Page 240

In a rush, I turn the shower off, and as I reach for a towel, I hear it again.

A knock.

Everyone else has already left. They loaded all their shit onto the bus before leaving for the arena. I’m the only one left.

I could have headed out tonight. I was tempted to make the trek to my hometown so I could spend the night closer to my brothers. But I knew that trip would be in my father’s car, and I’m long past sitting in the passenger seat, getting berated for my performance.

As much as I want to spend time with my brothers, I also have to protect myself.

I’ll be there first thing in the morning, ready to take them to their game, and if I’m lucky, Dad will make himself scarce.

A laugh erupts as I tuck the towel around my waist and head out as another knock sounds.

After what happened tonight, there’s no way my father will keep himself hidden away. He’ll have too much to say.

Still dripping with water, I pull the door open.

And I stop breathing.

Garrett stands in the hallway, his hair damp from a recent shower. He’s still wearing my jersey and a pair of dark jeans, and in his hand is a bottle of whiskey.

Fuck. I’m not sure which I need more of right now.

Noticing what has my attention, he holds the bottle out toward me. “Peace offering.”

I take it from him, our fingers brushing for the first time in what feels like forever, sending tingles rushing up my spine.

“I’m sorry,” Garrett blurts. “I never meant to hide it, I⁠—”

“You should come in,” I rasp, my eyes scanning the empty hallway behind him before stepping aside and allowing him entry.

The second he walks past me and his woodsy scent hits my nose, I almost forget everything and pull him into me.

But he moves too fast, and he’s gone before I have the chance to reach for him.

Placing the bottle on the desk, I turn to look at him as he pauses at the end of my bed.

His eyes hold mine for a beat before they drop down my body, lingering at my crotch.

“See something you like?” I deadpan, forcing his eyes back up to mine.

He swallows thickly before stuttering. “Y-you look rough.”

“Not exactly what I was hoping to hear, but yeah. It’s been a tough night.”

“Just tonight?” he asks.

I drop my gaze to the floor and shake my head.

Of course Garrett has been able to see that my game has been off all week. He knows the game, me, too well to miss the obvious signs.

“I haven’t been sleeping great,” I confess.

“Me neither,” he admits. I lift my head again and find his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Cooper. I’m really fucking sorry.”

“I know. You’ve said.”