Page 29 of The Pucking Kiss

Bryan

“Alright, team. Gather up,” Coach Raymond blew into his whistle, addressing the team, “Good practice today. The match against Cloverfield High is coming up next week, and I need you all to be laser-focused.”

“Yes, coach,” I nodded, determination written all across my face. “It’s going to be a good game.”

“What about that goal you missed during the last match?” Karl spoke up. “Tough to stay focused when the Captain is slipping.”

I could feel him look at me as he said the words, a small smirk dancing on the corners of his mouth.

“Watch your mouth, Karl,” I turned to him, annoyed by his uncalled-for taunts. “Last time I checked, your average wasn’t looking too good for this past season. People in glass houses shouldn’t be throwing rocks.”

“Yeah, at least I’m not Captain, though. Your record needs to be perfect,” Karl squared me up. The anger rose in my cheeks.

Out of everyone on the team, Karl was the only guy that got on my nerves. He’d held a grudge against me ever since I was made captain since he was delusional enough to think it should be him who deserved that position.

“Break it up, boys,” Coach Raymond stepped in between the two of us. “Keep the fighting outside of the rink.”

Mumbling under my breath, I walked away from the huddle. Jake noticed the annoyed expression and followed me out.

“Hey, come on. You know he’s just jealous,” Jake patted me lightly on the back. “He wanted to be Captain so bad, and now he’s just bitter.”

“He’ll have an imprint of my fist on his face if he keeps this up,” I rolled my eyes and then looked down at my watch.

Wasn’t Romai supposed to see me at practice? The week before a game was always hectic, and I didn’t have time to go to her house for lessons. It made the most sense to have her come visit me at practice.

I felt a tap on my shoulder. “Looking for me?”

“I didn’t see you come in,” I said and leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek,

“Just keeping up with appearances,” she whispered in my ear before pulling away.

Behind me, I could see that my team members were observing our interactions closely. I had never asked a girl to come to practice before.

“There she is,” Karl came up to us, “The woman herself. I’ve heard so much about you already.”

Romai smiled politely, “Well, you know, people are always curious.”

“Nah, you’re special,” Karl continued, and I wanted to wipe the smirk from his face. “You’re dating the notorious playboy, Bryan.”

“Notorious playboy, huh?” Romai took his comments in good spirits, “He’s not like that with me, so I don’t agree with that reputation.”

The smile fell from his face. Clearly, he hadn’t gotten the reaction he expected from her. “How long have you two been together?”

“It’s been a month,” Romai replied, “We kept our relationship private at first, so people didn’t really know about it.”

“A month?” Karl raised his eyebrow, “If I recall correctly, weren’t you hanging out with that Stacey girl a few weeks ago? Sounds like your relationship wasn’t exclusive.”

“Seems like you pay way too much attention to who I hang out with,” I jumped into the conversation, noticing that Romai had a shy expression on her face. “You’re focusing on all the wrong things, buddy. Stick to improving your game.”

“Come on, I’m just trying to get to know Romai,” he answered defensively. “She’s dating our Captain. I think I should be allowed to get to know her.”

Other players in the team had taken notice of Romai, and some of them came forward. I didn’t blame their curiosity since our relationship was practically the talk of the school. Besides, that’s what Romai wanted.

“Wow, you’re the girl Bryan is dating?” Anthony came up to us, not taking his eyes off Romai. “How did I never notice you around before?”

He was talking directly to Romai as if I wasn’t standing right there next to her.

“I guess I have a habit of keeping to myself,” she blushed, looking down. I knew that she wasn’t used to getting all of this attention.

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