Page 36 of Shot to the Hart

“Oh, I bet he loves that.” She chuckles. “You know, this doesn’t seem as complicated as I thought it was going to be.”

I blow out a breath. “It’s definitely easier to watch.”

“Oh, trust me, I would never try to do what you guys do. I can’t even skate.”

“Well you work for a hockey player now, that is just unacceptable.” I laugh, bumping her with my shoulder.

“Some of us were not born with natural athletic ability dude.” The sweet sarcasm so easily rolls off her tongue when it’s just us. She’s looking at me now, our faces inches apart, my gaze darting to those full, pink lips then back to her eyes. I pull back first, sheblinks away her disappointment so fast I could have missed it if I wasn’t so entranced by her.

“I’m serious Ko, we gotta change this. Can I teach you?” I ask nudging her with my shoulder.

“Fine, you can teach me, but you keep me upright. I will not let myself fall on my ass in front of a rink full of people.” She crosses her arms in front of her chest with a huff.

“We can make that happen, Darlin’.”

Since we have a week before Charlotte and it’s starting to cool down, Kodi and I have both invited our friends over for a dip night and smores over the fire pit. Bella has already hung out with Kodi’s friends and I haven’t gotten to meet them yet, so this felt like a good opportunity to get to know them.

Kodi flits around the kitchen finishing her buffalo chicken dip while Bella runs around out back with Dom who is early to everything. I’m working on booking the room for Charlotte that Bella and Kodi will be staying in. I’ve already asked Hudson, our travel agent, to call the hotel tomorrow and make sure that Kodi and Bella’s room is near mine.

“Hey Ko.” She stops buzzing about, turning towards me. She has some hairs falling in her face and buffalo sauce on her forehead somehow.

“What's up?” Her brow furrowed in confusion.

I chuckle while moving the hair behind her ear then gently rubbing the sauce off her forehead with a kitchen towel, “Are you okay with the king bed in your hotel room for Charlotte?”

“I mean, anything works.”

“Okay, I’m going to have Hudson book it.” I shoot him a quick text to remind him to book Kodi’s room under her name, near mine, and that it has a king bed, regardless of upcharges.

“Alright, and when are we flying out again?” She continues mixing her dip before plopping it into a pan and sliding it into the oven.

“Thursday morning on a private plane.” She doesn’t get a chance to say anything because the front door rings and I open it to Tatum, Collins and Nik all holding trays. “You can drop those in the kitchen, just don’t get in Kodi’s way and maybe see if she needs help.”

A small, blue SUV pulls into the driveway before I’ve closed the door and three women who I recognize from the aquarium photo last time I was out of town, hop out of the car carrying dishes and meander up the driveway. Before I’ve had a chance to appear, Kodi is sliding past me and being pulled into a hug by all three girls.

“Maverick, this is Darcy, my best friend who we definitely need to keep away from Tatum.” The blonde slaps Kodi playfully. “Sinclair or Sin, the real trouble.” The redhead rolls her eyes at this description. “And Harley, she gives the wisest advice that she can’t follow herself.” The brunette nods in agreement, shrugging her shoulders.

“Well, come on in. I can show you where to drop those off and then introduce you to some of my teammates.” I smile at them before turning on my heel and leading them to the kitchen. As we walk past the living room, the guys all lift their heads and take in the women, nodding slightly before turning back to their puzzle they’ve been dragged into helping Bella complete.

“Let me take care of these, you go introduce everyone.” I tell Kodi as I begin unwrapping the dips and organizing spoons while she guides the girls into the living room.

“So, Tatum, Collins, Dom, Nik, meet my best friends Darcy, Harley, and Sin.” I can see Kodi pointing at each person as she introduces them and then she goes, “ And you all know Bella.”

“Alright ya’ll ready to eat?” I holler for them to come and make their plates. Collins carries Bella on his hip into the kitchen as everyone else follows making small talk.

“What’s she eating?” He asks me as he picks up two plates.

“I’ll make her a plate dude, don’t worry about it. Thanks though.” He sets one back down but continues his hold on Bella, snuggling her into him.

“I want to sit next to her tonight, Dom is such a niece hog.” It’s true, Dom has declared on multiple occasions that he always gets a seat beside Bella.

“She’s all yours Collins. Just get your plate and get y'all seated before he makes it in there. I’ll bring you some water I assume?”

“Correct, thanks.” He moves on, and I stand to the side until everyone has made it through the kitchen and taken their seats. Kodi is last and I join her when I hear Dom go, “Ah, what the heck man? That’s my spot.”

“Dom, other people can eat next to Bella,” Collins chides, and I look up to see a giant grin on his face.

“Fine.” I watch him plop down between Darcy and Nik.

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