Touch My Neck ✓

Chapter Six | The hockey player climbs a tree with his stick, why?

Eros Candreva

"Team!" His voice was loud, the team on the rink gather near them and the ones on the benches stand up-each finding a close place to settle. "This is your new Doctor, Doctor Huxley. She'll be managing your fitness, nutrition and what not."

I slowly glance up and my eyes lock onto the new doctor.

And for the first time in fifteen years of staying on schedule, she took exactly seven minutes out of my time.

Just because I was analysing her whilst she shook hands with some of the players, Sebastian being nothing but himself kisses her hand.

She was the same one that hit my car.

The same one that has been on my mind for the past month.

Her black curly hair is tied in a neat bun, with two strands delicately framing her face. A glint catches my eye as the light bounces off her nose ring, adding a touch of edge to her otherwise professional appearance.

When she smiles, a hint of playfulness lights up her face, revealing a small tooth gem on her canine that adds a touch of sparkle to her radiant grin. Her jawline is strong, giving her an air of determination and confidence that is unmistakable.

As she turns, I catch a glimpse of the delicate tattoo just behind her ear. A butterfly, its wings gracefully spread, serves as a symbol of transformation and growth.

There was something about her...

Then she turns her head towards my direction and I get back to cleaning my skates, not wanting to look at her any more. I switch the skates and could hear them, "he's missed physical exams-"

Fuck.

She's going to be onto me from now on.

Though I'm a guy who loves his routine, the only thing I have missed on my day schedule is physical exams. Dr Moore is lazy, she won't be running after me but this one? She had a sense of determination.

"Eros! Get on the ice." Coach yells, I slide my skates on and grab my hockey stick before walking to the entrance of the rink.

As I step onto the ice, my focus narrows to the game ahead.

But before I fully immerse myself in the intensity of the practise, I can't help but steal a glance at Doctor Huxley. Our eyes lock for a brief moment, and it feels as if time stands still.

Her eyes are unlike any I've ever seen before. They are the color of autumn leaves, a mesmerising blend of amber, gold, and hints of green.

She gives me a short smile before heading out of the rink, most likely going to her office.

"Eros! Since when do we do distractions?" I shoot a gaze at Coach as I skate to the goal.

As the goalie, I position myself in front of the net, my focus sharpened and my senses heightened. The goalie's crease becomes my sanctuary, and my mind becomes a steel trap, ready to thwart any attempts to breach my defenses.

I feel the weight of the responsibility on my shoulders, knowing that my performance can make or break the team's success.

The players split into teams, each donning their team's colors with pride. The black and red jerseys face off against the white and blue ones, and the match begins. The puck drops, and the game is in motion.

Skates blur across the ice as players dash and weave, executing intricate plays with skill and precision. The sound of slap shots fills the air, and the sharp ring of the puck hitting the crossbar echoes in the rink. The players glide seamlessly across the ice, their movements fluid and effortless as they pass, shoot, and defend.