Page 50 of Body Checked By the Defenseman

“No worries, we got her,” Tyler assures as he places his hand on my thigh.

Macklin growling throws me off. “Best you keep your hands to yourself, Ty.”

Tyler’s hands fly in the air. “Sorry, bro, forgot you were her guard dog too.”

“You aren’t funny,” Macklin answers, mocking his tone.

“Ruby, would you like to dance?” Tyler asks. He is really pushing it, and it is infuriating Macklin.

“I’m good Tyler. Thanks.”

The guys burst into laughter around us. Saying words like “burn” and “shot down.”

I stand to get away from the chaos. “I’m going to the kitchen. I’m hungry.” It isn’t a lie, but I really just need space.

I walk to the kitchen, wondering if I am walking straight or lopsided. I am not expecting Macklin to follow me. The house is full and getting caught would be easy.

I open the fridge, ignoring Macklin. It is an older style where the fridge is on the bottom and the freezer on top. I bend down to see what I can find to snack on.

“Whoa, you look fine.” I know the voice before I see him. “Those leggings are hot, Periwinkle.”

I am wearing a cropped sweatshirt with a pair of black leggings. I dressed comfortably, thinking I was returning home for a quiet evening.

I turn to face Macklin. “Just because Hayden isn’t here doesn’t mean we can be careless.”

“I wasn’t thinking about being careless. We could get out of here,” Macklin suggests.

“And where would we go?” I retort.

“Good point,” he says, scratching the scruff on his chin.

“I was planning on coming home, taking a shower, and getting into bed. Do you think anyone would notice if I was gone?” I ask.

“I could join you,” he offers, getting a little too frisky.

“In the shower?” I ask, astonished, as Aaron walks into the kitchen holding a girl’s hand. He’s heading to the backyard, even though it’s freezing outside.

“She smokes.” He shrugs to me and Macklin.

“Cool,” I reply. Aaron steps outside through the sliding door and closes it behind him. When the weather was warmer, we hung outside during parties, but now that the weather is colder, no one wants to be out there.

“Go upstairs to shower. I’ll meet you there in five,” Macklin whispers.

“Does this mean we finally get to have sex?” I ask.

Macklin’s gray eyes widen. “Quiet. Anyone could walk in, and no, we aren’t doing that.”

“Gah, you’re so frustrating,” I scold, feeling frustrated.

“No, I’m not. I know what you need, Periwinkle. I’ll take care of you.” He winks.

I leave the kitchen and forget about having a snack. That is what Macklin does to me. He makes my head spin. And now I’mhungry for something else. I go into my room and grab some clothes to change into after my shower. Since we are staying in, I take a pair of jogging pants and a cropped tank top with a bra and panties. I also grab a towel.

I pass the dance floor and notice Charlie and Finn, who are still making out. I head upstairs without a mention to anyone and head straight into the bathroom, turning on the shower because it takes a couple of minutes to heat up. With my brother and some of the guys gone, I was hoping for some quiet time with Macklin, but that clearly isn’t happening.

I begin to undress, starting with my leggings when the door flies open. I screech since I didn’t realize I forgot to lock it. Luckily, it is only Macklin.

“You just scared the crap out of me,” I chide.

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