Page 24 of One Pucking Chance

“What do you think I’m trying to do?” I say.

“It goes without saying he means with someone you have a chance with,” Gunner says with a grunt.

I flip him off and grab my bag from the bench. “See you tonight,” I call out. Ignoring their teasing comments, I exit the locker room.

We had a light practice this morning, given that it’s game day. I normally love the easier game-day practices, which consist of some light conditioning and fine-tuning our plays. Though I could’ve gone for hours and not been tired today. Excited energy radiates from my pores. I can’t wait for tonight. The first home game after a summer break is an absolute high. The energy of the fans in the crowd is contagious. Tonight’s will be even more special, considering Anna will be there.

Max jogs up next to me. “Dude, they asked how your date went. I couldn’t lie.”

“No worries. It’s not that deep.” I stop at Penny’s office door and rap my knuckles against the wood before pushing it open.

“Hey, boys.” Iris grins before turning her attention back to Penny. “I’ll see you in a bit,” she says before giving us a wave and heading out.

“Penny,” I say.

“Jaden,” she replies.

“I just wanted to thank you again for all the legwork you did, getting me all the information to get in touch with Annalise and helping me plan everything for tonight. I really appreciate it.”

“Not a problem. I hope everything works out for you, J. Truly,” she says.

An unusually large bouquet sits on the table in the corner. “Nice flowers,” I say.

She looks at the corner. “Thanks. I got them last week from Annalise, actually. She wanted to thank me for setting up the charity event. I’m surprised they still look so good.”

“Flowers as a thank-you from Annalise. Wow.” Max’s words drip of sarcasm, and I elbow his side. He ignores me. “How’s your espresso machine working out for you, by the way?” he asks Penny.

She grins and releases a happy sigh. “Amazing, Max. It’s one of our favorite gifts. We use it every day.”

“Oh, good. Great to hear.” He bobs his head, giving her a dopey smile.

I internally cringe. “Gotta go! Thanks again, Penny. You’re the best.”

“I know it.” She gives us a smile and a wave as we hurry out of her office.

When we’ve made it a fair distance from Penny’s office, I nudge Max’s side. “You’re a jackass.”

He laughs. “What? I just wanted to make sure she liked my wedding present, which she really seemed to. In fact, she seemed to love Anna’s flowers, too. Isn’t that funny?”

“Look, Penny knows how I feel about her and everything she does for me. I don’t need to shower her with material things. A thank-you is enough.”

He presses his lips together and raises his brows. “Yeahhh…” he drawls out. “Absolutely.”

“Actually,” I snap. “I already got her something. Just waiting for it to arrive,” I lie.

“Sure thing, J.” He squeezes my shoulder. “So anyway. Let’s talk about your plans for tonight. Have anything special planned?”

We exit the arena and get into my car. I take off toward our place. “Besides getting her here without being mobbed by fans and making it so she can enjoy the game in peace, not really. I mean, I told her I’d meet her in the VIP box after the game to chat or whatever. I’m not pushing it. Just going to be cool.”

“Dude, what happened to your plan? The intrigue and all that.”

I shake my head. “My plan changes by the second. As I told you, she’s different, and if I’m completely honest, I haven’t figured her out yet. I’m out of my element, man. At this point, I’m just going with it and hoping for the best.”

“At least you have it all figured out,” he kids.

“Not even close,” I huff out a dry laugh. “But she’s agreed to come for a game, and plan or not, that’s a win in my book.”

CHAPTER

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