Page 11 of King

“How old are your boys again?” North asks.

“Colby and Tanner are five and Jake is seven.”

“And they play in different leagues?” I ask.

Drake puffs up with pride. “Ordinarily they’d be on the same team at that age, but Jake is really talented and moved up to the next level.”

“Let me guess,” Atlas asks dryly. “He’s a goalie.”

“But of course,” Drake says with a laugh. “If any of you guys want to come out and watch, it’s at the IcePlex… eight a.m. sharp.”

“I’m going to be far too hungover,” Rafferty proclaims and slaps me on the back. “With a DD, I’m indulging.”

We all laugh because Rafferty would indulge even if I wasn’t DD. Not to say he’d drink and drive, as he’s far too smart for that, but the man does like to party and will Uber it home in a heartbeat.

“I might come,” I say, checking my watch. It’s getting late and there’s no sign of slowing down, but tomorrow’s an easy day with the team meeting in the afternoon.

“Cool,” Drake says, offering his fist. “You guys stay safe. I’m out of here.”

We watch him maneuver through the crowd, stopping to hug Stevie and shake Bear’s hand. Rafferty and North rack another game while Atlas flirts with two girls on the pool table next to us.

Stone rests his forearms on the high top. “You played stellar tonight. You’ve been a great addition to our first line.”

“Thanks, man. It’s still surreal to be playing with giants like you, Drake and Penn.”

Stone scoffs. “Don’t lump me into the category with Drake and Penn. They’re elite.”

“Whatever, dude. Your numbers stack you up in the top of the league. But yeah… our line is vibing this year. Seems natural.”

“Yeah, sometimes it’s just that way. You click and can almost read each other’s minds.”

I glance around the bar, then back to Stone. “I wish Penn would hang out with us some. Is it just me or is it weird that he hasn’t attended a single social event? I mean… when I was with Houston, we all hung out together. I thought it was part of being a team.”

Stone lifts a shoulder. “I think it’s helpful if you can have that type of relationship with a line mate but not sure it’s absolutely necessary. And besides… you can’t argue against the fact that Penn’s playing his best hockey so far and it’s elevated all of us.”

“I know,” I grouse, twisting my bottle cap on and off. “I guess… maybe I feel bad for him. Like he’s missing out on something. I mean… this is great, hanging out and shooting the shit, right?”

“Fucking fantastic,” Stone agrees, picking up his bottle for a sip. “But not everyone’s built the same. Whatever world Penn lives in, this is working for him right now.”

“Should I stop inviting him?” I ask, because the last thing I want to do is piss him off to the extent our chemistry on the ice takes a ding.

“Hell no,” Stone says with a laugh. “Stay on his ass. You’re not the only one trying. I’ve invited him to come over to have dinner with me and Harlow and he declined, but I’ll ask again.” His expression sobers as he leans forward and lowers his voice. “But here’s the thing… I think I can speak to what it’s like to have your own demons. Sometimes you have to leave them alone just to get by, and other times you have to push. We don’t know what makes Penn the way he is but this is still a new team. We’ve only been together a year and a half, and you, Penn, Rafferty,North and Atlas have only been here a few months. Everyone is acclimating and settling into their new lives. My advice is to let this ride for a bit and hopefully he’ll feel more comfortable letting his guard down.”

He’s right and I know it, but one of my toxic traits is the need to fix situations. At least, that’s what my sister calls it.

“You guys want another round?”

I turn to find Chrissy there, pretty blue eyes locked onto me. I glance to Stone who says, “Sure… I’ll take another one.”

“I’ll have another bottle of water,” I add.

“Sure thing,” she chirps and then takes a step closer to me. From the corner of my eye, I see Stone turn away as if to give us privacy. She places her hand on my arm. “I hope this isn’t too forward, but I was hoping maybe I could give you my number and we could go out or something. Like… maybe even tonight after I get off work. We could go to my place.”

It appears the guys were right about Chrissy having an obvious interest in me but unfortunately, I don’t feel the same. I hate letting anyone down and I certainly don’t like hurting anyone’s feelings, but it’s awkward as hell to find the right words. I’m not suave with women the way Rafferty is, and I’m not as outgoing and charming as Atlas. I definitely don’t have North’s cool confidence.

Frankly, I don’t have the experience, having only had one girlfriend my entire life and that relationship lasted from the time I was fifteen until just two years ago. I don’t know how to play the field, nor do I really want to. I actually loved being in a relationship and until that type of person piques my interest—like a Mazzy, for example—I’m not looking. It’s hard to find someone genuine and unfortunately, that’s what I want. Not to get picked up in a bar for a one-night stand.

“Um…,” I falter, looking to Stone who is still turned away, then back to Chrissy. “I appreciate the offer and all, but um… I’vegot to get up early to go to a friend’s hockey game for his kid and—”

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