Page 48 of The Stud

“So, the minimalistic look is…?”

“What happens when your mom says ‘Happy Birthday. New Year, New Home’.”

“Is your birthday on…New Years Day?”

“Unfortunately.”

Wow.

Cannot imagine how wild it must’ve been to have twins on New Years Day of all of days.

Finding exactly where to plug in the crockpot unveils another unexpected surprise on the plate covering. “Are these rubber duckies?”

Arden tosses me a deep scowl over her shoulder. “Do not judge my ducks.”

I let my stare sweep the kitchen area spotting a pair of chef ducks beside the stove, a rubber duck themed hand towel, and a “Release The Quackin” coffee mug in the sink. “You like rubber duckies?”

“What did I just say?”

“You…” I snicker a little louder, “Miss Brewskies and Pucks Deep Or Die…” plugging in the appliance is completed, “likerubber duckies?”

“You may exit the way you entered.”

“Not happening.” My palms plant themselves firmly on the counter. “This is basically a Trojan horse operation. The chicken tortilla soup got me in. And only death will get me out.”

“Chicken tortilla soup?” Her face remains angled for our gazes to stay connected. “In a crockpot?”

“Do not give me lip, Ducky.”

“Donotcall me Ducky.”

“Donottell me how to cook.”

“I’m not telling youhowto cook. I’m telling you hownotto cook,” she sassily sneers. “You’re gonna have my ancestors shitting in their graves over that play.”

Against my own volition, I chortle once more, “Is itthat hardto have a little faith in me?”

“Yes.”

“Wow,” leaves me in an airy laugh. “If that answer were any faster, it’d break Chara’s NHL All-Star record for fastest slapshot.”

“Still slower and less impressive than Bobby’s.”

Smirking yet again can’t be stopped.

To the Lords of Blades who blessed this broadskie with the ability to talk hockey to me…I’ve got two words.

Thank.

You.

“How aboutyou…” I casually begin at the same time I move towards her off white couch, “resume watchingGladiatorwhileI,” my frame pauses behind the piece of furniture, “focus on my second favorite sport?” Reaching for the black and whiteMighty Ducksblanket to cover her with is effortlessly done. “Proving you wrong.”

She groans in displeasure; however, it’s unclear if it’s over my comment or her ear, given the way she’s fiddling with her hearing aid.

“You alright?”

“I need to…” Arden wiggles the device around, “take it out in case this stupid head cold really does lead to an ear infection but…”

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