Page 68 of Cheap Shot

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’ve done enough damage.”

I started to walk away, but he grabbed my elbow and pulled me back. “Why do you care so much?”

I knew what he was really asking, and I was done pretending.

“I care about her. I like her.”

His gaze turned lethal. “You have one chance to clarify your meaning.”

“I’m interested in her. I have feelings for her. I’m attracted to her. How much clearer can I get?”

His fist came out of nowhere, connecting with my left cheekbone.

“Guys!” Benjamin called behind us, but I didn’t care anymore.

I threw my fist before Ethan could block me and landed a shot against his jaw. He spit blood before looking back at me.

“Stop!” Becker yelled, pulling me back while Benjamin shoved Ethan against the lockers. We glared at each other, neither of us willing to be the first to back down.

The room was silent, but I heard a heavy sigh and knew we’d been caught. Ethan’s eyes flickered to the entrance, and I finally relented and turned to face Coach Hiller.

“Get on the ice. Everyone’s late. Blue line to blue line.” He glared at the room as the guys filed past him until it was just me, Becker, Ethan, and Benjamin. “What is wrong with you?”

I wasn’t sure who he was directing the comment at but assumed I was a potential target.

“A misunderstanding, Coach.”

Ethan scoffed.

“What is it, Clarkson?” He stared past me.

“A personal problem, Coach.”

“This is your second fight.” Hiller shook his head. “You two, get out of here.”

Becker didn’t have to be told twice. He shoved past me and left the room. Benjamin hovered for a second before sighing and following him.

Hiller made his way toward us and crossed his arms. “Talk.”

I glanced over to Ethan, but he was glaring at the floor, jaw working back and forth.

“I’m dating his sister.”

“You’re what?” Ethan barked.

“I’m interested in dating his sister,” I rephrased.

Hiller looked like he wanted to hit our heads together. “I know you two aren’t telling me you got in a fistfight in my locker room in front of my team over a girl.”

“My sister,” Ethan growled.

“Yes, your adult sister who is more than capable of making her own decisions,” Coach deadpanned, and I wanted to give him a fist bump.

“I told them all to stay away from her,” Ethan protested.

“You don’t control her or your teammates. You can only control yourself.” I wanted to look at Ethan with an ‘I told you so’ expression but now wasn’t the time.

Hiller turned on me. “But you should have enough respect for him to talk to him as two calm, levelheaded men before going behind his back.”