Page 57 of Netting the Goalie

“Shane!”CJ rushed me, grabbing around the shoulders and hugging me.“You cocksucker.You’re back.We aresofucking happy to see you!”

Lad and Jake smacked me on the back hard enough to make me wince.

“How was that NHL bench?”Jake headed for the fridge.“Feel different on your ass?”

It took me a second to switch gears, to shove the hurt down and concentrate on my friends.

“Felt the same to me and I was on it all night.”

Lad grabbed my shoulder and squeezed.“Yeah, but you got the call.”

For the next fifteen minutes, I answered a barrage of questions.Mostly from CJ.This was his first year playing in the AHL after spending two years in the ECHL.CJ might’ve been more excited than me about getting called up.

But even as I told the guys about my time in Philly, I couldn’t stop thinking about Bliss.

Jake noticed my distraction first.His gaze narrowed as I talked about the strength of the shots.

When CJ would’ve asked another question, Jake held up his hand.

“What is wrong?Something is not right with you.”

“Nothing.”I shrugged.“Just tired.I took practice with the team this morning.”

Jake wasn’t buying it and now Lad and CJ were looking more closely at me.

“No, that ain’t it.”CJ crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the kitchen counter.“What happened?”

Taking my beer, I headed for the sofa.Might as well be comfortable if they were going to cross-examine me.

“Nothing happened.Everything’s fine.What’d I miss—”

“Why are you not going to see Bliss?”

Fucking Lad.The bastard could read other players like he had ESP.

“Because she doesn’t want to see me.It’s not a problem.With the playoffs coming up, I need to be focused.I don’t need a woman fucking with my head.”

The guys exchanged looks.

“Bullshit,” said Lad and Jake in perfect unison.

CJ shook his head.“Damn.I don’t get it.I thought she really liked you.”

Shrugging, I sucked down more beer.“Guess not.”

“That is bullshit.”Lad cocked his head to the side.“What did you do?”

I frowned.“What the fuck?I didn’t do anything.”

“You must have done something.”Lad exchanged a glance with Jake.“That girl had it bad for you.”

Shrugging, I forced myself not to rub at the ache in my chest.“Obviously she didn’t or she wouldn’t have dumped me.”

“This is not good.”Lad looked at Jake.“We must do something.”

“What?No.”I shook my head.“Hell no.Just leave it.”

“Oh, we definitely have to do something.”Jake nodded.“We will help you with this.”

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