Page 208 of Puck Me Back to Life

I love both of them dearly, but they've become… enthusiastic.

Angela wasn't exaggerating when she said the walls in our building were thin. After the third night of hearing muffled laughter followed by noises I had absolutely no interest in identifying, Ash had simply looked at me over breakfast and said, “You know you can just stay with me.”

I'd been staying here ever since.

The condo is quiet when I unlock the door. A hockey game hums softly from the television. Ash is asleep on the couch, one arm draped across his stomach while highlights play across the screen. He must have fallen asleep waiting for me.

Something in my chest softens. I kneel beside him and kiss him slowly.

His lips answer mine almost immediately.

Half asleep, he smiles against my mouth before opening his eyes. “Hey.”

“Hi.”

His hand cups my jaw for a second before he pulls back. “How was therapy?”

“It was good.”

“I'm glad.” He kisses my forehead instead.

Then he lets me go.

Again.

I smile anyway, but disappointment settles quietly in my stomach. He's still doing it. Every kiss has an invisible finish line now. Every touch stops before it can become something more.

Sonia's words drift back into my mind.

Maybe he's waiting for you.

Maybe he needs to know you're okay.

I glance toward Ash as he settles back onto the couch.

Alright.

Let's see if she knows what she's talking about.

The first test is easy. I set my hockey bag down beside the front door. Not in the hall closet where it always goes.

Right beside the door.

Ash notices immediately.

His eyes flick to it before they find me. “Prince.”

“Mhm?”

“Bag.”

I pretend to look confused. “What about it?”

“It goes in the closet.”

“I'm tired. I'll do it later.”

Ash studies me for a second. Normally, he would've insisted.