I feel like the luckiest bastard in the world to get to be with her.
Except you’re not really with her. She’s not your girlfriend, so why are you talking about her like she is?
I remind myself that we’re just two friends hooking up. Not like I have time for a relationship anyway. My focus is hockey. My schedule is nuts. I’m gone all the time for away games. It would be hard to try and make something serious work when I’m not even around half the time.
There’s a faint sting in my chest when I think about all that. Not sure why. It’s the smart thing to do—keep this thing with Kendall fun and casual, nothing more.
I push aside the thought and refocus on practice. Coach Miller finally blows the whistle and the entire team skids to a halt. I brace my hands on my thighs and hunch over as I gasp for air, struggling to catch my breath.
“Good effort, gentleman,” he says. “Let this be a reminder to you all how important it is to show up on time for practice.”
We all choke out a “yes, Coach,” as we struggle to breathe.
“Don’t expect me to take it easy on you this season,” he says. “This first practice was tough, but it had to be. I think we’ve got a solid shot at the playoffs this season, but only if you bring your A-game every single time you hit the ice. Doesn’t matter if it’s practice or a game. I expect a hundred percent out of each and every one of you, every single time you play.”
We all nod in agreement. That competitive drive sparks up inside of me. Coach Miller is a hardass, but he’s a damn good coach. He knows what to say to fire us up, whether it’s during a game or practice.
He lets the assistant coaches say a few things before dismissing us.
“One more thing,” Coach Miller says. “The team is hosting a friends and family skate next week to welcome all the new players and staff. It’ll be here at the rink. Bring your kids, your parents, significant others, siblings, friends, anyone you want.”
Excitement sparks in my chest. I wonder if Kendall would want to come.
Would that be weird to ask her? We’re together, but we’re not a couple. We both agreed that this thing between us isn’t serious; we’re strictly hooking up.
As I head to the locker room with the rest of my teammates and get cleaned up, I second-guess myself. Maybe I shouldn’t ask her. Maybe she’d think it was weird.
“Hey, Scott.”
I glance up at Wes, whose locker is next to mine. “Yeah?”
“You bringing Kendall to family and friends skate?”
I’m instantly annoyed that he’s asking about her. “Why do you ask?”
He flashes a smug smile. “I thought if you weren’t going to invite her, I would.”
I tense up and frown at him. “And why the hell would you do that?”
“She’s hot. And she seemed kind of into me when we met, don’t you think?”
I know he’s fucking with me. I should just ignore him. But the thought of him flirting with Kendall makes me jealous.
“She’s not into you,” I bite.
He chuckles and holds up a hand. “Yikes, dude. Sorry I said anything.”
I grab my phone and text her.
Me: Hey. Are you free Saturday afternoon?
Kendall: I think so. Why?
Me: My team is having a friends and family skate at the rink. I was wondering if you wanted to come. Maybe your aunt can come too?
Kendall: That’s really sweet of you to ask :)
I smile at my phone. That tense feeling in my muscles melts away.
