“What gives? Something happened betweenCODlast night and now.”
The corner of my lip twitches, my chest about to burst. “Tori came back.”
Saying the words out loud makes everything more real, more solid.
Like it’s happening.
“She did? So you got laid? I’ve seen plenty of that Bennett—” He circles his finger in the air around my face, “and this isnotthat.”
I shake my head, sweat-dampened curls flopping onto my forehead. “It’s more than that, man. We’re the real deal. And I’m not guessing anymore. She’s all the way in. No more hedging.”
“Who’s all the way in?” Weston sneaks up behind me, butting into our conversation. A few other guys come through the door and the locker room fills with noise.
“God, you guys are fucking nosy.” I slam my locker shut, ready to hit the showers.
“Tori’s back,” Callum says, and Weston nods.
“That explains it. He got laid.”
“No, assholes. Well, yeah, I did. But it’s not like that.”
“What’s it like then?” Weston tips his head, waiting for me to say the words out loud.
“We’re together.”
“Together-together? Like, more than a few nights together?” Weston frowns, and I scrub the back of my neck.
“Yeah. And she’s fucking amazing.”
“Okay.” Weston holds up both his palms. “That’s all I need to hear about Max Prince’sdaughter.By the way, is he gonna kill you?”
“Hope not. Wouldn’t be smart to take out your star player.” I smirk at my brothers, feeling more myself than I have in days. The locker room still smells the same — sweat, and gear, and rubber — but everything feels different. More alive. An electric energy hums through me and I need to take action. “I want to do something tonight.”
“Oh god…” Weston groans.
“Nothing stupid. Just public.”
“You sure, Benny? Sometimes PR gets edgy with stuff like that.” Callum’s the voice of reason, always.
“It’s a good thing I’m pretty tight with the PR director. Here’s what I’m thinking…”
I stroll into the arena acting like I own the ice.
Which I will in less than an hour.
But the real play’s happening after the game.
And that’s the thing that has my pulse spiking. Maybe I should have listened to Callum, but there’s too much on the line. I want the world to know exactly how I feel about Tori Prince — and tonight’s the hard launch.
I’m fresh off media when my phone buzzes.
Sunshine: Talked to my dad this afternoon and told him we’re together
Sunshine: He’s…processing
Sunshine: But he hasn’t put a hit on you
Bennett: Good. I’d hate to die before puck drop
