Page 52 of These Wicked Hearts

“What—” Oli grabs me by the jersey, punching me hard. “The fuck!” I shove him back and throw my gloves, punching him back. “You dick.”

He swings again as I feel hands tugging my jersey. I ignore the refs, swinging at Oli. He may be my best friend, but I’m not taking this shit from anyone.

“Don’t touch my man,” he growls.

I grin, shoving him back harder. “Oh, I was all up on him. Landed right in his lap!” He swings. Another punch that I dodge. He grips my jersey. “I may have even grazed his ass when I flew into the net.”

“You fucking prick.” Oli swings, but we’re wrenched back by two refs.

I blow a kiss to Andre, who shakes his head, but it makes murder burn brighter in Oli’s eyes. “What you going to do, Oli?” I laugh as I’m tugged backwards. We’re shouting as we’re escorted off the ice.

“You’re lucky you’re my best fucking friend or you’d be six feet under right now.”

“Ah, don’t stop on my account.” I blow him a kiss. “I love you!”

“I love you more you prick!”

We’re shoved into the box and a penalty is called.

“Hey!” I shout over the crowd as Oli looks over at me with a smirk. “I missed you!”

“I missed you more, asshole.”

The penalty attendant in my box looks very confused as I sit back down and serve my time. “He’s my best friend.”

“Drinks after this with Vee?” Oli shouts.

I think for a moment, but it’s okay. My friends know I’m trying to stay sober. We’re only going because it’s Vanessa’s bar, not to drink. I’ll have my friends there, and they’ll stop me from wanting to. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Vanessa anyway.

Vanessa, who is here with Gage.

“Yeah, sure.”

Gage who is here.

Watching me play.

And I don’t know what to do or how that makes me feel.

“I’m fucking exhausted.” Knox pulls on his hoodie and slings his bag over his back. “You want a ride back?”

“No, I’m going to have drinks with Oli and Andre. I mean, not drinks, I mean maybe water or soda. I’m not drinking. You want to come?” Knox nods, clapping me on the shoulder. “Shit game?”

He sighs. “Not a shit game, but not an ideal outcome either. Coach always goes on a tear when we lose.”

“It was five–four.”

“It ain’t winning, so it doesn’t matter. I’m going to go home. I’m beat. If you see Colton, tell him I still fucking hate him, and if he throws another weak punch at me like he did tonight, I’m going to send him home next game in pieces.”

I shake my head. “Will do.” I doubt he’ll be there. “Although his wife just had another baby, so I’m sure he won’t be out. He’ll be checking in on her instead.” Knox’s jaw tightens and he shakes his head. “What?”

He runs his tongue along the inside of his cheek then inhales through his nose. “It’s . . . nothing.” Doesn’t feel like nothing. I watch him swallow, his green eyes going far away before he throws on a small smile. “Have fun with your friends. I’ll see you tomorrow for practice.”

I dress after my shower, and I know I can’t delay any longer. Oli and Andre are probably ready to head out. I walk down the hall and out the back doors of the arena and see Andre on the hood of Oli’s SUV with Oli between his legs. “Gross.”

Andre laughs, pushing Oli back.

“Sorry, just congratulating our incredible goalie. You know, because we kicked your ass,” Oli says.