Page 39 of Dirty Pucker

He shakes his head and smiles. I notice the adoring look on Dakota’s face as she glances up at her brother.

I remember all the times she’s complained about how overbearing he’s been with her. I think back to months ago, before Del was traded to the Bashers, when Maya, Theo, Dakota, Xander, Blomdahl, Sophie, and I were all hanging out one night and decided to head to a strip club. When I was in the bathroom, Del showed up and demanded that Dakota leave, then almost got into a fight with Xander and Theo. It wasn’t until his friend Sam McKesson, who plays pro hockey for Seattle, calmed him down and promised to look after Dakota, that Del left, before I came back to join them.

Dakota vented to us about how annoying it is that Del is so overprotective of her. At the time, I agreed with her. And even though I’ve gotten to know Del, I can still see why Dakota was so annoyed with him. Even though I don’t have any brothers, Theo and I are close, and he’s a couple years older than me. He’s pulled the overprotective act with me more times than I can count.

But it’s clear that Del loves his sister. And it sounds like he’s played a big role in taking care of her for most of their lives. I understand now why he’s so protective of her.

Coach Porter announces that dinner is set up in the kitchen, so everyone starts to head inside. Del tells Dakota and Sophie to go ahead. He and I linger outside for a moment.

I turn to him, in awe of what a sweetheart he was as a kid.

“I knew it,” I say to him.

“Knew what?”

“The first time I met you, I could tell you weren’t an asshole. Not even close. You’re a total sweetheart, helping your sister like that.”

That bashful smile is back and god, he’s SO hot and endearing when he smiles like that.

He shrugs. “It was nothing.”

I gently grab his arm. “Del. Don’t downplay what you did. It was above and beyond what a lot of siblings would do.”

His gaze focuses on me and a sad look flashes in his eyes. “You think so?”

The look in his eyes and the softness of his tone make my heart ache. He’s so sweet and he doesn’t even seem to realize it.

I think about all the clips I’ve watched of him fighting on the ice. I think about the nickname he earned after years of being the NHL’s dirtiest player. I think about how the crowd chanted “Dirty Del” the other night when I watched him get into a fight mid-game.

I wonder what those fans would think if they knew he was more than Dirty Del—if they knew he used to watch online tutorials so he could cut and braid his little sister’s hair before hockey practice because they didn’t have much money growing up.

My chest aches. He is so much more than what people think he is.

“I know so,” I say to Del. “I know Dakota gives you a lot of crap, but it’s clear that deep down, she loves you. You’re an amazing big brother. And a good person. And I’m not just saying that. I mean it. You’re incredible, Del.”

He blinks and the sad look in his mahogany eyes fades. His gaze on me is clear and bright, like he’s heartened and relieved at what I’ve said.

“Thank you.”

I smile at him. Together we head into the kitchen to grab some food. I stare at the massive spread on the kitchen counter of brisket, smoked chicken and turkey breast, pulled pork, coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, fresh veggies, fruit, and a charcuterie board.

“Help yourself,” Coach Porter says as he walks up and hands me a plate. “I’m pretty sure I ordered way too much food.”

I laugh. “I’ll do my best.”

Half of the guests end up inside the dining room and living room as they eat, while the rest take their food back outside. I end up on a patio sectional with Maya, Del, Sophie, and Dakota. Alanna and Skyler from the Bashers PR department join us too.

After an hour, the folks with little kids start filtering out. Dylan and Isaac, two other Bashers players, stop over and chat for a bit before they leave with their kids and wives.

“Hey, where did your dad get his patio furniture?” Skyler asks Sophie. He mentions that he just moved into a new place and needs to buy some stuff for his patio.

“I’m not sure.” Sophie glances around. After a few seconds, she pauses as she looks into the kitchen. She starts to smile. “I think I’ll wait to ask him, if that’s okay with you.”

We all glance over to the kitchen. There’s Coach Porter standing and chatting with a pretty dark-haired woman who looks like she’s in her late thirties wearing a Lulu’s Catering T-shirt. She says something while playing with her hair. After a second, he chuckles.

“Whoa.” Alanna’s eyes go wide. “Sophie, I think that’s the first time I’ve ever seen your dad laugh.”

“Yeah. Wow.” Del blinks in shock.

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