Page 161 of Call the Shots
Her blush deepened. “I don’t knowwhoI thought I was when I wrote it but tonight, I’m crossing off—” She lowered her voice. “Drunk you-know-what.”
“Drunk sex?” I said, genuinely wondering.
“Uh-huh. We’re doing the green-yellow-red stoplight safeword system and we’re both keeping to a three-drink maximum. I’m so excited.” Her giggle faded. “Nick overheard and he’s sleeping in the lounge. I don’t think he likes me.”
I frowned. “No, he likes you.”
“He leaves every time I spend the night.”
“That’s probably because Nick has someone else’s dorm to get to,” Willow laughed.
Willow helpedme with a new look. Lighter, more fun, and pretty eyelashes she swore by. My hair was twisted halfway up and braided, not my usual style, and I bought a dress for the night, sweet, summery, and not form fitting to make me anxious.
I stepped out to see a dozen hockey players around our couch, gaming with Bear or cursing at him, as usual. I kept my voice low. “Tallulah’s trying something new, if I hear anyone making a big deal about her baring more skin, Iwillhit you with a frying pan.”
The guys agreed and Bear glanced away from the screen. Our eyes met before his trailed down the dress, fingers stilling on the controller.
Success.
I raised my eyebrows. “Something you want to say, Bear?”
“Huh?” He shifted. “Uh?—”
“Fridge took Bear!” Sully shouted.
Bear whipped to look at the screen as the guys roared with excitement, urging on Fridge. The two of them swore at each other before Fridge crossed the finish line.
“Ahhhh,” Fridge sighed happily. “Time to knock down BMoreau from the leaderboard.”
“That doesn’t count! June was talking, I was distracted!”
Fridge was the only other name in a sea of Bears and my bedroom door opened again, stopping Bear from cussing him out. Willow emerged in a beautiful black-and-white romper and Tallulah followed in a crop top and a jean skirt. She was so nervous but lookedsocute.
“Wow, Tallulah.” Fridge smiled. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, bright red. “The skirt has—um—compression shorts so my thighs don’t rub because I had that happen alotlast summer?—”
The door opened and Nick walked through. “I got the pre-party drinks—” His words faltered when he caught sight of Tallulah and the bottles slipped from his hand, spilling Tequila all over the floor. Everyone leaped to help clean while Nick apologized, about as embarrassed as Tallulah.
CHAPTER 61
BEAR
SHE’S MY TOY
It didn’t makeany sense. I thought about June more than I breathed air, and Ihadto tell her, but by the time we made it toGianna’s,I was a wreck. The words themselves I had ready and prepared. It was the whole talking about my feelings without fucking up that tripped me.
The rooftop was busy, and we surrounded a couple of tables, grabbing shots from whoever brought them from the bar. I downed two immediately. I needed to loosen up,thentell June.
Fool-proof plan.
The guys and I exchanged socials and made sure we had each other’s numbers. I couldn’t believe I wouldn’t get to shoot pucks with them. Montoya and I snapped a bunch of pictures and took group shots. We were happy to finally have our checks—hell, I was when I paid off my credit card—but I pictured partying after we won games, not before we separated for good.
“If you pretend like you don’t know me after this, I’ll punch you in the face,” Nick warned, sliding a shot my way.
“Only if you hit up another girl I’m with.”
Nick hesitated. “Sorry, Bear.”
