Page 24 of The Stud

“Really?” It’s impossible not to move closer. “What’s your fa-” is all that manages to dart past my lips due to not one, nottwo, butall fourbouncy balls nailing me at once. Staying upright is an impossible feat given the divide and concur tactic of hitting my head, torso, and both legs, yet the loud, beautiful melody of Hoss’s giggles over watching my ass hit the ice immediately erases any ounce of embarrassment Imighthave considered feeling.

Despite knowing Ishouldfocus on my failure, on what to do better, on Coach’s clear demands I get to the training room, I don’t.

I simply admire the way her head is thrown back.

How the dark strands that missed her messy bun are hypnotically swaying.

How her white, long sleeve, shirt covered top half is uncontrollably shaking.

Damn.

I’ll sign up to play in hell when it freezes over if it means being the only one that she laughs like this for.

“I prefer sweaters to hoodies. Hoodies tend to swallow me whole. It always looks like I’m wearing a carnie tent,” is thoughtlessly rambled into the camera I know is still filming. “And my gran’s spicebush berry honey cookies are my favorite fall treat. She always sends me a box – no matter where I am in the world –rightbefore the season starts.”

Her smile – which I’m admittedly addicted to – immediately softens.

Sweetens.

Transitions into something so inviting I can’t help but continue to ignore Coach’s yelling that I’m sure I’ll pay for later in training.

“And your favorite fall beverage?”

“Pumpkin spice latte.”

“God, you’re so fucking basic.”

“Gotta know the basics to building something that lasts, Hoss.”

The woman I’m not ready to give up hope on unexpectedly lowers her device and warmly coos, “I couldn’t agree more, Tanner.”

Chapter 5

Arden

Do I support athletes giving back to the community?

A lot more than what my tits are getting in this long, lacy, off-white cocktail dress, that’s for damn sure.

“Ohmygod,I love when BE works with catering,” squeals my twin as she accepts a honey-mint lamb skewer. “You can justtastethe oculence.”

“Opulence.”

“What does meat have to do with jewelry?”

Not twitching a glare is impossible.

How?

Howdid this happen?

How did I get all the brains, and she got all the boobs?

Oh…that’s right.

I actually put work into mine while she simply bought hers.

That actually sums us up as individuals pretty fucking well.

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