Page 107 of Hat Trick

“Maverick did that for you?” I frown and glance toward the kitchen where a bowl of limes sits on the counter. I added two to my last drink, smiling at the citrus flavor when I took a sip. “I didn’t know that.”

“Oh, yeah. Before I even gave him the time of day, he was handing over olives he’d ordered from Greece.” She rolls her eyes, but I see the smile she’s fighting to hide. “He’s so extra, but knowing he remembered that… it made me feel good. Important, you know?”

There’s been a collection of limes at every event Riley’s attended this season, and that can’t be a coincidence. I knew he had a crush on me, but that… that seems special.Important,like Emmy said, and when my eyes meet Riley’s from across the room, I turn my attention back to the girls, afraid to look at him for too long.

“Have you all ever used any, um, accessories in the bedroom?” I ask, dropping my voice low so none of the boys can overhear us. The last thing I need is someone being nosy and announcing my question to the entire team. “Ropes or things of the sort?”

“Okay. Talk about a topic change,” Piper says.

“Maverick uses hockey tape.” Emmy grins. “It’s fun, and who doesn’t love a product that can be multi-functional?”

“Wow. You could be a spokesperson,” Madeline says, and she glances at me. “Are you seeing someone who is into that?”

“Wait. You haven’t mentioned hooking up with anyone in a while.” Piper leans forward. “Are you becoming celibate?”

“God no.” I laugh. “I could never. Men might be dicks, but some of them have good dicks, and it would be a shame for those to go to waste.”

“So why the questions about bondage?” Maven asks.

“I don’t know. Just curious. I’ve never tried it.”

“Most important thing is trusting your partner,” Emmy says, and I nod. “You have to know if you say stop, they’re going to stop. You also have to be okay giving up your control. It’s not as easy as it sounds, and it’s uncomfortable at first. You realize you have nowhere to go, but when you relax and understand you’re safe, it’sgood. I can send you some websites Mav and I looked at if you want.”

“What websites?” Maverick asks, appearing by her side.

“None of your business.” She swats at his stomach and he lifts her off the couch in a single swoop, throwing her over his shoulder. “Oh my god. Put me the fuck down, Miller.”

“Nope. I’m taking you home, Hartwell. We play against each other tomorrow night, and when I kick your ass on the ice, I don’t want to hear any excuses about how you’re tired and sore.”

“I should head out, too.” Madeline checks her phone. “Lucy’s babysitter is in high school, and I don’t want her to have to stay at the apartment too late.”

“I’m pretty sure Liam is already in the car.” Piper yawns and jumps to her feet. “Want a ride home, Lex?”

“I’m okay. I drove, and I’m going to help clean up because I didn’t help set up.” I smile at my friends. “I’ll see you all tomorrow at the game.”

“Let us know when you get home.” Maven gives me a hug and I wave as the team starts filing out of Riley’s apartment.

“I can take care of this,” Riley says when we’re the only two left in the living room. He holds up a trash bag and smiles. “Everything is going to get thrown in here.”

“They’re all savages. It’s going to take you forever if you do it by yourself.” I stack up eight paper plates and walk toward him, dropping the trash in the bag. “I can start on the dishes.”

“Nope. I’m not going to let you. I offered to host, and cleaning up comes with the territory.”

“Good thing I’m not asking for permission.” I push past him for the kitchen, staring at the pile of silverware and glasses in the sink. I roll up my sleeves and grab a sponge. “I think we need to start doing all drinks in Solo cups. This is too much work for one person.”

“I forgot to run out and get some this afternoon.” He drops the trash bag and stands next to me, turning on the faucet. His hip bumps against mine, and I scoot to the right to give him more room. “I’ll wash, you dry?”

“Teamwork. I like it. Gosh. More men belong in the kitchen.”

Riley laughs and starts on the lowball glasses the guys used for their liquor. We find a rhythm and work quickly as the pile starts to dwindle. In between washing and drying, we make casual conversation, and it takes all of my restraint tonotbring up what I learned about him in the bedroom.

I ask him how he’s liked being behind the bench at games and if he’s given coaching more thought. He tells me he’s been sharpening the skates I got him for Christmas and even tried the right one on with his prosthetic to see how it feels. I’m happy to hear it fits, and I need to send a thank-you note to the people at Bauer for all their help in the process.

Forty-five minutes later, the kitchen is spotless. You wouldn’t know twenty hockey players stormed through here an hour ago, and I yawn when I fold up the used dish towel and set it on the counter.

“Much easier with help, right?” I ask, and Riley nods.

“Yeah. Thanks for not letting me be too stubborn.” He dries his hands and sighs. “Lex. I want to apologize for earlier.”

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