“I’m gonna puke,” Maverick says on a raspy breath as I fall back into line.

“How are you out of shape? We spent the last month running our asses off.”

“Can’t run this sweet ass off,” he says straight-faced. “Beautiful genetics, but not great for speed.”

I laugh. “You’re blaming your ass for being slow? Really?”

He smirks and takes off as Coach blows the whistle for the next person to go.

Practice goes by entirely too fast. The girls’ team practices in thirty minutes, so I can’t even linger like I want to.

Not everyone is so sad to be done.

Jordan’s face is red and splotchy and he mutters, “Oh thank god. I was burping ham and cheese. I swear it was coming up in the next five minutes.”

I’m the last one off the ice. Adam notices and laughs at what I’m guessing is close to a pout on my face. I’m totally not beyond kicking and screaming and throwing a tantrum if I thought it’d work instead of Coach Meyers making me run laps around the football field.

“Come on, Payne, I’ll buy you a beer.”

At The Hideout, Adam pays for two pitchers and sets it down on the table before handing out glasses.

Mav’s filled his glass and taken a long drink before the pitcher even makes its way to me. “Dude, maybe it’s the beer gut and not your ass that’s the problem.”

He flips me off, continues drinking and then says, “Hey man, how much do you think Coach Meyer will pay you to babysit Liam and Jordan this year? Minimum wage?”

I grimace and he laughs, knowing he’s hit a sore spot. Coach had me on a line with two freshmen forwards today, both need a lot of work.

“It’s going to be a great season,” Adam insists, always wearing his captain hat. “Frozen four this year. Last chance to secure my legacy as a frozen four champ before graduation.”

I lift my glass.

Ginny is waiting at the apartment when we get back.

“What are you doing here?” Adam asks and takes a seat on the couch next to her.

“Maverick and I are studying Shakespeare.”

Adam looks to Mav. “You know, you don’t live here, man.”

“I ordered pizzas,” he says, standing in the doorway. “Gotta take Charli out. Back in five.”

When he’s gone, Ginny looks from Adam to me. “How was it being back on the ice?”

“Amazing,” we say in unison.

Ginny giggles.

“I’m going to shower,” Adam says, standing and pulling off his shirt. “Save me some thin crust.”

“Come keep me company while Mav is gone.” I motion for Ginny to follow me back to my room and she does.