I found something else in that look, though. Something weird. I’d never seen anything like it before. That something captured me, forcing a pause, so I could drink it in. Then I realized I’d seen these things before but had never stopped to soak them up.
At first, I noticed that Kayden’s dirty-blond hair hung over his forehead, looking like a giant comma when he leaned in. You could get lost in those emerald green eyes. And then there were his teeth. I’ve heard of the toothpaste commercial smile, but Kayden’s teeth looked blindingly white. I tried to turn away but realized I couldn’t. My focus wouldn’t leave him. Was that normal?
I couldn’t keep looking at him like that, and not just because I’d been winning the argument up to that point. It would seem downright weird, a risk I couldn’t take. When I finally tore my eyes away, I understood how powerful that look had been. That image haunted me the rest of the day—and beyond—but why the hell did I care so much?
4
KAYDEN
“You played like a wuss out there.”
Erik looked a little stunned, an expression shared by Canucks everywhere, I’m pretty sure. I flagged him down near the food court because he’d disappeared from the locker room so fast. When I caught up with him, I realized he’d been wearing AirPods and hadn’t heard a thing I’d said.
He removed a pod. “What?”
“I said you played like a wuss out there.”
“Coming from you, I’ll wear that as a badge of honor.”
“Please tell me you’re not being serious.”
No answer from Mister Cream Puff. He kept on walking, and I continued following. Maybe he had a class to get to or something he considered pressing, but I didn’t give a crap. I would keep on him and make sure he heard me.
Maybe I sounded a little preoccupied by Erik, but I had a good reason. He’d already become a distraction and could become a thorn in my side all season if I didn’t shut him down now. Why was he a problem, you ask? He still hadn’t taken his lock off my locker. I’ll give him credit, though. No one elsewould’ve had the balls to defy me twice and then try to ignore me later.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not calling that a good thing, but he was braver than I’d thought—or stupider.
“Silent treatment, huh?” I asked. “Figures.”
“Okay.”
“What’s your deal, anyway? The regular season will be here before you know it. You want to go out there and win, don’t you?”
“Of course I do.”
“Then you’ve got to show everyone you’re made of tougher material than that.”
“This again? Look, Coach Hardison hasn’t said there’s anything wrong with how I play. Matter of fact, he’s applauded me.”
“It isn’t just about what Coach Hardison says, dude. Team leadership counts for a lot too.I’mtelling you that you play like a wuss.”
“Wake up and smell the coffee, Kayden. You’re not team leadership and you never will be. Besides, I could say plenty about the wayyouplay the game.”
“Damn right, you can. You saw me in action. That’s exactly the way you go out there and play hockey.”
“You play like a maniac, dude.”
“I’ll wearthatas a badge of honor.”
“I wouldn’t.”
“And why not?”
“Because there’s no pride in that. You play like someone who has no control. When people lose their heads, they start making mistakes, and the whole team suffers.”
“Bullshit. It means I have a take-no-prisoners attitude.”
“Is that what you told the cops when they were loading you into the police cruiser?”
