Page 28 of Icing the Play

As I watched his tongue, my dick woke. I squirmed and drank some Gatorade. “So, no spark.” I couldn’t say there wasn’t a part of me that was happy to hear it. But shit, was JJ in for heartache?

“Yeah, with the guys I’ve dated or hooked up with, there’s always been a spark, like right away, eh.” He peeked at me. “I don’t want to hurt his feelings or anything.” He breathed in deeply. “Could you maybe talk to him for me?”

“And say what?” Uh, no. I eyed him. I shouldn’t get caught in the middle of this, especially with how attracted I was to Myles. I’d look like a real shit if, by chance, we got together.

“Maybe you could just ask him how he’s feeling about things.” He pressed his lips together. “And then let me know.”

“I think you should ask him yourself.” I arched a brow. Poor JJ. If he did really like Myles, this might not be good for his game.

“I would, but I want a straight answer, not one he thinks I want to hear.” He huffed and slumped his shoulders. “Shit, I’m sure it’s me and not him. Maybe I’m not ready to date anyone.”

My chest clenched. “Why do you think that?” If he wasn’t ready, then there’d be no hope for the two of us if we did hook up. Why was I thinking that would happen, anyway?

“I’m having a lot of doubts about myself this year.” Clenching his jaw, he twisted his beer can between his thighs. “Like, I don’t know if I’m good enough for an NHL contract.” He flashed his sad eyes at me. “It sucks, because all my friends got them and even my younger brother is probably going to get signed this year. My dad’s already gotten him an agent. A good one.” He choked out a sigh. “Ace won’t let me talk about this with him.”

I lowered my leg off the couch and shifted closer to him. “Why won’t Ace talk to you about it?” He was pouring his heart out here. For whatever reason, he felt comfortable enough with me to talk about it.

“He says I’m good enough and I’m being stupid.” He edged to my side. “But what if I don’t get a contract?”

Furrowing my brows, I stretched my arm on the couch cushions behind him. I had to have some wisdom to impart here. This was important. “Sounds to me like what you have is imposter syndrome.”

His gaze cut to mine, and his lips parted. “What does that mean?”

“It means you feel like an imposter. Like you’re not a real pro hockey player. But look at you, Myles. You are definitely a great hockey player. Think of all the kids you played with growing up. How many of them made it as far as you have?” I peered at him. I didn’t enjoy seeing him this way. If his friends saw promise in him, I knew it was there. “Funny thing about imposter syndrome is, you only get it if you’re not an imposter.” I lifted my brows.

“Yeah?” His gaze flicked between my eyes, and he swallowed. “I hope you’re right.”

“I know I am.” My heart swelled with emotion. He was so gorgeous and vulnerable right now. God, if only JJ was out of the picture. Then I’d tell Myles how I felt about him. Then I’d be kissing him right now. “Have some faith in yourself, Myles. Everyone has a different path. Trust in your path.”

He nodded, fixating on me. “Thank you, Cooper.” Hegrabbed my hand and shook them between us. “It really means a lot. I’m glad I found you again.”

“I’m glad too.” His hand was warm in mine. It felt good. I didn’t want to let it go. I focused on his mouth, so close to mine.

Ace stepped out of the hallway. “My, what’s going on here?” He chortled and strode past us into the kitchen.

I startled, my heart jumping into my throat.

“Uh, nothing.” Myles freed my hand and shifted away from me. With a stammering chuckle, he said, “Just talking about uh…stuff.” He glanced at me. “We should probably go to bed now.” He rose, drank the rest of his beer, and ambled into the kitchen.

Ace cocked his head at Myles. “Didn’t mean to interrupt. You two can keeptalking.” He grabbed two bottles of water from the refrigerator.

“You weren’t interrupting, and it’s getting late, anyway. Right, Coop?” He glanced at me.

“Right.” Obviously, our conversation was over. I stood and walked toward the hallway. “Goodnight, guys, and thank you for helping me move and letting me live here. I’m loving it already.”

“We’re glad to have you.” Ace gave me a wide smile.

CHAPTER SEVEN

MYLES

After practice and my first class, I sat in a campus cafeteria downing a sandwich. I didn’t have time to run home and make lunch before my next class started, so here I was. My gaze took in rows of long tables with students studying and eating. Fast-food restaurants lined the periphery of the space. Back in the day, Tyler would have been here with me. I sipped some iced tea from a straw.

My phone buzzed in my backpack, and I slid it out. There was a number I didn’t recognize. Telemarketer? But the number was from Chicago. I answered. “Hello?”

“Hey, is this Myles Cummings?” A male voice said.

“It is.” I picked at the bread on my sandwich. Whoever it was, they knew me.

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