Page 111 of Double Pucked

Making me the star of the night.

Well, I suppose they’ve always treated me like a VIP.

* * *

After I shower, I pad out to the kitchen in a tank top and shorts I picked up during a quick stop at my apartment.

Now I’m here inmykitchen. That’s a strange thought, but it’s also a cozy one that warms me up. I feel at home as I head to the sink and fill a glass with water. As I drink, a metal tag jingles and my little dog trots into the kitchen, wagging his tail, looking up at me, as if he’s asking,“What’s up?”

“This is our new home,” I answer as I scoop him into my arms.

He sighs happily against my chest, snuggling up to my boobs—his happy place.

But we’re not alone for long. My guys join me after their respective showers. Ryker’s wearing low-slung heather-gray pants while Chase is dressed in a pair of basketball shorts.

“It’s the shirtless chefs,” I say, giddy at the sight of my men.

“I guess the band is back together again,” Ryker says as Chase yanks open the fridge and asks, “Pancakes, anyone?”

“Only if our girl can show us my second-favorite party trick,” Ryker answers.

I can, and I do, flipping the pancakes high in the air.

Once the breakfast-for-dinner is ready a little later, we head to the counter.

The canvas bag Ryker was carrying in the store is perched on the end of it. Chase grabs it and waves it toward me. “We have one more thing for you.”

“Another gift? You guys are really spoiling me.”

They look at each other with intensely serious expressions. “And the problem with that is?” Chase asks.

“It’s a lot of gifts,” I say, a little overwhelmed by their generosity.

“And I’m still not hearing a problem,” Ryker deadpans.

“No, it’s not a problem. I’m just not used to it.”

Chase nuzzles my neck. “Get used to it.”

I sit straighter, soaking in their attention, letting myself enjoy it completely as I take the bag from Chase. “I will.”

After they met me at the bookstore, we went to my studio for Nacho. My studio is a month-to-month lease, so I won’t give it up right away. But I don’t plan on living there again.

My home is with these guys.

When I pull out the gift, my throat tightens in all the good ways. It’s a jersey. On the front it says, “The Hockey Guys.” On the back, there’s a numeral one, and the word above it isOurs.

I never thought I would cry over a sports jersey. But once upon a time, I never thought I’d fall in love with two men who love me just the way I am.

44

AT THE SAME TIME?

Trina

I feel like I’ve drunk ten cans of Monster Blitz drinks, even though I’ve had nothing. But I’m shaking with nerves on Tuesday morning and about to breathe into a paper bag.

Aubrey grabs my wrist. “You can do it,” she says, reassuring me.

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