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“We’re all one bad play away from a trade,” I remind him.

“I know. I’m just settled here. And I was just getting together with Sienna then. I had all these what-ifs running around my head.”

“I get that. But who we play for isn’t really in our control.”

“No, and I get it. If Coach doesn’t think I fit anymore, then I’ll suck it up and move on. I just fucking love it here. I love the guys, and my girl, and…everything.”

“Yeah, I’m starting to see the appeal,” I confess.

“I’m getting back on the ice in a couple of weeks,” Calvin admits.

“Oh yeah? That’s awesome, man.”

“Yeah, b-but…where does that leave us? Monroe is killing it with Rett, and you and Rovvy seem to be a good match; I just⁠—”

“You need to trust Coach. You’re too good a player to ride the bench.”

“I was,” he mutters, showing more vulnerability than I’m sure he was expecting.

“It’s gonna take time, but you’re still that fantastic player. Trust the process.”

He blows out a long, slow breath. He knows I’m right, but I also understand that in times like this, it’s easier said than done.

Hockey is our lives, and without it, we don’t know who we are. So when it’s at risk, we’re a mess.

Thankfully, the drive to Calvin’s building is short, and before long, I’m pulling up out front.

“Thanks, man. See you tomorrow?”

“Have a good night,” I call just before he closes the door.

I don’t hang around; instead, I put my car back into drive and speed off. I want both Calvin and Sienna, if she’s up there watching, to see me leave.

I have no idea if Garrett is still up there, or if he’s already left and waiting for me somewhere.

The second I find somewhere to pull over, I discover the answer waiting for me on my cell.

G: I’m in the coffee shop. Want anything?

Cooper: Just you.

Cooper: I’m in front of the hairdressers’ salon.

G: I can see you. I’ll be two minutes.

My head swivels around, and I instantly spot him. He’s leaning his hip against the counter as he waits for his drink, his arms crossed over his chest and a smirk pulling at his lips.

Even with the distance between us, the air seems to crackle.

Fuck. I want him.

Every time we’re together, I tell myself that this will be it. I’ll get my fill and be able to think about something else.

But every time, I’m proved wrong. The only thing I want once we’re done is to do it all over again.

I can’t get enough of him, and I’m terrified about where that’s leading us, but I can’t stop.

I’m too fucking addicted.