Page 54 of The Stud

I can’t let myself fall for his shit like some sort of new to the game rookie.

I don’t date hockey players.

And they don’t really date anyway.

They fuck.

They fuck and forget you.

That’s their own off ice game.

I’ve seen it.

Iknowit.

I won’tbeit.

Never again.

Especially not with the one who has my twin fiending for his affections like a bitch in heat.

“What uh…” he rubs at the sore spot, “what next?”

Post banishing the misplaced warmth, I rush towards them at the same time I shout, “Seek!”

At that, Bear pops out from around the corner, front limbs spread, body hunched down, tail waggling wildly in excitement.

“Atta boy!” I coo in tandem with tossing him a treat. “And now,Ihide…” Disappearing around the next tree doesn’t take much effort. “And you…”

“Seek!” calls out Tanner, crossing the short distance over with Bear who repeats the previous movement in front of me.

Another reward is thrown in the air for him to catch. “Atta boy!”

“Our turn tohide…” he rushes around to the next available tree to block him and his leash wielding side kick. “And you…”

Hustling over precedes me peering playfully around the manicured foliage on a dramatic, “Seek!”

This time when the treat falls into my pet’s mouth, Tanner finds my gaze to guarantee his words are heard as much as felt. “This old dog can learn new tricks off the ice too it seems.” He delivers a loving rub of approval to the top of Bear’s head, grin growing irresistibly sweeter. “Especially for you, Ducky.”

Chapter 9

Arden

Do I mind traveling with the boys?

No.

Do I mind having to do it more this season in order to stalk Tanner for this stupid contest my family’s company is sponsoring?

More no than yes.

Do I mind having to have major life discussions via my fucking Bluetooth hearing aid in the lobby of The Frost Luxury Hotel because my mom refuses to postpone this conversation until a more convenient for me time?

Fuck. Yes.

If only I were my twin.

Maybethenwhat I want would matter.

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