Page 39 of Pucked On Camera

I chuckle, unwrapping my sandwich and leaning back against the counter. "What can I say? Chicago's treating us well."

Amelia joins us, tossing a bag of chips onto the counter. "And it's only getting better from here, right?" She winks at me.

Jasper snags a chip, popping it into his mouth before continuing. "You know, having a house isn't such a bad idea. This whole space to yourself, no neighbors through thin walls." He gestures around with his empty hand, the other still holding his sandwich.

"Thinking of trading up from the bachelor pad, Jasper?" Amelia teases.

"Maybe," Jasper admits, surprising me. He takes a thoughtful bite of his sandwich, chewing slowly. "This—what you guys have—it's not too shabby."

"Careful there, Jazz," I joke, "you're sounding almost domesticated."

He barks out a laugh. "No chance of that happening anytime soon, but a guy can appreciate a good living situation when he sees one."

"Or is it that you finally want a place to bring back all those puck bunnies without having to sneak past your nosy neighbors?" Amelia adds with a grin, and Jasper's cheeks redden.

"Something like that," he concedes, and we all burst into easy laughter.

"So, Jazz, gonna buy that four-bedroom in the 'burbs to match your dad bod ambitions? Or you still auditioning candidates for the 'Mrs. Right' title?" Zach chimes in.

Jasper snorts, rolling his eyes. "Shut it, Zee. A house doesn't mean I'm looking to tie the knot. Just need space, man."

"Space for what? Your massive ego?" Zach teases, his grin wide enough to show off his dimples.

I chuckle, and Alfie's silent, just watching us like we're some reality show, a barely-there smile on his lips as he tips back his beer.

"Your one-bedroom bachelor pad overflowing with all your conquests?" I add, nudging Jasper with my shoulder. The guy's got game, no doubt, but his love life is more hit-and-run than anything lasting.

"Conquests?" Jasper lifts an eyebrow. "Please, they're admirers of my... talent." He winks, and Zach lets out a bark of laughter, nearly spitting out his drink.

"Admirers, huh?" Zach slaps Jasper on the back. "If by talent, you mean fumbling around in the dark after too many shots, then yeah, gold star, buddy."

"Careful, Zach," I say with a smirk. "You're just jealous 'cause your dry spell's been longer than a Chicago winter."

"Low blow, Cap!" Zach protests.

Alfie, ever the observer, finally speaks up. "You guys done measuring sticks? We've got a gym to finish setting up."

"Right," Jasper says, pushing himself up from the floor. "Let's get back to it. This home gym isn't going to build itself."

"Neither is your love life," Zach mutters under his breath, and everyone laughs again.

I shake my head and smile. These guys, this team—this is what it's all about. We give each other hell, but when it comes down to it, there's no one else I'd rather be friends with.

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