Page 59 of Good Pucking Luck

“Hey, Jonesy. Pierce isn’t going out with us tonight,” Stevens says to the guy who takes shifts with me on the ice.

“Why? You sick? Please don’t be sick. With the way you’ve been playing, that’s the last thing we need.”

“I’m not sick. I just don’t feel like going out.” Mads and Stevens laugh at me.

“I’ll meet you in the lobby in ten,” Mads tells Stevens before going to the elevator with me. “You gonna talk to your guy?”

“He’s notmyguy,” I say, but really, I want him to be. This is the most miserable thing that’s ever happened to me. “But yes. I’m gonna talk to him.”

The elevator doors close behind us, and Mads leans against the wall, grinning at me.

“What?”

“You’re really into him.”

“No I’m not,” I say. He cocks a brow, and my mouth opens on its own, the worst things ever falling out. “Holy shit, I am. What the fuck is wrong with me? I’ve never felt this way in my life, and I happen to catch feelings for someone who only wants to have sex with me?”

My ex-best friend laughs.

“It’s not funny.”

“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be a dick. I’ve just never seen you like this before. You’re the most honest person I know. Tell him how you feel.”

I shake my head. “My mom said the same thing. That’s the worst idea ever.”

“And why is that?” The doors open, and we step out.

“Because there’s a high chance I’ll ruin everything. After everything he’s been through, Hayes is skittish.” What I don’t add is that if he does ever get into a serious relationship again, I doubt it will be with a cocky hockey player whose talent is making his pecs jump. I would probably drive him crazy in the long term. Hayes will end up with someone more like him and, wow…I had no idea I even felt that way. I’ve never lacked confidence, but clearly, I’m feeling some things.

“But there’s also a chance you won’t ruin things. There’s a chance he feels the same.”

My pulse jumps at that thought, but the truth is, even if Hayes did feel the same, I’m not sure he would ever want to be with me for real because of the whole public persona thing. It would be a big deal even if Hayes wasn’t who he is, but it will be a huge one because he is. I imagine he’s had enough of being in the public eye to last a lifetime.

“I just…don’t want to mess anything up right now,” I say to buy myself some time. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I’ll realize I’m not crushing on Hayes at all.

“It’s okay to want a relationship with someone, Ry.” He squeezes my arm, and then says, “Now go talk to your guy,” before turning around and heading straight for the elevator again.

I really am lucky to have Mads in my life.

A few minutes later, I’m lying in the hotel bed in my underwear and video calling Hayes. He’s home, leaning against the familiar white headboard, as he does in most of our chats.

“How was your night with your friends?” I ask.

“Shut up. We’re totally not talking about me first. Did you see that shot you made in the second period?” His cheeks are flushed with excitement. “Actually, dumb question. Of course you saw it; you’re the one who did it. Well, I guess since you weredoing it, you didn’t see it, per se, unless you watched highlights, which we both know you did.”

“The whole bus ride back to the hotel.”

“I knew it!” He claps his hands, and it strikes me how we’ve really gotten to know each other. “Volkov’s power play in the third was nice too. He scores a lot.”

He’s so cute. Such an adorable hockey fan now. I love when we talk about the game, that I can tell him all about it. “He’s supposed to score a lot. He’s our center. And did you catch my assist? I think we should get back to talking about me now.”

Hayes laughs, which honestly has become one of my favorite sounds. “You played a good game, though I do think you were slightly rough.”

I smirk. “Baby…roughness is part of the game, but look at you, I love how into hockey you are now.”

He rolls his eyes. “Only because I’m your good-luck charm, so I have to make sure I’m doing my job.”

“Liar.” I smirk, lying down more on the bed and propping the phone against a pillow so it’s angled at my face.

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