Page 62 of Pucking Revenge

“You don’t live here.” I drop my head to hers and soak in how good it feels to have her with me, even if it’s temporary.

“Boston will always be my home.” Her tone is wistful. It’s so unlike my always loud and extreme friend, it gives me pause. When she gets quiet, it means she’s really in her feelings.

“You can stay with me whenever you want.”

She snuggles closer. “No, you need space to boink your new boy toy.”

“Oh my God. Who says boink?”

“It’s like the new it saying. I read it in Jolie.”

“You did not. Jolie would never print that garbage.”

“You’re right.” She laughs as I push open the gate to the team bench. “But we could totally make it a thing. Especially now that you’re the future Mrs. Brooks Langfield.”

I suck in a sharp breath and then choke on my own saliva only to find every man in the vicinity staring.

The boys are already on the ice, thank God, so the number of people is far smaller than it could be. Just outside the bench area, chaos ensues as spectators crowd the glass, trying to get a good look at their favorite players before they’re forced to take their seats for the game.

Of course, Seb didn’t miss Lennox’s loudmouth insanity or my choking, and he stands with his arms crossed, eyes narrowed to slits. I swallow past the lump in my throat and pull my shoulders back. I won’t let him intimidate me.

Next to Seb, Gavin is dressed in a suit and watching the guys on the ice, completely oblivious to my predicament.

“Be good,” I whisper to my best friend.

She swallows her smile and nods.

“Hey, Gavin. Seb.” I keep the words clipped and my tone professional.

Gavin gives me a warm smile, but Seb’s expression remains dark.

“Puck bunnies aren’t allowed on the bench.”

Gavin reels back and swivels his head, blinking at Seb. Before he can speak, I take control of the conversation. “Not here to distract Brooks. Just making sure Gavin doesn’t need anything before Lennox and I find our seats.”

Gavin brightens at the mention of Lennox. “Oh shit.” He laughs. “If it isn’t Lennox Kennedy all grown up.”

She lowers herself in a ridiculous curtsy, and his smile grows as he pulls her in for a hug.

“Aiden know you’re here?”

Her smile falters for a half a second, but then it’s back and as bright as ever. “No. We didn’t really keep in touch.”

He nods, but his smile remains. “You should come by the bar after. I’m sure he’d love to see you.”

“Oh, I go wherever this girl goes.” She thumbs in my direction.

His lighthearted demeanor evaporates, and the look he gives me is full of sincerity. “Make sure you’re there.”

“Of course,” I squeak. I consider this man a friend. He’s easy to be around. But suddenly, I’m breaking out in a cold sweat under his attention.

Brooks skates over and pulls up his mask. “Hey, Pumpkin. Hey, Lennox.”

“Oh my God. He calls you Pumpkin.” Lennox splays a hand over her heart. “Gavin, did you hear that? He called her Pumpkin!”

Gavin stuffs his hands into his pockets and rocks back on his heels. “That he did. Good luck, Brooks. Looking good out there.”

Seb breaks into the conversation, all glowers and sharp words. “Enough fooling around, thirteen. Drop and give me a hundred.”

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