Page 73 of Body Checked By the Defenseman

The conversation dies.

“This is going to be a long Christmas. Thankfully, we leave for the Bahamas the day after tomorrow.”

“Oh, are all of you going?” I ask, trying to hide my excitement.

“Yeah, geez, don’t hide the fact you’re excited we’re leaving.” She laughs.

I laugh too. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it to come across that way. Just so many people in the house feels a little overwhelming.”

“I’m not a fan either, but my parents felt like it was important to be with our abuelo,” she explains.

“I’m sure he is very happy. I’m happy my brother made it home tonight. We have a ritual to wake up early and cook with Abuela in the morning for Christmas dinner,” I share.

“She’s sweet, your grandma. Everyone is happy Abuelo has her,” she says. “Anyway, we don’t need to continue talking. If you want, you can go to him.”

“What?” I ask, feeling confused.

“Macklin is in that room all by his lonesome.” She raises her brows.

“My brother is in the next room,” I answer with astonishment.

“Yeah, he’s getting drunk and about to have an orgy.”

I wince. “Gross.”

“Sorry.” She frowns. “But you get my point. Don’t worry, your little secret is safe with me. I can tell he really cares for you.”

I watch her in the dark room to see if there is any ill intent on her part. Not that I would fully know because I don’t really know this girl, but she seems sincere.

I get off the air mattress and walk over to Macklin’s room. Things are getting rowdy in the next room. When I open the door, he jumps.

“Periwinkle, what are you doing?” he asks. He isn’t wearing a shirt. He’s wearing lounge pants and lying on the covers on the bed, staring at his phone.

“I wanted to see you. I just had a visit from Riley. She wasn’t interested in the orgy going on in the next room,” I explain.

“Tell me about it. I don’t know what Hayden is thinking,” Macklin voices, sounding frustrated.

“You know my brother, he doesn’t ever want to settle down,” I say to Macklin. I lean on to his shoulder to cuddle him.

“As much as I love holding you, I can’t have your brother walk in and find us like this,” Macklin warns.

I don’t listen to him. I still cuddle into his side. “Your skin feels warm,” I tell him.

He sighs and wraps a hand around me, holding me close. “I can never say no to you, Periwinkle. It’s a problem.”

“I don’t see it as a problem. Remember when Abuela had the heart attack?”

“How could I forget,” he huffs.

“You held my hand and stayed in my bed until I fell asleep,” I remind.

“I know exactly what happened,” he says quietly. “I can’t ever forget that night for so many reasons.”

“I was terrified too. I’d thought we would lose her, and Hayden and I would end up…”

“Like me,” he sighs. “You don’t have to look so regretful, Periwinkle. I feared the same thing. Even though I lived with Leila, Abuela always took care of me. I met her before I met Hayden. She asked me all kinds of questions then told me her door and fridge were always open.”

“I had the biggest crush on you back then,” I blurt in the darkness. Macklin shifts to look at my face.

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