Page 119 of Crease Collision

OSKAR: Thanks. You were incredible. The Condors outplayed us, but expect it to be different next time.

KAI: I think you’re dreaming, but miracles happen.

I’m glad he’s not pushing sympathy because I couldn’t handle that right now. I love Kai more than anything, but we both have jobs to do.

OSKAR: Bold words, handsome one. Six games left.

KAI: True, but we only need to win three more.

The smirk emoji tells me it’s a chirp, but I’m too tired to think of a clever retort.

OSKAR: Asshole. You’ll regret those words.

KAI: Cocky rookie.

OSKAR: Yes, but you love my cocky.

KAI: No question about that.

Time to shut this down because I’d really like to be together tonight.

OSKAR: I know we agreed to give each other more space during the playoffs, but I miss you.

KAI: Me too. We’ll be through this before long.

OSKAR: Not soon enough. Call tomorrow?

KAI: Absolutely. Get some rest for now. I’m sure you guys will be working as hard as we are in the morning.

A few minutes later, lying in bed, I pull up a selfie Kai and I took on Christmas Eve. I study it for a while and go to sleep with his face in my mind.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

KAI

The hobby room is cold tonight. I’ve been working on the same LEGO set for two weeks, but I only manage to add three new pieces. The rest of the time, I’m burning for Oskar.

Nine days since we’ve touched. Nine days since his smile warmed me all over. Nine days of texts and phone calls. I’ve watched him from the other end of the ice, trying to guess his feelings. Needing him to be okay, and yet wanting to win this series as much as I’ve ever wanted anything.

While I’m staring at the LEGO, trying to decide where to fit in a fourth piece, the front door clicks open. Ozzy has his own key now. When I jump up and run, the piece clatters to the floor.

The sight of him stops me. For days, I’ve only seen him in goalie gear or wearing a hoodie during video calls. My voice fails me, so I rush over and grab him. He wraps his arms around me as our mouths crash together.

The time apart dissolves in an instant. His lips are firm and demanding, his hand sliding into my hair as he tilts my head back. For a moment, nothing else matters.

“Ozzy,” I whisper when we break the kiss. “God, how I’ve missed you.”

I pull back enough to see his face. There are new lines around his eyes and dark circles underneath.

Playing the Condors did that, and we’re about to make it worse. Yet I still want to win.

“You feel good,” he says, showing me the beautiful smile I’ve been longing for. “It’s been so long.”

I take his hand and lead him to the living room couch. We sit close, staring at each other.

After a while, he says, “You look tired, baby. Are you getting enough rest?”

“As much as I can. I don’t have to tell you how exhausting this is.”