Page 36 of One Pucking Chance

“Oh, that’s just Bethy.” Anna smiles.

“Sorry about that, but I thought, after our paparazzi kiss, we could do something a little more normal tonight instead of closing down a whole restaurant.”

“Like what?”

“Like eating takeout while we Netflix and chill.”

She gasps. “Jaden. I’m not sleeping with you.”

I laugh. “Not that kind of Netflix and chill, like legitimately hanging out, relaxing, and watching something. Like normal people.”

“Oh, okay. As long as you ordered my calamari, I’m good.”

“Oh shit. You wanted calamari?”

“Jaden!”

“I’m kidding.” I laugh. “I didn’t forget. How could I? During our limited text exchanges this week, I think you mentioned calamari every single time. I’m starting to think it’s your whole identity.”

“I did not mention it every single time.” She grins.

“You mentioned it enough.”

“Well, you just wait until you try it, and then you’ll understand.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

A few minutes later, we’ve arrived at the house. Max is out with the guys tonight, which is good for me. Not that it would’ve been that big of a deal if he were here because I have a sofa and big-screen TV in my bedroom, but I’d rather hang out in the living room with Anna. I don’t want her thinking I’m trying to trick her into my bed, especially after the Netflix and chill comment.

Once we’re inside the house, I give her a quick tour, which basically consists of me pointing things out as we walk toward the back of the house to the kitchen. I place the bags on the granite countertop of the kitchen island.

“So you have a roommate, then?” Anna asks.

“Yeah, Max. He’s the best. You’ll like him. He was on the ice opposite me, the other starting defenseman.”

“Where is he tonight?”

“A bunch of the guys are at Eddy’s house.”

“I’ve met Eddy, right? He’s the equipment guy.”

I nod. “Yep, the very one. He usually hosts poker night.” Anna makes a face. “What?” I laugh. “Not a fan of poker?”

She shrugs. “Not a fan of gambling. I think it’s stupid.”

“Why is that?”

“Well, because it is. I mean, I get that you all make good money so you can afford it. I just think the concept of gambling is stupid. You might as well light your money on fire. I’ve never understood why people enjoy losing money like that.”

“It can be fun,” I hedge. “It’s like a game, a competition. We’re a competitive group.”

“Yeah, my dad always had a poker night with some of his friends. I’ve just never understood it. Gambling is not for me.”

“Fair enough.”

“So Max…what does he think about our arrangement?” She looks inside one of the brown food bags.

I pull two plates out of the cupboard and grab some silverware. “I mean, like everyone else, he finds it unusual but is interested to see how it all plays out.”

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