Page 92 of Crease Collision

KAI: Can I come over?

The phone buzzes before I can lock it.

OZZY: I am fine. They wouldn’t have let me play if there was any doubt. Congratulations on the win. We’ll get you next time. Some of the guys are going out to drown their sorrows, but I don’t feel like it. Come to my place for sure.

I fight back the sting in my eyes.

KAI: What a relief. I’ll be there as soon as I get out of here.

When I put my phone back on the shelf and look around, everyone has their eyes on me.

“You played like a champ tonight,” Nico says. “We owe you.”

I nod. “Just doing my job.”

Theo thumps me on the chest. “Grade-A goaltending.” The chirp that always follows one of his compliments doesn’t come.

“Thank you.”

Conversation resumes as I strip off my jersey, but I haven’t even started on my pads when McKay calls out. “You’re gonna have to show that other goalie how to take a hit and stay on his feet, Kai.”

Silence. My heart aches with it. But I can’t yell at McKay because no one would understand.

While I’m processing this, Theo calls him out for me. “Shut up, you idiot! Don’t you realize Olofsson could’ve been hurt. I don’t know where you learned to play hockey, but we don’t make light of that here.”

McKay has lost the color in his face by the time Theo finishes. “I-I didn’t mean that. Nobody wants to see him hurt. I only meant that Kai’s the greatest. He knows how to win. He⁠—”

Nico puts a hand on McKay’s elbow. “We know you didn’t mean anything by it, but a little sensitivity goes a long way. All right?”

“Yeah.” McKay’s voice is shaking so much he hardly gets the word out.

Nico gives me a long look before calling out, “It was a good win, boys, and I know we’re all glad Olofsson’s okay. I’m buying drinks at O’Connor’s. Who’s coming?”

After my shower, I’m the first player to leave. I text Nico from the cab.

KAI: Thanks for your support. It was good to win. Have fun with the boys.

Ozzy opens the door as soon as I knock. His smile melts the knot I’ve had in my stomach since he hit the ice. He’s wearing sweats and a soft T-shirt, and I finally let myself believe he wasn’t hurt.

The door hardly closes behind me before we’re in each other’s arms. His skin is warm, and he smells like arena soap and Ozzy. The reassuring beat of his heart against my chest quiets the noise in my head.

“You scared the fuck out of me,” I say.

His arms tighten around me. “I know.”

For a long time, neither of us moves. Then I pull back enough to look at him.

He watches me, no doubt seeing more than I want him to.

I grab the back of his neck and kiss him. He goes still, then kisses me back as if he might never have another chance.

When we pull apart, I keep my forehead pressed to his. My breaths are coming in short bursts. “Never do that again,” I whisper.

Ozzy huffs a soft laugh. “I will do my best not to get run over by your teammates.”

I should laugh. Instead, I hold on tighter.

“Kai,” he whispers.