Page 127 of Puck Me Back to Life

“On Friday.”

“I am aware of our schedule, sweetheart.” Ash ties back his hair, keeping his eyes on me.

“I need practice.” The words catch unexpectedly.

I look toward the floor. “I need to…”

Ash waits.

“…play with…”

The name refuses to come. My throat feels too tight.

“I need to play with…” I squeeze my eyes shut.

Ash's expression softens almost imperceptibly, but he doesn't interrupt.

“…Noah.” The word finally escapes.

I hate how relieved I feel just for saying it. “I need to play with Noah before our game.”

Ash remains completely still.

“I need to figure out how he skates.”

Still nothing.

“I need to understand his habits and tendencies and how he⁠—”

“Kai.”

I stop talking.

Ash levels a steady look at me. “Are you done?”

“No.”

One eyebrow rises.

“I don't think I am. I just think⁠—”

“I know.”

He takes two slow steps toward me. “I've listened to every argument you've made.”

“I'm right.”

“You've made some reasonable points.”

Hope flickers.

Then he smiles. “You're also talking back.”

My stomach does an embarrassing little flip. “Ash…”

“I believe you've earned yourself a punishment.” The words are calm.

Matter-of-fact.