Page 83 of The Girlfriend Zone

We cheer and knock fists and smack gloves as all the guys look to me, including Winters.

“Drinks are on you,” is the repeated refrain.

The captain grins, clearly amused as we head off the bench and into the tunnel. “You keep promising drinks, you’re gonna have empty pockets by the end of the season.”

“Sounds like a perfect tradeoff,” I say, then head through the tunnel, where my heart hammers—and it’s not from the win. It’s from the photographer at the other end, taking pictures.

This is going to be a long season.

Torturous even being so close to her.

And the thing is—I am here for it.

26

THE ONLY ONE

Miles

Talking to the press is easy enough—I’m used to it by now. It’s more fun when we win, though, and even better when I can credit an assist from my brother. After answering a round of questions from local reporters in the media room, I glance at Gus, one of the more seasoned guys on the beat.

“And I think our mom is here, so we should go say hi to her,” I say, flashing him a grin.

That earns a rare smile from Gus, who’s been covering the team since before I could skate.

“Can’t leave Mom waiting,” he mutters, pecking away at his ancient PC.

“You understand,” I reply, then head out. On my way, I spot Everly down the hall, catching her just before she leaves.

“Hey, I had an idea for Hugo and his wife. At least we could start with them and see how it goes,” I say, then tellher about the fashion concept that Leighton could shoot. “Might be something they’d enjoy.”

Everly’s eyes light up. “Oh, that’s fun! Appreciate that. I’m sure Leighton will love it too.”

Her smile broadens at the mention of Leighton’s name, but then it fades quickly, like she’s trying to reel it back in. It pricks at something in my brain. I frown slightly, filing the moment away, then continue into the hall, where my family waits.

Mom, Charlie, Harvey—and Birdie, of course—are all there. Birdie’s decked out in a silver sequined Sea Dogs jacket. It’s over the top in the best way and so very her.

“And to think, I always wondered who would buy the sequined jacket,” I say, heading over to give her a hug.

“What a silly thing to wonder. It had my name written all over it,” she replies, flicking the sequins for emphasis.

“It sure does,” I say with a laugh, then turn to Mom. “How are the kids tonight? Did you get a dog-sitter?”

Charlie steps in before Mom can respond. “Sometimes she can leave them alone for a few hours, you know.”

I blink, pretending to be shocked. “Our mom? Leaving her ‘children’ unattended?”

“Oh, hush,” Mom says, waving me off. “It’s been known to happen.”

“You mean her favorite children,” Charlie corrects pointedly before flicking her pink-tipped blonde streaks off her shoulder.

Glancing at the group, I switch gears, nodding in the general direction of my teammates. “I’m taking the clowns out for drinks. But if you all want to grab some food first, I can meet up with them later.”

Charlie yawns. “I have to be up early. Expansion plans are calling my name.”

“How’s everything going with that? You’re opening, what, twenty new locations?”

She rolls her eyes. “Two, but you know…it feels like twenty.”

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