XAVIER’S POV
The rink was colder than usual that morning—or maybe it was just me.
Coach wasn’t coming today. Some last-minute meeting with the federation to finalize logistics for the Mexico tournament. That meant Melissa and I had to lead practice. Together.
Of course.
Just the two of us in charge of the entire team. Again.
Funny how we always end up sharing space when I least expect it.
I arrived early, before the rest of the team. I liked it that way. The silence. The emptiness of the arena. The way the ice looked untouched, like a blank canvas. I sat on the bench, lacing up my skates, letting the chill of the air seep into my focus. Helmet on. Gloves ready. Stick balanced across my lap. This was my zone.
When Melissa walked in, she didn’t say a word—just nodded at me from across
