Page 102 of Rise Above

Dre slapped her hands against the glass walls,

jeering at the opposing team. Nat and Davis sat next to each other, cozying up despite all their chatter that she didn’t want a relationship. Who was I to judge? I wasn’t meddling in their situation. Meanwhile, my eyes wouldn’t leave Talon’s jersey. He looked at ease on the ice, comfortable and at home. The rink was clearly his happy place.

Ice sprayed as Talon skidded to a stop before us. He

greeted everyone before turning to me. The helmet he wore made him look almost boy-ish. It was a little strange to see from such a large man.

“How many goals, darling?”

“Two,” I said, confused why he would even ask me.

Was that something friends did in hockey? I made a mental note to ask Dre.

Nodding, Talon held up two fingers before skating

backwards and off the ice. He was a strange man sometimes. Dre turned to look at me, cocking an eyebrow.

“So, are you guys dating now?” Dre popped a piece

of popcorn in her mouth.

I blushed. “No! Just friends.” Even if my body

wanted more… and maybe my heart too.

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Dre sat, popping another piece of popcorn in her

mouth. “Okay, sure. Tell me then, Aife, why is he asking for goals?”

My face got even more pink if it was possible.

“Actually, I was going to ask you that.”

“TJ is crushing on you, hard.” Davis broke into our

conversation. “Despite me warning both of you not to start shit with each other, y’all have clearly caught feelings. Aife, just remember why you moved here. I love TJ like a brother, but he just isn’t ready to be serious. You need serious.”

I sighed. “Davis—”

“Enough,” Nat said, “You two are adults. If all it

turns into is hot, sweaty sex then so be it. You two clearly enjoy each other’s company. While Davis has a point, you are still allowed to enjoy sexual and physical touch, Aife.”

My cheeks felt like they were melting off from how

hot they were. It had been years since my last relationship. I wasn’t entirely comfortable with my best friends discussing my sex life or lack thereof. There were things out of my control that prevented sex, but they all knew that too.

“Do you even know the last time—” Dre started,

but I cut her off with a sharp glare.

“Let’s not go there. Health issues have prevented

many things.” I gingerly rubbed the back of my head. “It’s Talon’s first game back. Can we focus on that?”