Page 126 of Puck Yes

“You guys are too much,” I say between broken breaths. “I can’t believe you did this. I love it.”

Before we’d even gone to Vegas together, back when we hung out on the rooftop, I told them about my dog and my dream to someday make a big donation to her rescue in Florida. To build a space for other foster dogs who needed homes and call it Roxy’s Playroom.

They did it, then got a bandana, then dressed her in it.

“Now all these other little dogs will have homes because of you,” I say.

“It’s really because of you. It was your idea. We just made it happen,” Hayes says.

I shake my head, denying that. “You guys did this, and I love it so much.”

My heart is in my throat. It’s tight and full of all the emotion I feel for these two men. The more time I spend with them, the more I start to let down my guard. And the clearer I can see beyond the Sportsman of the Year awards.

Maybe Icantrust myself. Maybe I don’t have questionable taste. Perhaps I have the best taste of all.

I bring them in for a big, tearful embrace.

“Glad you like it,” Stefan says softly.

Tucked in the crook of my arm, my little critter whimpers, a happy sound of love. She’s not alone in that. “I love it. You guys are really outdoing yourselves.”

When I break the hug, Stefan gives me a look of pure satisfaction. “That’s the plan.”

* * *

At Sticks and Stones that night, they introduce me to Gage, who’s behind the bar. His green eyes twinkle, and after we say hello, he turns to Stefan and Hayes. “It’s the bone structure she likes, right?”

“It sure fucking is,” Hayes says, patting his cheek with a cocky grin.

I roll my eyes. “Yes. That’s it entirely.”

When we head to the poolroom, I greet friends who feel like family. And new ones, too, like Hollis. He’s a recent addition to the team. “It’s the newest new guy,” I say, teasing the guy with the surfer smile and laid-back vibe, who’s had a few good games so far.

“And I don’t mind taking the title away from Hayes,” Hollis says.

“Funny, I don’t mind it either,” Hayes says, and it’s nice to see Hayes so at ease at last. “Just don’t play better than me,” he warns Hollis.

“But do play well,” I add. “We want a cup.”

“Fuck yes,” Hollis says. “That’s the goal.”

“Let’s make it happen,” Hayes adds.

As they chat I join Aubrey and meet her new man. Aubrey hasn’t had the best of luck on the apps, so maybe Aiden will be the change she wants.

Her brother, Garrett, is here as well. I’ve never met him before, but lots of the guys have, since he’s a sports agent and reps both Dev and Ledger. He’s friends with them both, too, so…small world.

Aubrey and Aiden are off in the corner playing a game of Ping-Pong as Garrett rubs chalk on a pool cue and I rack up some balls.

“What do you think about that guy?” Garrett asks Dev, tipping his forehead toward Aiden.

Dev scoffs. “You want me to comment on your sister’s man?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Ask Ledger,” Dev says.

With amusement, I ask Dev, “Are you passing the buck?”

---