Page 25 of One Pucking Destiny

Talk to Ariana.

One thing is for sure, this bye week has just become a lot more interesting.

CHAPTER

TEN

ARI

The best sex I’ve ever had works with my mother. I should win an award for my acting skills. The amount of talent it took to pretend I didn’t know Bash was worthy of recognition. When my mother invited me on this vacation with the entire Crane hockey team, I knew I’d hang out with a bunch of hot hockey players. I’ve met a handful of the team prior, and they’re all very handsome.

It’s actually a little weird how there are no ugly guys on this team. Whatever, that’s not important. What is important is that Bash is one of the hot hockey guys—the most gorgeous one of them all, if we’re being honest with ourselves. Which I am not. BecauseI’m standing here talking to this group and pretending that the sight of him didn’t internally freak me out.

I never thought I’d see Bash again. He was a casual one-night stand, not a person I thought I’d be vacationing with.

I need to talk to him.

While I don’t know him well, he seemed different. I think pretending I’d never seen him before threw him off. But I wasn’t prepared to answer questions about how we knew each other. My mother knows me better than anyone. I didn’t want her to suspect me of lying and ask questions. I realize I’m a grown adult and can do what I want, but there’s never a good time to chat with your mother about your one-night stands. We share everything but… not that.

Max and Jaden are in the midst of a story that I’m sure is hilarious based on everyone’s laughter, but I’m only half listening. “I’m going to take my bags and settle into my room,” I say to my mom.

“Okay, sounds good. Do you want me to have Beckett carry your bags up?” She reaches for Beckett’s arm, but I shake my head.

It’s clear Beckett does so much for her. I’m still getting used to seeing her rely on other people, especially a man. I just love this life for her. “No, Ma,” I say on a half laugh. “I’m fully capable of carrying a bag. Just point me in the right direction.”

She grins. “We have you in the main house right here. It’s where all the players are staying. If you want something quieter, there are a couple more options in other houses on the property.”

“No, right here is fine.”

“Okay, good.” She points toward what can only be described as a mansion. “Head in through the doors right there. A spiral staircase past the kitchen area takes you up to the second level, where all the rooms are located. Yours is all the way at the end of the hallway to the right. You’ll see it.”

“I’ll be back.” I retrieve my bags left on the deck surrounding the back entrance of the grand house and head inside.

The place is stunning. Everything is top-end and beautiful without feeling like a museum. From what I saw of the property on my way in, every bit of it is just as beautiful.

The spiral staircase is impossible to miss. As soon as I step onto the second-floor hallway, I see what my mom meant. Hanging from every door are fancy little chalkboards with the names of that room’s occupant. I turn to the right and read the names on each door as I pass. Some of the names I recognize as members of the team I’ve met, others I don’t know. The name has been erased on one of the chalkboards, and someone has written “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.” On the door next tothat one, the chalkboard says “horny.” I shake my head with a laugh. My mother’s day must never be boring with this group. My eyes go wide when I seeCookiewritten in perfect handwriting on one of the chalkboards. The door right past his, the very last door in this hallway, saysA. Cortez.

I quickly drop my bags off in my room and pull out my phone. My fingers move across the screen.Sebastian, Cranes.The search is so simple, and it’s all there.

Sebastian Calloway is the starting center for the Cranes. He was a first-round draft pick two years ago at twenty-two, right out of college, where he had an impressive run for the University of Michigan hockey team. He has a sister, Hattie Calloway, and parents, April and Marty Calloway. I scroll through picture after picture of him sporting the Cranes navy blue jersey with a white number eleven across his chest. He’s gorgeous in every single photo, even the action shots.

“Man.” I sigh to myself and drop my phone to the bed. My mom is the team doctor, and she’s married to one of the star players. I really should pay more attention to her life. I can’t believe I didn’t know Bash was on the team. With any luck, he’ll be in his room so we can have a quick conversation and avoid another awkward social situation.

I change into my bathing suit and throw a cover-up over it. Bathing suits seem to be the attire of the day. Everyone I’ve met so far has been wearing one.

Exiting my room, I step the twelve inches to Bash’s door. With a glance down the hallway, I verify I’m alone, and I knock. A few seconds go by, and I knock again.

After a space of a couple of breaths that feel like an eternity, the door finally cracks open.

Bash’s beautiful blues widen. “Ari.”

The door is open a couple of inches, enough for me to take in his bare chest, wet hair, and the towel wrapped around his waist.

“I was hoping we could talk real quick.”

“Okay. Give me a few minutes.” He threads his fingers through his damp hair.

Male voices sound, and I shoot a glance down the hall. Some of the guys must be in the living area downstairs. I push his door open as Bash protests. “I’ll wait in here,” I say quickly, shutting the door behind me.

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