Page 43 of Cross the Line

I’d already taken off my helmet and jersey, tossing it into the bin before moving to my chest protector.

“Who gets the puck of the game tonight?” he asked the room, even though we all knew it was Gabe’s decision as captain.

It was a tradition on every team I’d been on. After every winning game, the team decided who got the game puck as a way to honor a player’s excellence.

Gabe scanned the room, his eyes landing on me. “Kovi!”

Boone joined in, seconding me as Gabe’s pick. “Kovi deserves it for that shot in the final few minutes.” A shot I’d made, thanks to advice from Logan.

The others voiced their approval, chanting my nickname. “Ko-vi. Ko-vi. Ko-vi.”

As I accepted the puck from Coach, I finally felt as if I’d found my place on the team. And I knew that was in no small part due to Logan. She’d given me tips on how to connect with some of the guys, she’d continually encouraged me, and she made me a better player.

I showered and dressed, eager to share the win with her. To tell her I’d been awarded the game puck. But when I glanced at my phone, she’d already sent me a message.

KT: You were on fire tonight. I loved watching you play.

I loved watching you play.

Damn. With just five words, she had me sinking onto the bench in my stall, staring at my phone to read her words again and again.

It had been so long since I’d heard something like that. So long since I’d had someone support and encourage me. Even when I’d still been on good terms with my family, my parents had never uplifted me the way Logan did. And with her, it was effortless.

Frasier tapped my foot with his shoe. “You good?”

“Yeah.” My voice was gruff, and my throat felt as if a puck were lodged there. “Yeah. It just feels good to be part of a team.”

He nodded, his tailored suit making him seem even taller than he was. “Yeah, it does.” He clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Good job tonight.”

“Let’s hustle, boys,” Coach called. “We’ve got a flight to catch.”

We headed out to the bus that would take us to the airport. I was looking forward to being at home, in my bed, even if I was dreading our late arrival. We were scheduled to land at three in the morning.

I was tempted to text Logan on the short bus ride back to the airport, but I already knew Boone would be looking over my shoulder. He was such a nosy fuck. Always up in everybody’s business, especially mine now that he’d seen those texts from “KT.”

Sometimes Boone gave me shit, saying things like she was my “imaginary girlfriend” since none of the guys had ever met her. Other times, he tried to push for details about her, as if to catch me out in a lie. And after everything that had happened last night, I felt even more protective of my relationship with Logan.

“You missed out last night.” Boone leaned into me. “That chick from the bar was wild. It was fucking hot.”

“Good for you,” I said, closing my eyes and crossing my arms over my chest.

“You could’ve joined us, even though I know you prefer to watch.”

My eyes popped open, and I glanced around. Fortunately, none of our teammates seemed to be paying us any attention. Some were on the phone—probably with their significant others or kids. Some were listening to music. Others had their eyes closed, trying to rest.

“Jesus, man,” I hissed. “Shut your mouth.”

“Like any of them would give a shit.” He rolled his eyes. “Hell, that’s tame, compared to some of the stuff they’ve done.”

“It happened once.”

“Yeah, and it was hot. But then you had to grow a conscience or whatever.”

“I didn’t—” I bit out. It wasn’t about growing a conscience; it was about meeting Logan. And after we’d started talking, I’d sort of lost interest in anyone else. “It’s not about that.”

He was silent a moment, and then he said, “Ah. Right. You’re still hung up on KT, huh?”

“I…” It seemed easier to leave it at that, but I was so sick of keeping this secret. So, I admitted the truth. Well…part of it. “Yeah, actually. I am.”