Page 267 of Breaking the Pucking Rules
She’s got her hair pulled back into a ponytail, her face looks flawless, and she’s wrapped in green and white. The beer in her hand is already half empty as she enjoys the beginning of her evening.
Just like at Sutton’s game on Sunday, she looks…normal.
A sharp pain cuts through my chest as I stare at the evidence that Casey isn’t suffering in the same way I am.
She might have been the one with the little fantasy and the slight obsession, but it seems only one of us lost a little more than they were willing to give during our short time together.
When she wasn’t here Monday night, I stupidly thought that it might have something to do with me. But seeing her now, I realize I was wrong.
She was probably just busy.
Maybe she was on a date.
My lungs deflate with disappointment.
What if she was on a date?
There’s nothing I can do about it.
Hell, she deserves to be.
She’s…fuck, she’s incredible. Any guy would be lucky to have her.
“You’re a fucking idiot, man,” Linc says, continuing our conversation.
I glare at him, hoping he’ll fucking drop it, but all he does is grin at me.
“Look, I might not want to settle for one woman for the rest of my life, but if I did, I can understand why she’d be a good one to choose.”
“Storm,” I warn.
“What are you really scared of?” he asks, holding my eyes.
My lips part to respond, but the music changes around us, and we’ve got no choice but to get off the ice, pausing our conversation.
As I follow him toward the dressing room, his question rattles around in my mind.
What am I scared of?
“FUCK, YES,” Linc bellows as the final buzzer sounds, announcing us as the hard-fought winners against the Seattle Bandits.
Linc and Rett might be childhood friends, but you’d never know it when they’re on the ice together. They play like they hate each other.
We collide as we celebrate the end of a wild fucking game before the others dive on us. The arena is on its feet, shouting and screaming.
Breaking away from the crowd, I swallow my unease and skate toward the boards in front of Sutton and Casey.
Adrenaline buzzes through my veins, making it easy to forget reality.
Fuck, what I wouldn’t give for a celebratory photograph tonight.
Or a video call.
Hell, an in-person visit.
We’re both here.
I know how to get into her apartment. I could get there if I wanted to.
