Page 94 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

We gawk in response while the rest of the Pincers curse and whistle at their captain being in trouble.

Then Dad looks my way.

“You can leave early, Nurse Johnson. I already promised Coach Cyrus I wouldn’t keep you the entire time when you’re doing us a favor.”

I bob my head in reply while he’s already looking for Doctor Francisco and Caren with a C.

I can’t think of her as a nurse yet after her poor performance today.

“Doctor Francisco. Do you mind coming with me?” Coach Johnson inquiries and is rewarded with a nod from the grumpy doctor. “Nurse Ross. I suggest you start paying attention. Not every game, especially outbound on enemy turf, requires two team nurses! There’ll only be one, and the team will be relying on your expertise and ongoing assessment to ensure safe play. If you can’t do that, get off the bench!”

Yup. Dad’s having a bad day, just like I am.

“Y-Yes, Coach Johnson.”

I take that as our cue to leave, and we do exactly that.

Keeping my skates on, I follow Ace, who ends up offering me his hand, so I don’t lose my balance.

It’s been a while since I’ve needed to walk on these black padded floors with skates on, so the task seems a lot harder than I know it is.

“Does that mean I get my hair tie back?” I inquire when Ace stops for a moment. We’re only a few steps away from the door to our designated rink for the day, which may be why he paused before heading straight in.

Does he wanna talk or something?

“You good?”

I don’t expect him to ask me that.

“I’m good,” I reply. “What? I don’t look good? Or was I supposed to feign being emotionally hurt because Jayce was being a stubborn jerk by arguing against my orders for him to get off the ice?”

“That’s not what I’m referring to.”

We just stare at each other, standing in the empty hall of flickering lights. They end up turning off with our lack of walking movement, leaving us in the dark.

“I’m fine, Ace,” I end up assuring him because I feel like we’d stand here all day and night otherwise. “Let’s go inside.”

He doesn’t follow my words. When it comes to Ace, I’m reminded that he hates following anyone’s orders unless he’s satisfied with the ultimate result.

That’s the only logical explanation why his lips are pressed against mine.

Firmly.

Hot lips.

With a hint of peppermint lingering on his breath.

I’m completely still, attempting to process what’s happening.

It’s not until his lips leave mine and he rotates to face me directly does it finally settle into my spiraling brain.

Ace just kissed me.

Even more surprising is this isn’t the first time I’ve kissed Ace.

It most certainly won’t be my last, either.

“You’re not okay,” he mutters in seriousness.

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