Obviously, I wouldn’t let on to Erik about the things I’d had going on. Before, any non-hockey thoughts had been girls, girls, and more girls. Never once had I thought about a guy—at all. I had to put a stop to that before those thoughts spun out of control.
“I don’t get you, dude,” he said. “One minute, you’re doing something super nice, and the next you’re being a complete asshole…again.”
“Don’t act surprised. You’ve known where I stand from the very start. Let’s not pretend like there’s some kind of mystery to solve, okay?”
Erik’s mouth stayed shut. Remember where you were when you heard that because it’s totally monumental, folks. And he was getting pissed too. His face had reddened. Mister Cool might explode if I kept up the heat.
“But I’m not a bad guy,” I said. “I know you’re still recovering. Tomorrow morning’s okay.”
“That’s so kind of you. Thank you very much, Kayden.”
Sarcasm aside, his expression said,I thought we might’ve had something nice to build on here. The song of cream puffs everywhere. I didn’t care about building on anything. As team captain, I would put my foot down.
“Anytime,” I said.
“See you.”
“So long.”
“Ciao.”
He turned and started for the exit before I could skate away from him. I’m telling you, even while nursing a concussion, that kid just had to get the last word.
9
ERIK
Thoughts of Kayden swirled like a tornado through my mind for my entire week and a half away from the team. Sure, he was a pain in the ass, but I was sure his claim that he would’ve done the same for any teammate was total bullshit. For one thing, I saw the truth in his eyes. Second, I heard it in his clipped words. But Kayden Preston knew how to throw a monkey wrench into the works. I learned that the hard way when I returned to the locker room while the team was still on the ice. At the captain’s locker, I grabbed the lock, and twisted the knob back and forth, but the stupid thing wouldn’t budge.
So, I tried again.
Same problem.
I yanked a bunch of times, ready to yank it off, and then peered down at it. The lock in my hand didn’t belong to me. Oh yeah, it was black with white numbers, but this one boasted a slightly different design. Then I glanced down at the floor and found my lock with the latch cut.
My eyes panned to the left, and I found my clothes and equipment in a heap. Let’s face facts: whoever had done that had wanted me to see it.
I drew a deep breath and found my chest already heaving. I’d kept a cool head before, but now I was going to lose my mind.
Now that everything had sunk in, I felt hot all over. My hands balled into fists. I wanted Kayden in that locker room immediately, so I could lay into him for the bullshit he’d pulled.
But I wasn’t stupid. I would wait until after practice had ended and everyone had left—except for Kayden. He loved to pass that leader-leaves-last crap, but at least I would know where and when to find him.
Besides, I wanted him alone.
After practice, once everyone had showered and filed out, I found Kayden all by himself. My hands balled into fists again. What would I do with them? Nothing good, I decided. I would turn into a wild man like that big dope Kayden if I didn’t control myself, so I drew another deep breath.
He acted so casual, puttingg deodorant, styling gel, and a comb into his locker, like he’d done nothing wrong. Despite my attempt to stay cool, I marched straight up to him.
“Welcome back.” He spoke in an easy tone that would’ve sounded legit to a moron, but I knew better. Kayden Preston loved to rub things in, and no one could tell me he wasn’t doing that right now.
“Don’t give me any of that welcome back shit.”
He arched his eyebrows. “Well, well, well, don’t we sound a little testy?”
“Don’t fuck with me, Kayden. I’m warning you.”
“Such language. Back on the farm, your parents would’ve washed your mouth out with soap for talk like that, wouldn’t they?”
