Page 51 of Dirty Pucker

“Yeah, well, being a dirty player doesn’t fly with Porter. He made it clear that he wasn’t going to tolerate my usual antics on the ice. So I’ve been trying to change. Especially since I want to stay in Denver long-term.”

Sam’s brow furrows in concern. I told him way back in college about all the shit with my dad. He knows about the panicked phone call I got from my mom a couple of months ago that prompted me to pursue a trade with the Bashers. He knows how much it means to me to stay in Denver so I can be close to my mom and sister.

“I get it, man. Is your mom doing okay?”

“Yeah, she’s good. I can tell she feels a lot better now that I’m living in the same city.”

“That’s good.” He clears his throat. “How’s Dakota doing?”

“Busy with school. My mom told me that she’s dating some guy.” I roll my eyes and tug at the sleeve of my robe. “Bet you a thousand bucks he’s a loser.”

Sam’s expression is unreadable. He blinks, then frowns. “Really? Have they been going out long?”

I shrug. “I don’t think so. It sounds new. I just wish my sister had better taste in the guys she dates.”

Sam opens his mouth to speak, but I keep talking.

“I know, I know. She’s twenty-four. An adult. She can make her own decisions. But she’s my little sister, you know? She deserves better than the deadbeats she normally dates.”

Sam’s frown deepens. “Yeah, no, I get it. She’s a catch for sure. She deserves a good guy.”

Just then, I see Ingrid walking over to the snack table and grabbing a cup of fruit. She turns to me, holds it up, and mouths, “Want one?” I mouth, “No, thanks.” She smiles and digs into her fruit cup. The corner of my mouth hooks up as I watch her.

She’s been with me this whole morning, coordinating with the photoshoot staff and making sure I have what I need. She also told me that she worked with Luc Jean on an influencer photoshoot a couple of years ago, and she’s been prepping me on what it’s like to work with him.

“Speaking of dating, what’s with you and Ingrid?” Sam asks with a smile.

I clear my throat. “Nothing. We’re just friends.”

“Oh yeah?”

“She’s helping me out with my social media.”

“I’ve noticed. Your Instagram is blowing up. That video of you with the kittens was precious,” he jokes. I shove him.

“Seriously though, Ingrid’s a miracle worker, making everyone think you’re this big softie.”

I shake my head at all of Sam’s ribbing.

“You used to go viral on social media for getting into nasty fights,” he says. “Now you’re going viral for playing with kittens. And saying that you’re into blondes.”

I roll my eyes at Sam’s teasing. “Jesus, not you too.”

“Come on, dude. It’s obvious how much you like her. It was obvious in a TikTok video where she wasn’t even on screen. And it’s obvious as hell from the way you’re looking at her right now.”

Heat creeps up my neck as I tear my gaze from Ingrid, who’s chatting and laughing with Luc Jean.

“Nothing can happen between us,” I say. “She works for the team. How bad would that look for me, the new guy, to try and get with her? Especially when I’m trying to sweeten up my image. People are gonna think I’m a sleazebag for dating the social media girl.”

“If she’s into you too, then who cares?” Sam says.

“Her cousin.” I exhale. “You know he fucking hates me. And if I want to stay on the Bashers long-term, I shouldn’t be pissing off my teammate by flirting with his cousin.”

Ingrid walks up to us. “Hey, guys. Looking sharp in your robes.”

Sam chuckles. “Thanks. Well done on all the social media magic you’ve been working on this guy. I gave him a hard time about not posting to his Instagram a couple years ago and he told me to fuck off.”

Ingrid laughs. I roll my eyes.

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