As I rounded a corner near the sticks and tape, I ran into Morrison again, standing near the CCM display. Like the gods wanted me to beat his ass. The fates were practically begging me to do it.

Of course, leaving the area because of him wasn’t an option, so I carried on browsing the shelves like he wasn’t there.

He glanced over at me, setting down the stick he was holding. “Enjoy it while it lasts, Carter.” His voice oozed with syrupy smugness. “We both know you’re a rebound.”

Ah, fuck it. We were tucked away in an aisle at the back. No one around to see. Probably no cameras, either.

I pivoted to face him, and his expression instantly shifted from cocky to apprehensive. His eyes darted around, confirming that we were very much alone. I prowled in his direction, taking my sweet-ass time closing the distance between us. Daring him to run away and relishing how his discomfort visibly climbed with every step I took.

There were so many things I knew, so many things I wanted to say. But I wouldn’t sell out James. He wasn’t worth it.

Intentionally invading his space, I came to a stop a little too close. He stiffened and shuffled back, flinching slightly as he hit the metal shelving behind him. We stood nearly nose to nose, although nose to forehead was a more accurate description.

“You’re real mad that she moved on, huh?”

His jaw clenched, but he didn’t respond. Of course not, now that we were alone and within swinging range.

“Got anything else to say?” I asked.

A beat passed. I raised my eyebrows. He glared at me, still silent.

“Yeah,” I said evenly. “That’s what I thought.”

My phone beeped with a text message. Her skates were probably done.

I nodded at him. “Later, fuckface.”

* * *

After narrowly refraining from committing a felony, I channeled all my leftover aggression into our afternoon practice and crushed it. It was a great way to forget about that asshat and head into an evening with James. My mood was sky high. Until I had to deal with her roommate.

Amelia answered the front door, giving me a death stare. She paused, uttering a massive sigh like my very existence was an imposition. Right back atcha, Amelia.

“I guess I’ll go get her.” She flipped her hair and flounced away, leaving the door hanging wide open without inviting me in. I could see why Amelia got along with Paul so well, considering how friendly and charming they both were.