Page 6 of Pucking Tangled
Mia searched for her noise-canceling earbuds and plopped them in her ears.
She had a mock negotiation coming up, and she needed to be prepared. That meant no more distractions tonight. No parties. And no mingling with the 23-man roster that seemed to be living it up downstairs.
The earbuds helped, but they didn’t stop the vibration from the loud music that shook the whole place. She did her best to focus and tune it all out, but the later it got, the more overstimulated she felt.
She pulled the earbuds out of her ears and rolled her shoulders. Grabbing her favorite Barn Raisershoodie (one she’d taken from Casey and smelled like his citrus cologne), she tossed it on and allowed herself to sink into its familiar comfort before stepping out of her room.
The sound of Kendrick Lamar’sNot Like Us, echoed up the stairs as Mia debated on braving the party for a bottle of water and a snack.
The smell of beer, pizza, and something burnt assaulted her senses as she nearly collided with Luca coming out of the hall bathroom.
“Oh! Sorry. I didn’t expect traffic up here.”
“I’m pretty sure it is quieter on the freeway during rush hour than it is downstairs,” Luca chuckled.
Mia glanced toward the stairs.
Someone yelled“CHUG!”and then there was a loud crash.
“Ugh. Is that normal around here?” she asked, questioning her decision to move in without a little more recon.
“Sometimes. Casey figures it's better if we’re all here than out at some bar getting into trouble. Last game of the regular season, so they wanted to celebrate, ya know?” He paused and rubbed the back of his neck like he was nervous. “You hiding out?”
“Guilty as charged.”
“So, are you a night owl or are they keeping you awake? I’ll go down there and tell them to keep it down if you want me to.”
Mia leaned back against the wall and studied him for a moment.
She could almost picture calm, collected, and sweet Luca trying to put an end to the party.
“A little of both. Law school kind of rewires your brain. I’ve trained myself to get excited about contracts and copyright disputes.”
“Badass. I like it. You’re studying entertainment law, right?”
“You remembered that?”
Luca shrugged. “I remember a lot of things. Especially when someone talks about billion-dollar lawsuits.”
“And what about you, Luca Blackford? When you’re not slaying it on the ice, what do you like to do?” With the Barn Raisers’busy season, even when she was around, she didn’t have much of a chance to get to know the team’s rookie.
“Well, you already know I love to read. Anything from non-fiction to spicy romance. And I like to bake sourdough.”
“You’re kidding.” Mia raised a brow in amusement.
“Not really. I prefer quiet nights and slow mornings.”
“You can’t be real.” She smiled at the defenseman.
Luca pinched himself. “Ouch.”
Mia laughed and quickly covered her mouth.
“Pretty real. Doesn’t look like I’m dreaming. Should I check to make sure you’re not either?” he teased, his fingers ready to pinch her.
“No. I trust you,” she giggled. “Thanks for…not being loud or drunk right now, Luca.”
“You know, the best people always hide out upstairs.”
