Page 85 of Taking Chances

It's Jason.

Jace:

Hey, man. Don’t be a stranger. I want to know all about how that home-reno is going.

Everything’s peaceful here, at the moment.

I exhale a relieved breath. Each text from him is a mini panic attack. Including a few photos of my place, I shoot him a text back.

I have another text unread, this one from a number I don’t have saved.

Unknown number:

Hi, Lennox. It’s Matt Anderson, Connor gave me your number, which I hope is OK. If you remember, I teach hockey to the BYC’s kids, and we want to do something for the end of our training season. Please call me when you have the chance so I can tell you more about it.

“Hi, man. I just got your text,” I say when he picks up.

“Hey, thank you for calling me,” he responds, his voice chipper.

“No problem.”

I hear some noise coming from his side, but he continues. “So, I was thinking…” Is that… a zipper being undone? I shake my head. “I want to do something special for the last practice of the season. And since both Connor and you used to be pro, I thought it would be cool if we did a hockey game.” He quietly hisses. “Connor and the kids versus you and the kids. What do you think?” he blurts out. Obviously covering the mic, I hear himdistantly whisper-yell, “Come on, Nat. I’m on the phone.” I also hear a quiet feminine giggle.

I guess I wasn’t imagining sounds. I internally chuckle and clear my throat to get his attention back. “Sounds good. When would the game happen?”

“Urm, I’ll text you all the details. Sorry, something just came up and I have to bounce.”

This time, my chuckle is loud. “Sure thing.” He hangs up immediately and my lips curve into a grin.

Just like Rina and Connor, they seem really in love. Not that I know what that’s like.

Matt’s idea sounds great. Hockey wasn’t a real passion of mine, but it will be nice to be on the ice again. And kick Connor’s ass while I’m at it. Maybe Anne will be there.

I check my email and notice there’s an invite for an event at L&L. It’s a group play event, but I have zero interest in it. Other than the first time I visited it with Rina and Connor, I’ve only been once. The club’s great, but since Anne and I started… experimenting, I haven’t really thought about going. Though, it would be a neat playground if Anne decided she was ready for it.

I don’t want to push hertoofar, but pushing her out of her comfort zone has become a favorite pastime of mine.

35

ANNE

“Guess what?” Matt surprises me as soon as I enter my office. He’s wearing light linen pants and a dark blue short-sleeved button down, his signature glasses on his face.

“What?” I respond, taking a sip of my caramel latte.

“I have a surprise for the kids.” My face scrunches up, having no idea what he’s talking about the first thing in the morning. He obviously notices because he immediately continues, “We’ll have an all-star hockey game! One team will be Connor and the kids, and the other Lennox and the kids.” I just manage not to choke on my drink, but I don’t escape the cough. “You OK?” he asks, smacking me on the back.

“Yes, thanks,” I croak out when my breathing gets back to normal. “The idea sounds great. They’ll be so excited.” My lips turn up. Those little kids will lose their minds. They already did when Connor subbed for Matt a few times, but with two hockey pros? Damn.

“I know. I can’t wait to see their faces.” Matt adores working with them. “I’ll be the ref, of course. And you have to come. Rina and Natalie will also be there.”

“I wouldn’t dare miss it.” I grin. “When is it?”

“Friday.”

“Great. I’ll be there.”

Natalie knocks on my door, following her husband. Her olive dress fits her to perfection. They truly are a stunning couple. “Morning, Anne. Just wanted to check how the summer schedule is going.”

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