Page 8 of One Touch

It was nearly two in the morning when I climbed into my car, and the familiar smell of clean cotton enveloped me. I took a moment to run my hands over the dash and soaked in the happiness my car brought me. It had arrived right before we’d left so I hadn’t been able to drive it much yet. That would change, starting now.

I took the longer route home despite my tiredness. The city was quiet and peaceful, and I enjoyed the leisurely drive. It was relaxing and helped ease my last bit of frayed nerves from the game.

A block from my apartment building, I noticed a large plume of smoke in the air. Red and blue emergency lights flashed up ahead. Fire trucks crowded the streets, along with police cars and ambulances. As I neared, dread filled my gut, and I had a sinking feeling.

“Sir, you need to turn around. This area is closed,” a police officer said as I rolled to a stop.

“Um, what’s going on?”

“There’s been a fire. It’s not safe to be in the area. We’re moving everyone out until the fire is contained.”

“Fire? Where?”

“It started at the Prestige Pines, but it’s moved to a few other buildings now. Please, sir, I need to clear the area.”

“Wait! I live in Pines.”

The officer halted, his face grim as he stared at me. “Was there anyone home?”

“No. I live alone.”

He exhaled and nodded. “I’m sorry to tell you that your home is gone. The fire moved too fast, and they weren’t able to control it until it was too late. The entire building went up in flames. Thankfully, they were able to get most people out, but they’re still searching for a few. I’m sure if you call the office tomorrow, they can tell you your next steps. Do you have anywhere else you can go?”

I stared at the man as a mix of relief and anguish filled me. My home was gone, but I was safe. Everything I had in my apartment would be ashes, but I was safe.

I was safe.

So why did it feel like everything was tumbling around me?

CHAPTER4

LATHAN

The weekbetween preseason and the regular season always felt the longest. It didn’t help that my mother had used it to her advantage this year to con me into attending a charity gala last night. It made me wish our schedule wasn’t public knowledge so she didn’t have such easy access to it. Though I wouldn’t put it past her to bribe someone in the front office to give her the information regardless.

Today was our last practice before we had a day off, and I planned to stay in my apartment and not interact with anyone for twenty-four hours. It was as much for their benefit as it was mine. I needed to center myself before the season started, and between all the distractions thus far, my ordinarily calm exterior was cracking at an alarming rate.

I had to stay in control. If I lost it, no telling what horrors would rain down on me. It wasn’t something I was willing to risk.

“Pick up the pace, Fahn!” Coach barked, and I crushed the smirk that wanted to grow. I shouldn’t be plotting against my teammate, but no part of me wanted Miller on the same line as me. Begrudgingly, I could admit he had talent, but the fact my body knew precisely where he was on the ice at all times was a problem—a huge, distracting problem.

It would be better if he was moved to the third line. Then, I could focus on what I did best—playing great hockey.

“Sorry, Coach. I’ll do better,” Miller said back.

I finished my drills and skated to the bench to grab a drink. The equipment manager handed me a bottle, and I nodded my thanks. I rested against the side while everyone else finished up. Miller and Bell joined me a few minutes later, but I ignored them. Or, I tried to. But Miller spoke so loudly it was hard not to eavesdrop.

Honestly, I didn’t care about their conversation. At. All.

“Still stuck in the rental?” Bell asked.

“Ugh. It’s the worst. The neighbors are either shouting the entire night or, you know, making up for it.”

Bell laughed. “It’s so cute you can’t say fucking.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as Miller’s cheeks turned a deeper red. A pit in my stomach opened, and I turned away.

“Any luck on finding a new place?”

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