Page 14 of The Stud

“Taste test time with LMC, Cap,” Hoss manages to announce with a straight face. “You up for the challenge?”

“Da,” he grunts in tandem with shrugging one shoulder.

“Tell us what you’ve got, Audrey,” she professionally insists.

“Today,” her sister theatrically begins with an eyeroll worthy pout to the camera, “you’ll be testing one of the limited-edition, specialty fall flavors, we’re rolling out in select cities this year, but globally next.” She unnaturally purses her lips again and pours a tiny splash of light brown liquid into one of the cups. “It’s a praline pecan latte.”

He downs the shot only to immediately gag.

Horror doesn’t hesitate to hop onto Audrey’s face as she cowers away from the sight.

“Not a fan, Cap?” Hoss lightly laughs unlike her twin.

“Nyet.”

“Whatisyour favorite fall drink?” she asks at the same time he crunches the empty cup.

“Sbiten,” he effortlessly answers prior to throwing away the object and resuming his trek to the ice.

“Traditional Russian drink,” I quietly inform the woman in charge of the situation.

Hoss motions for the next player to come up, which is Thayne Groff our best tendy. The instant he’s in camera range, she good-naturedly goads, “Groffee, the one and only king of coffee!”

“I’m like Folgers, snipe. I know whatbelongsin your cup.”

He’s so fucking weird.

I think it’s a tendy thing.

Every goalie I’ve ever met always is.

Her smile naturally widens for him, and it’s impossible not to grunt in jealousy. “And what’s your favorite fall drink?”

“Caramel apple iced- coffee,” he joyfully exclaims. “French press me, baby!”

“Did not see that ‘ish coming.”

“Nah, that’smyjob,” our goalie flirtatiously winks.

He can fuck right off with that shit.

He’snothertype.

Or…at least…I don’tthinkhe is.

I don’t really know.

I’ve never seen herwithanyone.

Or trying togetwith anyone.

Huh.

Wonder why that is.

“And what do you think of the latte?”

Groffee politely nods at Audrey in gratitude upon taking the offering, chugs back the shot, and loudly smacks. “Not bad.” He licks the remains off his lips. “I’d let Matty buy me a cup.”

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