Page 53 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

How did the lines of fate align to make these two Captains on rival teams?

I’m honestly speechless as my eyes lock onto Jayce Winchester, the Captain of Saskatchewan Pincher Blades.

The name is still pending, apparently.

He’s following Maddox, sporting the blue, white, and green hockey gear in comparison to the Vipers, who are blue, black, and red.

Literally feels like good versus evil with them facing off against each other on the rink with us on the sidelines. I’m still attempting to get over the fact my entire crew is here.

Heck, Mack and I gotta be on separate teams!

This changes everything.

Goodness, this may become awkward.

“O’Riley, man. Don’t go being an ass from the get-go,” One of the Pincer Blades guys notes. “I forgot you’re an authoritative ass on the ice. Is ass going to have a fancy word to replace it?”

Some of his mates laugh, but Maddox seems unbothered.

No. That’s a lie. My Maddox seems like he’s in a bad pucking mood.

“Keep talking, Mitchel, and I’ll get your own brother to whip your ass,” O’Riley barks back.

May all the powerful deities revolving around self-control help me because if Maddox is talking like that for my entire internship, I’ll die from sexual stimulation and starvation.

I also realize both Owen brothers, Damien and Mitchel, are here, on opposite teams. They’re a year apart, but we weren’t really close to Mitchel. I’m surprised he was even on the hockey team. He looked like a boy who loved flowers more than sticks in comparison to Damien, who performed like a born hockey player when he got on the rink the first time and learned how to skate in literally ten minutes.

Now, his side of teammates are laughing while a few punch Damien, who’s wearing that calm grin that tells you he’s planning various ways of beating his brother in their shared sport.

“Yo, Jayce. Vipers think they can get Coach Johnson and his daughter.”

Jayce’s eyes land on me, and dammit, he looks surprised to see me.

Compared to Maddox, who noticed and defended our little secret terminology, Jayce was literally staring at me like a ghost.

He composes himself just as fast—I’ll give him credit for that—but the fact he didn’t notice me from the get-go leaves an odd feeling in my stomach. I don’t feel like it’s jealousy or spite, but witnessing him get on the ice, reach where his team stood, and act like I’m invisible until one of his mates points out my association with my dad hurts in an odd way.

I’m beginning to remember why we didn’tlast long as a couple.

“First to score gets the first pick,” Jayce challenges, his eyes still on his newfound target—me. “Whatcha say, Vipers? Frightened of our pinchers?”

The Vipers break out laughing as half of them hiss like actual snakes.

“We ain’t afraid of shit,” Ace declares and looks to Maddox, who nods in approval. “We’re on. Let’s go.”

I exchange looks with Dr. Bridgett, who’s smirking at the guys’ challenging banter. I guess I better start getting used to this type of change in plans because it feels like these guys will fight like cats and dogs.

At least if they have to share the rink.

Amelia, Dakota, and David seem to be having a discussion, which is why they don’t seem to mind the additional time to finish. With an exchange of words, both doctors and nurses are off the ice and at the benches while both teams are in position so effortlessly.

I’m suddenly excited as I’m literally getting the perfect view of a potential round between two debuting hockey teams.

I’m about to watch my two exes go at it on the ice.

Showdown Between Vipers And Pincher Blades

~MIKAYLA~

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