelets have you made me now, and how many have I returned?” He smirked, and I hated how hot he looked doing it.

I ignored his dig. Because, yeah. It did hurt. I'd made himfivebracelets. Each one had a different phrase, and each time, he gave it back. The rest of the team had taken theirs, and several of the guys even wore them. But not Lathan. Nope. He was too good for them. Just another reason why I hated him.

I’d never hated a person before, but there was no doubt that was what I felt for the smug a-hole. I tightened my grip and relished how his pulse sped up at my contact.

“You think that means I want to be friends?” I laughed in an attempt to disguise my hurt. “You’re not special. I know you’re used to feeling that way, being who you are and all. But I see you for who you are, Silver Spoon. You’re just another trust-fund baby bored with his life and playing hockey to pass the time. Or are you trying to get Mommy’s attention? Is that what it is, Silver Spoon? Want Mommy to notice you?”

“Shut the fuck up, Bambi.” The words were growled, and if I were in my right mind, I’d notice the danger radiating from him. But as I mentioned, I wasn’t myself and dove headfirst into all those warning bells.

“You’re not the only one who can use a nickname, Silver Spoon.” I leaned closer, and my breath ghosted over his face. My body pressed into his more, and when I felt something hard that I hadn’t expected, I paused.

Lathan used my distraction to shove me away with force. I fell backward and landed on my butt. The jarring was nothing I wasn’t used to, but the twinge in my wrist was new. The pain cleared my earlier fog, and clarity returned. What had I been thinking?

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