Page 58

I sat on the edge of the bench, Sawyer’s necklace clasped in my hand. I furrowed my brow in deep concentration as I wrestled with a tough decision. Asher found it, but revealing the truth came with a set of complications. I brushed my fingers over the engraving as the weight of indecision bore down on me like a suffocating blanket.

She’d know he has feelings for her. My thought lingered in the air, a silent admission of the unspoken truth I’d been avoiding.

“Joshua, get back to practice.” Coach said.

I reached for my bag and slipped the pendant into the side. This wasn’t the time for inner turmoil. Focus, Joshua. We’re a month away from our last season. Not to mention the scouts coming to watch us play.

The sound of my skates slicing through the ice filled the air as I zipped across the rink. I stole the puck from Kellan, laughing as he yelled at me. I ignored his calls of displeasure and skated with fluid and precise skill before launching the puck into the net.

I skated over to the bench to catch my breath, but I dug my skates into the ice as I noticed Sawyer was in front of me.

“What are you doing here?” I asked. “Did they finally let you out of detention?”

She flashed me a dazzling smile with a playful glint in her eyes.

“I had to see my favourite hockey player.”

My expression softened, and a warmth spread through my chest at her words.

“Don’t let Noah hear that.”

She snorted.

“He’s not even in my top five.”

A quiet snicker escaped my lips. I reached out to take her hand in mine, intertwining our fingers.

“It’s an honour to be your favourite hockey player.”

She smiled. I took a deep breath and reached into my bag for her pendant. Her eyes glimmered in delight as I reached to fasten it to her chain.

“I can’t believe you found it. How?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

There was no point in dwelling on the details. I brought her knuckles to my lips and placed a chaste kiss on them before returning to the rink. The guys attempted to poke fun at my uncharacteristic behaviour, but I brushed them off and turned my head to deliver a wink at Sawyer before continuing practice.

??

A warm, inviting glow bathed the kitchen. The scent of a home-cooked meal lingered in the air. I sat at the table with Sawyer, my mom, and Gracie, sharing stories and laughter over dinner.

The front door swung open, and Asher stormed in. His expression was dark and brooding. His entrance cast a dark cloud over the light atmosphere.

“Is everything okay, sweetie?”

“Everything is peachy, mom.” He said dryly, rolling his eyes.

His gaze flickered between Sawyer and me.

“Why don’t you join us?” Mom asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“I’ve suddenly lost my appetite.” He said, his eyes flickered down to Sawyer. “Nice necklace.”

Tension thickened in the air, and I stood up, shooting him a warning glare. Urging him to drop the subject, I approached him.

“Take off your jacket and eat.” I said. “Mom put a lot of effort into this.”

He recoiled as I reached for his leather jacket.