Page 181 of Puck Me Back to Life

Focus.

The locker room is quieter than usual. Game days always carry a different kind of energy. Nobody is laughing as loudly. Conversations are shorter. Equipment is laid out with practiced precision. Everyone has their own ritual before puck drop.

Mine begins with a shower. Mostly because I need the hot water. I need something stronger than my insane energy drinks to get me into gear. Steam fills the room as I step beneath the spray.

The heat beats against my shoulders, but it doesn't touch the anger sitting inside my chest.

I tip my face toward the water and let it rinse the shampoo from my hair. Breathe. Just breathe.

The locker room door opens somewhere behind me.

Heavy footsteps.

I don't have to turn around.

I'd recognize them anywhere.

Ash doesn't say anything at first. I keep rinsing my hair. Pretend I don't know he's standing there. Pretend my heart didn't immediately speed up.

“Kai.” His voice is careful. I've never heard him sound unsure around me before. “I've been trying to call you.”

“I know.” The answer comes out flat.

I reach up and shut the water off. Silence immediately replaces the steady hiss of the shower. I grab a towel from the nearby shelf and drag it through my hair before wrapping it around my waist.

The movement is automatic. It's strange. A month ago, I would've died before standing here half-naked in front of another man.

Now it barely registers.

Being undressed around Ash feels almost normal.

That realization hurts more than it should. Because I miss him already. Even while I'm angry.

“What the hell happened to your hand?”

I glance down. Blood has seeped through the athletic tape I wrapped around my knuckles earlier.

“Nothing. Leave me alone, please.”

“Kai.” His eyes immediately sharpen.

I move past him, going towards the lockers. Behind me I hear his footsteps.

Slow.

Measured.

Not crowding me.

Just following.

“I'm getting ready.”

“Talk to me,” Ash begs.

“I don't want to.”

“I know.” His voice softens. “But I need—” His fingers close gently around my wrist.