Page 260 of Don't Fall for the Goalie

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And judging by the heartbreak that flashes across Peyton’s face, she hears every lie buried inside them.

70

DALTYN

The second practice starts, I know I’m fucked.

Not physically.

Mentally.

Coach blows the whistle while pucks fly across the ice, but my brain is somewhere else entirely.

It’s on Peyton.

The possibility of her leaving me for Florida. For a promotion she absolutely deserves.

I miss an easy save.

Connor skates backward in front of me. “Oh, this is BAD bad.”

“Move,” I snap.

“Nope.” He points at me dramatically. “You let in a shot from Jake. That’s medically concerning.”

Jake throws his gloves in the air. “FINALLY. SOME RESPECT.”

I barely hear him.

Because all I can think about is Peyton sitting across from me at breakfast while another life opened back up in front of her.

A life that doesn’t include me.

Coach blows the whistle again. “Guyer.”

I look up.

He narrows his eyes. “Wake the hell up.”

I force myself to focus.

I really do.

But then Ford scores on me fifteen seconds later.

Ford slows, deeply disturbed. “Oh no.”

Connor clutches his chest. “He’s dying.”

“I’m not dying.”

Connor skates closer. “Then why do you look like a divorced father listening to sad country music?”

“Connor,” Ford warns.

“No, no. Let me cook.”

I launch my water bottle at his head.

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