Page 15 of These Pucking Boys

“Have you ever...”

Her brows shoot to the heavens. “God no! I’d never cross that line with my players.”

“But... how do you know they don’t mind sharing?”

Her smile becomes wider. “I just do. Why are you asking? Are you interested?”

Heat spreads across my cheeks. “No,” I reply quickly, then take another big sip of my martini, hoping the glass hides my face, which I’m sure is as red as a tomato.

Melissa switches her attention to a point behind me. “Oh, here comes Tammy Reynolds.”

I follow Melissa’s line of sight and see another stunning woman walking toward us. Her chin-length black hair shines under the light, looking silky smooth and making her blue eyes pop even more.

She looks familiar, so before she’s within earshot, I ask, “Who is she?”

“One of the best sports reporters in the business. You really don’t know anything about sports, do you?”

“No, but ask me anything about movies or TV series, and I’m your girl.” Before Melissa starts to think I’m obsessed with celebrities, I add. “That’s why I moved to L.A. I want to be a screenwriter.”

Her eyes widen. “Really? I’d love to read something you’ve written.”

My brows arch. “Why?” I blurt out.

Shit. That sounded terrible, but Melissa laughs. “Because I’m curious. Besides, if it’s good, I’ll show it to my fiancé.”

“I have a feeling I’m supposed to know who he is.” I take another drink of my martini.

“If you know everything about movies, then you do. His name is Elijah Foreman.”

The alcohol goes down in the wrong pipe, making me choke.

“Are you okay?” She watches me with amused concern.

Once the coughing fit stops, I blurt out, “Holy shit!”

“Oh my. What did you say to the poor girl to warrant that reaction, Melissa?” Tammy Reynolds asks when she finally joins us.

“I just told June about Eli.”

“Ah, movie buff?” Tammy looks at me.

“You could say that.” I take a large sip of my martini, needing this damn drink to start working faster before I put my foot in my mouth. Not that alcohol will prevent that from happening, but I won’t feel as mortified when it does.

I can’t believe Melissa is engaged to the legendary movie producer. I don’t pay much attention to celebrity gossip, but it feels like I failed a test. And Melissa wants to read my stuff and maybe show it to him? I’d have a heart attack if that happened.

“June Summers, meet Tammy Reynolds.”

“Nice to meet you, June. Are you a hockey aficionado too?”

I shake my head. “Not at all. My cheating ex is the fan.”

God, I can’t believe I just said that when I’m trying to avoid the topic.

Tammy’s eyes widen. “I hope you’re taking all the selfies with the players and posting them on social media then.”

“Let’s start with you, Tammy,” Melissa chimes in. “Give me your phone, June.”

I finish the rest of my drink and set it on the bar counter. The tension is finally leaving my body. Tammy and I pose together while Melissa snaps countless pictures of us. Then, she steps next to me and takes another bazillion selfies. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

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