Page 21 of Pinch

6

Gavin

Isail around the rink, keeping my eye on Mav as he guides the puck across the ice before shooting it to the left winger. One of my new teammates glides in my direction, playing opposition, and the puck appears in my path.

Moving fast, I skate straight up to the guy, putting pressure on him to move away. He’s not expecting it, and I quickly swipe the biscuit, sending it over to Mav, who slams it into the net.

The guys yell, and the player I pinched gives me a playful shove into the boards. Mav is right behind him pulling me into a neck hug.

“That’s what I’m talking about.” We glide across the ice to the bench.

“Nice pinch, Knight.” Saxon Walsh, the left winger hops off the ice, dropping to sit beside us. “Keep that up, and they won’t know what hit ‘em.”

We’re having a good practice, and as Mav predicted, I’mfitting right in with the Champions. They’re good guys, precise, no hotshots. As always, Mav’s the team beautician. He playfully slaps hands with everybody, his hair sticking out from under his helmet, sure to be the inspiration for all the little boys.

“That was dirty!” Aiden Akers, the goalie I slipped it past, laughs, reaching out like he’ll give me a face wash.

I block him at the last minute, and the whistle blasts, calling half of us back onto the ice. Mav and I hang back, having earned a break. He leans forward yelling at the guys on the rink as they move around, passing swiftly.

“Ready for tomorrow night?” He looks up at me.

“I’m ready now.” It’s true.

Adrenaline surges in my muscles, and I can’t wait to get out there for real. Nothing’s better than being on the ice with the guys.

Well, one thing’s better, but that’s not happening any time soon.

“What’s up with you and Haddy?” Mav’s teasing frown catches me off-guard, and of course, her naked body flashes through my mind.

Clearing my throat, I school my expression. “What do you mean?”

I’m pretty sure I know what he means.

“You’re the best guy I know. Haddy’s the best girl I know. Everybody always likes both of y’all. Yet you don’t seem to like each other. I’d go so far as to say you have difficulty being in the same room as each other.”

He’s studying my face, and Mav might be a hockey god, but he’s smart. He has no idea how conflicted I feel about his cousin, how confusing it is for her to be so attractive, yet so cut off at the same time.

“We knew each other in college.” It’s the safest reply.

“Yeah, you both went to UNC, which makes no sense. That’s basketball country.”

“I grew up in Wilmington.” He lifts his chin in understanding. “You’re one to talk. You’re from a football dynasty in south Alabama.”

“It’s true.” He nods. “But back to Haddy. What happened?”

Pressing on my knees, I lean back not really wanting to get into this with him. “I dated her college roommate, and things went… bad.”

Understatement of the year.

Mav twists his lips, then nods. “Haddy is loyal. You hurt her friend, it’s like you hurt her.”

“I’ve noticed.” Even if she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. “She also jumps to conclusions and doesn’t allow for the possibility she might be wrong.”

“Whoa…” Mav holds up both hands. “Sounds like I touched a nerve.”

The whistle blasts, and it’s time for us to get back on the ice.

“It was a long time ago.” I swallow that old anger trying to resurface. “I’m willing to let bygones be bygones, but I don’t think she is.”