On the Edge (SCU Hockey #3)

by J.J. Mulder

I like seeing the way Carter’s face has become softer these last two years, and his mouth is quicker to smile. I like seeing how animated Max has become, as though Luke is a battery he’s drawing energy from. I like how happy they all are and I like that I am a part of it. I love them.

“Love,” I scoff. “Love is a concept developed by commercialism to sell greeting cards and shitty chocolate. You can’t tell me you believe in true love—soulmates—all that crap?”

Atlas made me so sad.

“Because I want to hold his fucking hand, Atlas. I want to kiss him after he wins a game. I want to bring him back to my uncle’s ranch for a visit, and teach him to ride a horse. I want to see if this could actually go somewhere. I feel like…I feel like I’m supposed to know him. I saw him and it was this immediate attraction and I’ve never had that happen before. I don’t want to just get laid, okay? I want to date him.”

Under no circumstances should I be providing anyone’s first anything. I’m a plague, and a scourge. I’m the place love goes to die.

“I am only wanting to be here with you, Bärchen. I will be saying no to everyone who is not Atlas.” He squints his eyes at me, and I take the opportunity to trail the pad of my thumb over his knuckles. Atlas has very smooth hands, without any of the rough calluses that pepper my palms. “Bärchen?” “It is…little bear? Kleiner Bär. Because you are cute, and a little bit mean, yes?”

There is something strange about the way time is moving right now—barreling forward like a sprinter off the starting line.