Page 15 of The Stud

Laughter over a pracky incident from last season becomes his exit and another player’s entrance.

It doesn’t take long for the process to find smooth pacing. One by one, each player arrives at the table, casually talks to or jokes with Hoss, drops their opinion on the drink, and hits the ice.

There’s no resistance on their part.

There never is.

Again.

Being around her is like being around the boys.

You feel at ease.

Accepted.

I can’t speak for them, but I know that’s the type of shit I’m always after.

“Your turn, Snowman,” Hoss declares, smile – to my surprise – still lingering. “Get into the game.”

“I will, if you will,” I suggest with a crooked grin and waggle of the eyebrows.

“How often does that lineactuallywork for you, bud?”

“Come on, Hoss,” a gentle nudge with my elbow is executed, “you know whatThe Great Onesaid about taking shots.”

Yet again to my surprise, she continues to beam. “You referencing his most famous quote or his less famous one?”

“Whichever one keeps you looking at me like that.”

Redness faintly hits her cheeks at the same time her teeth sink into her bottom lip.

Well,fuckme.

Is Gretzky unknowingly giving me an assist?!

“Fine,” Hoss casually caves.

Holy shit, he did!

He really is the greatest player of all time.

Onlyhecould be providing an apple and not even be in the fucking barn to do it.

Strolling into frame prompts Audrey to not only pour me a drink but move closer.

Uncomfortably close.

The level of uncomfortable close that swaps her twin’s smile for a sneer.

“Looks like we’ve saved the best for last,” states the underdressed female on the other side of the cart.

“We certainly did,” I effortlessly reply while extending the beverage to the woman I anxiously want to stop hating me. “There is no better taste tester than, Hoss. She’s effing fearless, aye?”

Hoss firmly presses her lips together to prevent her smile from returning.

“What else do you call a woman willing to try Scotch bonnet chili peppers on her poutine?”

Snickers over the food challenge most of the boys failed last spring during playoffs are immediate.

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