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“Are you sure you don’t want Coach Green to refer you for a scan? If it’s bothering you that much, it could be something bigger.” He slides his skate on, clearly dismissing my concerns. “Otherwise, we may need to start loosening the tape. I don’t want you to end up with a problem on the ice.”

“Nah,” he says, pulling on his sock. “It’s just how I like it. Thanks, TG.”

Bryant finishes up, and the guys all head out to practice. Coach Green stops me on the way to grab the water bottles. “How’s your tape supply?”

I investigate my kit. “Almost out.”

“Go grab two new rolls for practice. Between Pete and Haskell, we’re running through the tape faster than they go through beer on a Friday night.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then you can grab the water bottles and get them set up. I have a feeling Bryant’s about to run them ragged.”

I nod, and head down the hallway to the supply closet. I’ve got two new rolls of tape in my hand and am trying to decide if I should mention Pete's over-taping to Coach Green, when the door opens. Fully dressed in pads, helmet, and practice uniform, Reese looks even bigger than normal. He quickly steps in and shuts the door behind him. The cocky smirk on his mouth tells me everything about why he’s here.

“No,” I say, making an attempt to step back but there’s no room. “Absolutely not.”

“What? I have an injury that needs looking at.”

He’s full of shit, but fine, I’ll play. “What injury?” My eyes dart down. “And don’t say it’s that.”

He laughs. “No, Sunshine, my cock works perfectly fine, but my lips are really dehydrated.” His hands move to my hips. “And I think you’re the only one that can help me.”

The thing about Reese is that he’s difficult, no,impossibleto say no to. Not with that sexy, confident grin and those playful gray eyes. I mean, that’s what got me into this in the first place, right?

But I want to kiss him too, and we’re so busy that it’s been a challenge to get time alone. His house is off-limits. Mine is located in a high-traffic area. I look up at him and sigh. “One kiss.”

“Thank you.” He bends, mouth slanting over mine. He doesn’t waste time, pushing his tongue between my lips and sweeping it inside. His jaw is strong, everything about him is strong, and it’s so easy to get caught up in him. He pulls back, licking his bottom lip. “There. So much better.”

“You’re an idiot,” I say, fully aware of the stupid grin plastered on my face. “Go.”

He exits, and I gather a few more things before heading back out. Looping my kit over one arm, I grab the caddy that holds the water bottles in both hands. Reese is down at the end of the tunnel, pushing open the door, when he sees me.

“I’ve got it,” he says, coming back to help me.

“I’m good,” I tell him, although I know that I can’t open the door and carry all this out at the same time.

“Twy,” he says, taking the container from me. He lifts it easily with one hand and opens the door with the other. The cold air of the arena slaps the heat off my cheeks, and he takes the bottles over to the training table. Coach Green watches from the bench.

“Thanks, Cain,” I say, voice even. “You didn’t need to do that.”

“You looked like you were struggling.” He tugs at his gloves, eyes flicking up to where I can feel Coach Green approaching. “Just being helpful.”

He takes off before my boss makes it to us, slapping his helmet on his head and grabbing his stick.

“Everything okay, Perkins?” He gives me a long look.

“Yep,” I focus on arranging the bottles, and not how I’m caught between the two most amazing things in my life. “Everything’s perfect.”

22

Twyler

“Two more, please.”

“Seriously?” I watch the woman add two additional waffles to the tower of food on Jefferson’s plate.

“Thanks, Shirlene, you’re the best,” he says, giving her a wink. The cafeteria worker beams back. “And yes, TG, I’m a growing boy. My body needs the fuel.”