Page 34 of Two Guys One Puck
He stifles a growl. “As long as it’s pissing you off, it fuels me.”
I snap my teeth. “See. Hot to cold. No problem.”
“That’s because you’re from the fucking tundra and probably cold-blooded.”
“Are you making excuses for why I’m better than you next season already?”
He rolls his eyes. “Never gonna happen. You can’t even out skate me when I’m injured.”
“Maybe you should consider taking better care of yourself so I can see it for myself.”
Seaborn flips me off and stands up, getting out of the tub. He goes right to the hot one and puts his feet in.
“You’re going to make your bruise worse.”
“I need to warm up before I get on the ice.”
“Okay, princess, warm up. But is bad for your ass.”
“I don’t think you know what’s good for my ass.”
I raise my brows. “If you want help with it…I can offer my assistance.”
His upper lip curls. “I think the trainer has it.”
“If you’re sure.” I make a point of staying in the cold longer than he did.
He’s out of the heat, avoiding me again by the time I’m done. I do the same, getting a roller to work out some knots.
The truce holds. We aren’t at each other’s throats, but it’s not like it was yesterday. I try to ignore it, but it’s driving me crazy. None of my usual ribbing works, and frustration burns into annoyance.
When we’re done for the day and go back to the locker room to grab our stuff and shower, he doesn’t. Instead, he strips his shirt off and heads to the steam room.
I hesitate, then strip off all my clothes, wrap a towel around my waist, and follow. I can’t see him when I enter. The steam is too thick. I open my mouth to say his name but stop myself. I have no idea who else could be in here.
I venture deeper blindly, finding my way to one of the benches then moving deeper along it. Finally, feet come into view, and I’d know those slides anywhere. He’s in the back corner, and I’m pretty confident no one else is in here, so I sit right next to him.
“What’s your problem, peach?”
He visibly stiffens. “Why did you follow me in here?”
“Because I wanted to see if this is what keeps your skin so delicate and baby soft, sunshine.”
He scoffs. “It’s good for my muscles. Do you do anything positive to maintain your body? You know, you won’t be young forever.”
“I don’t need to do anything. Ukrainians are as stubborn as beasts. Is always been this way.” We weren’t given opportunities like people here. We had to fight tooth and nail for everything.
“When an injury takes you out, I’m not going to feel bad.”
“I don’t need a nursemaid for my bedside, booboo.” I don’t think he’s offering, but I can’t help myself. I don’t need anything from anyone.
“What do you need?” His question catches me off guard.
“I don’t need anything.”
“Just the truce?” he asks.
“Yes.”
