Page 33 of First Puck

“I can’t take you everywhere I go,” he replied.

I kind of wanted him to, though. I wanted to make sure he was living up to his full potential. But whoever this mystery girl was, she was probably already thirsting for him like a dehydrated cat.

My best friend was just that sexy.

“Sure, you can. You just gotta call me and I’ll be right there.”

He gave me a look. I couldn’t figure out what he was thinking, which I seriously hated more than whatever party my negative feelings were having in my chest.

“I mean it, man. If she gets weird with you, just give me a call. I’ll come bail you out.”

I clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re good to go. You’re totally going to totally blow her away, especially when you smell like that. I have it on good record that my smell is like an aphrodisiac to all women.”

He quirked his brow, the side of his lip hitching, that feeling slipping into overdrive.

I needed to get rid of it, so I quickly threw my arms around him, dragging him close, loving his little exhale as his chest knocked against mine.

I just needed to give him a good luck charm before he went off. That was it.

He froze, like he always did whenever I held him, but my favorite part came next. Because, no matter how surprised he was when I hugged him, he always softened into me.

It took one…

Two….

Three…

And he let out a sigh.

Feeling him let go was the best thing in the world, because I was the only one he did it for. I always watched him when people touched him like I did, but he never relaxed like this for anyone but me.

“Thanks, Brad,” he said, my name gently against my neck, the warmth of his breath shooting tension straight down my spine. With my face pressed into his shoulder, he couldn’t see the way it twisted at the ongoing weirdness.

“I mean, thank you so much for helping. It really means a lot.”

“Of course, man.” I was muffled enough that he didn’t hear the crack in my voice. “Like I said, I can’t have you out there representing the team when you’re dressed up like a teenager at his first dance.”

His shoulders hunched as he cringed, and I burst out laughing, pulling back from him.

“Now, go out there and show her what a hockey player isreallylike.”

Alex

So, I fell for Brad 9.0.

It was bound to happen. Lance presented his plan so solidly and thoroughly, and he was so excited that I ended up agreeing, even though I had serious reservations. I wasn’t exactly comfortable with the plan, but it was definitely an improvement on trapping Brad and me in a storage closet.

I gave Tommy a nervous smile as he loomed above me, his scowl deeper than usual. I was already ruffled from Brad’s pre-date treatment, and being hit with Tommy’s murderous look assoon as I entered the restaurant didn’t help. I had no idea he even had a job.

“What do you want?” he said shortly, lifting his pen and pad as he glared at me. His black shirt and trousers, and the white apron tied around his waist, all suited him well, but I’d never tell him that. I’d rather keep my head on my body tonight.

“Just water for now,” I replied, trying not to cringe under the weight of his stare.

“Uh huh,” Tommy grunted, his eyes flicking to the empty chair in front of me before walking off.

Twisting my fingers, I peered out of the restaurant window, hoping Lance would appear soon. He said we were going on a date, but I didn’t think it would be at such an upscale place. Though, the moment my gaze clashed with Tommy’s, it was obvious why he’d chosen this particular venue.

I’d been so overwhelmed when Brad took care of me, but I was still underdressed. Having the guy I loved run his fingers through my hair repeatedly before stroking all over my chest had turned me into a ball of mush, and I was still trying to get myself back together.

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