Page 94 of The Christmas You Crash

“Night, Ryder. Text me when you get home?”

Ryder’s smile is sweet. “Course, baby. Night.”

When I close the door, it’s like I’m in one of those cheesy romance movies, because I lean back against it and melt to the floor in a puddle of lust and emotions.

I am so screwed.

After running through my nighttime routine, I flop into bed and video call Rachel. She picks up on the third ring with a massive smile on her face. It looks like she’s still in the office. I can’t say I’m surprised. Her internship ends in a few months, and there are several people vying for one opening. My girl’s in it to win it.

“Lexi! Hey, girl. How’s it going?”

“Ryder met my mom tonight.”

There’s a pause as Rachel’s eyes get wide, and her jaw unhinges. “Was blood shed?”

Throwing my head back, I laugh. Rachel may have only met my mom a few times on breaks, but she’s aware of exactly how Kelly Cross feels about hockey and the people involved in the sport.

“No bloodshed. I think she actually kind of likes him.”

Rachel sets the phone down and starts typing furiously on her computer’s keyboard.

“What are you doing?”

“I need to make sure there have been no crazy natural disasters in the last few hours. If Hell freezes over, it will probably have some kind of blowback here on Earth, right?”

“Oh my god,” I get out between giggles. “It’s notthatshocking that she’d end up liking Ryder. He’s a great guy.”

“I know. At least, I know from all the things you’ve said. Obviously, I have to reserve my full judgment for when I actuallymeet him in person.” She stares at me expectantly. “Which will happen sooner rather than later, right?”

“There’s nothing I want more than for you two to meet, but his schedule is crazy.” She’s right, though. I want her stamp of approval. I’ve learned my lesson on that front. If your best friends hate your boyfriend, it’s probably because there’s something wrong with him. I’d rather know now than later. Before there’s any talk of love or futures.

“Does the team have any games coming up in Chicago? Because you could come stay with me, we could go to a game, and then I can meet your boy toy.” She waggles her brows suggestively.

Laughing, I roll my eyes. “He’s not my boy toy.”

“Semantics. Now, seriously. When do they play here next?” She types some more on her computer. Her eyes skim the screen before her face lights up. “Well, look at that. They have a two-game series here in two weeks. And they’re weekend games, so you shouldn’t even need to miss any classes. And I won’t have to miss work.” Her lips thin. “Because I’ll be damned if I miss work and give that dickhead Karl a chance to appear more dedicated than me.”

“Karl?”

“Yeah,” Rachel says with a wave of her hand. “I’ve told you about him. He’s that ass-kissing rich boy that thinks he shits rainbows and cotton candy.”

“Sounds sticky.”

That makes her laugh. “Yeah. He’s a sticky little bastard. And even though he couldn’t give a shit about this job, and he sure as hell doesn’t need the money, because his mommy and daddy pay for everything, he’s still trying to knock me out of contention, just so I don’t get it.” Her hands curl into fists, and I can practically see the fires of retribution glinting in her irises.“But he won’t win. I won’t let him. I’m getting this damned job for women everywhere.”

“Oh, babe.” I’m laughing so hard, I’m practically wheezing. “You are going to love hockey so much. All the checking and fights… Okay, yeah. We’ll make it happen.”

Her expression shifts instantly to one of pure joy. “Really? Yay! Oh my god, I can’t wait to see you. I’ve missed you so damned much.”

“Me too, Rach. Me too.”

My best friend studies me. “What else happened at your mom’s?”

Startled, I blink rapidly. “Huh? What do you mean?”

“You’ve got this faraway look in your eyes. You look all dreamy and shit.”

“Dreamy and shit?” I snort.

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