Page 7 of That's Too Pucking Bad

“What do you mean ‘not sure’? Come on, man, it’s for us—we deserve it, remember?” He gives me a nudge, and I already know where this is going. “As captain, you kinda have to show up.”

I roll my eyes, knowing he’s half right, but I’m not really in the mood for a big scene tonight. Plus, I know Caleb’s real motivation. “You’re not trying to guilt-trip me into this, are you? This is about your little redhead, isn’t it?”

And just like that, Caleb’s ears turn red, which makes me laugh out loud. Predictable.

“Shut the fuck up, Zane,” Caleb mutters, glaring at me but not really angry. “It’s not like that.”

I give him a smirk. “Yeah, okay. Just friends, right? Sure.”

“Dick.”

“Fine, fine,” I say, holding up my hands in surrender. “I’ll come to the party, but I’m not planning shit. This one’s on you.”

Caleb grins, satisfied. “Deal. Just show up, and I’ll handle the rest. Trust me, it’s going to be killer.”

I shake my head, slinging my bag over my shoulder and heading for the door. “Whatever, man. I hope not literally, but I’m out. Gotta hit the mansion.”

Caleb cackles, his laughter echoing through the locker room. “Oh, yeah? Say hey to Amelia for me.”

I give him a grin over my shoulder, but inside, I’m already thinking of a way out of that one. Amelia? Nah, not tonight. She’s fun, sure, but she’s been getting too clingy lately. The last thing I want is a post-sex therapy session.

As I step out of the rink, I pull my phone from my pocket and start scrolling through my contacts. I’ve got a couple of girlsI can hit up, but my thumb hovers over one name in particular.Kaia.

I grin to myself. Kaia’s always been down for a good time, no strings, no bullshit. Just what I need tonight. My body’s still buzzing from practice, the adrenaline pumping, and I’ve got some energy to burn.

I shoot her a quick text:

Zane: You around?

The reply comes almost immediately.

Kaia: Thought you’d never ask. Your place or mine?

I smirk, knowing exactly where this is headed.

Zane: My mansion. Be here in 20.

Her next text is a simple wink emoji, and I can already picture that cocky little smirk of hers. Perfect.

By the time I get to the mansion, the guys have mostly cleared out. I drop my bag by the door and head upstairs, knowing I’ve got just enough time to shower before Kaia shows up. The hot water hits my skin, and I let out a sigh, the tension from practice finally easing out of my muscles. It’s been a long day, but at least I’ve got a good end to it.

Twenty minutes later, I’m out of the shower, towel wrapped around my waist when I hear the front door click open. Right on time. Kaia’s nothing if not punctual.

I head down the stairs, still damp, and find her lounging on the couch like she owns the place, legs crossed, one eyebrow raised as she eyes me up and down.

“Well, don’t you look comfortable,” she says, her voice teasing. “Nice towel.”

I smirk, leaning against the banister. “Thought I’d save you the trouble.”

She laughs, that low, throaty laugh that always gets me. “Appreciate it.”

I head over to the couch, dropping down beside her, my arm resting casually on the back. Kaia’s in a tight black dress, her blonde hair spilling over her shoulders, and she’s got that look in her eyes that tells me she’s more than ready to pick up where we left off.

“Long day?” she asks, leaning in just a little too close, her breath warm against my skin.

I nod, but I’m not really in the mood for small talk. “You could say that.”

Kaia’s hand slides up my thigh, her fingers teasing at the edge of my towel. “Good thing I’m here to help you relax then.”

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