Page 56 of Playing the Pucking Game

To do what in, Storm?

I shake my head at my stupid thoughts.

“She’s always been annoying,” I finally say, dragging his attention back to me.

He studies me for a beat. “That wasn’t what I meant,” he mutters.“It’s okay to admit you like her.”

My chin drops. “I don’t like her. That’s the whole issue here. I’m proud of her for securing this job, but I’m not all that pleased with the fact that she’s now on my ass practically twenty-four-seven, watching for every twitch and limp.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t have invited her to live with you,” he points out.

No, I probably shouldn’t have. But it’s a bit fucking late.

“Her building was burning. Her apartment…what else could I have done?”

“Brought her to us.”

“She didn’t want me to,” I argue, much to his amusement, if his quirked brow is anything to go by.

“And since when did you start listening to what people tell you?”

My lips part to argue, but I quickly find that I don’t have a response.

He’s right.

I could have ignored her and taken her to Casey that night. Hell, I could have even done what she suggested and taken her to a hotel. But I couldn’t. The only place I wanted to take her was my place, even if I knew she would drive me to the brink of insanity. Not only is she a part of my professional life, but she’s also a huge part of my personal life. And…I like it more than I’m willing to admit to anyone.

“It was New Year’s Eve.”

“Uh huh,” he agrees as he taps out a message.

“I’m…uh…gonna go for a walk. Give you some time with Casey.”

He stills before looking up.

“You don’t have to do that, man.”

“It’s fine. Honestly. I could use some fresh air. Maybe it’ll give me some clarity.”

Last year, I felt like I had everything under control. Now, only a few days into the new year and everything seems to be spiraling already. It’s not the start I wanted.

Stuffing my feet into my sneakers, I pocket my cell, AirPods, and hotel key card before stalking toward the door.

“Message me when it’s clear to return. I have no intentions of walking in on you jerking off again.”

“Don’t worry, it wasn’t my idea of a good time either.”

I glance over my shoulder before I pull the hotel room door open to find Kodie completely distracted by his cell, or more specifically, the woman on the other end of it.

I’m happy for them, I am. But there’s something else there, too. Something I can’t quite put my finger on.

I inhale a deep breath as I step out into the hallway, but it’s too small, too restrictive. I need to move and be free.

Usually, when I’m feeling antsy like this, I’d go for a run, but I’m pretty sure that’d end with me spending even more time on Parker’s torture table.

I’m not sure why that thought excites me. I should be running in the opposite direction, not wondering how her hands would feel on more parts of my body.

Shaking my head, I force myself to focus on something else as I pop my AirPods in and hit play on an exercise playlist as I walk toward the elevator.