Daniel grins like he didn’t just casually drop a nuke into my chest and keep walking. “You think I haven’t noticed the tension? You two fight like it’s foreplay. The locker room’s practically vibrating with it.”
I blink at him. “Jesus.”
He shrugs. “Not saying I want to see it. But I’m not blind.”
We start walking again, and I can’t help the way my smile tugs wider, even as my pulse still stutters.
“Yeah,” I say softly. “It’s Logan.”
Daniel doesn’t say anything to that. Just nods once and bumps my shoulder as we head toward the rink.
And it feels as though a weight has lifted, and I can breathe. I didn’t realize telling someone or admitting I’m gay to would feel so freeing. And I didn’t actually tell him; I just confirmed what he was thinking. It makes me think that maybe my reasons for staying in the closet might be my fear talking and not reality.
NINETEEN
LOGAN
I’m already sweatingunder my pads, but that has more to do with the way Todd’s skating than the drills.
It’s scrimmage day—red jerseys vs. white—and he’s on the opposite side of the rink. Exactly where Coach wanted him. Exactly where I don’t want him, because now I have topretendI’m not imagining all the ways I’m going to pin him later that don’t involve hockey.
He skates past me on the line-up and mutters low enough only I can hear, “Better be ready.”
I smirk. “Always am, Shaw.”
Daniel snorts next to me. “Jesus. Flirt louder, Brooks.”
I toss a wink over my shoulder, for show. “Sorry, was that too subtle for you?”
“Not for me,” Daniel says, deadpan. “Maybe for Coach.”
Coach blows the whistle, and the puck drops.
We’re off.
Todd’s fast—annoyingly so. And he’s playing harder than usual, like he’s trying to make me chase him. He makes a sharp cut past me and fires a shot that pings off the post.
Igrin like an idiot. That’s my man. I don’t even fight the thought as it takes hold. Because yeah, he’s mine, even if he doesn’t realize it fully.
God, he looks good out here. Confident, aggressive, stupidly hot with his helmet on and the longer strands of his hair brushing his jersey with his eyes locked on mine like I’m a goal he’s about to score.
I track him like a magnet.
Daniel skates up beside me during a switch out. “I’m impressed.”
I arch a brow. “With what?”
He shrugs. “You really got to him. I’ve never seen him like this. Not since I’ve met him anyway, he’s always serious and focused. Today, he’s…lighter and happier.”
“Maybe he’s just in a good mood.”
Daniel lifts both brows. “Come on. He confirmed it.”
“Confirmedwhat?” I blink at him, all innocence. No way am I letting on that I know what he’s talking about. Absolutely fucking not. Even if he is my friend.
He snorts. “Sure. Okay. You keep your little secret, Romeo.”
I roll my eyes and skate toward the face off circle, but my chest tightens a little.
