Page 39 of She Wolf

“Or good for you?” She purrs making me chuckle. Yeah, she’s tipsy alright.

See when Coralie’s had a drink, she loses the ability to wink. Instead, she does a slow blink, closing both eyes instead of just the one. It’s cute, ridiculous but cute.

“So, tell me about your night, Peaches, what did you get up to?”

“Oh, you know, it was average. Watched a bit of TV and caught up on some chores. Drank Anna’s wine. How was yours?” Rex and I really need to stock that shit back up, all the girls are mad for it.

“Oh, you know average,” I say with a grin. “Crushed some Lightning bugs, Went to the top of the board for assists. Nothing much.”

A big smile slides across her face and she starts to laugh. “Oh Gunner, the game was amazing.”

“Thank you, we needed that win.”

She nods. “Eases the pressure. I get it. Win one more and you’re through.”

Smiling, I take her in. “Do you know that’s one of the things I like about you? You get hockey.”

“Well, I’d like to say I’m a super cool chick who gets really into her sports, but I wouldn't give it a sideways glance if it wasn’t for the boys.”

“Shhhh, don’t ruin the illusion. When we’re old and grey we’ll be watching all the sports and making our own little bets up. There won't be any fighting over the remote.”

I get a big toothy grin. “When we’re old and grey, huh? That sounds nice.”

“Yes, and you will still be the sexiest woman in existence. I knew it the first night we met that no other woman ever would or could, hold a candle to you.”

“Gunner,” she sighs but looks away embarrassed. Letting her off the hook I ask how the night actually went.

“Well, Jack was his crazy self. He’s already planning to rewatch the whole game again tomorrow.” She yawns and I’m almost a hundred percent certain it’s because she’s wiped out and not because of the game rerun she’s in for.

“Your mom and June were fabulous as usual. All decked out in this season’s gear. We were all just so engrossed. Chloe and I were squeezing each other’s hands so hard. We just couldn’t take our eyes off the game.” The smile she wears is pearly white and excitement fills her eyes.

“Well, I’m here for your entertainment,” I joke. “Also, I’ve had about fifteen messages from my mom already about how perfect you are and how perfect Jack is. I told her I couldn’t agree more.”

“Is that right?” Her eyes dip to my chest, linger, and then creep back up to my face. I’m about to ask what that’s all about when the sliding doors open, a bunched-up t-shirt is stuffed into my face with force and the phone is ripped from my hands.

“Gunn will be wrapping up now. No need for me to hear him whispering sweet nothings in my sister’s ear. Gross. Woah!” He screws up his face. “Have you been drinking?”

Coralie rolls her eyes. “Yes, just a little and fine I’ll go now. Nice game big brother, get some rest. I’m sure Jack will be up at the crack of dawn to dissect the game with you. How’s Rex doing?”

Casey falls onto his bed. “He’s about a hundred-pound lighter.”

“That’s good. Chloe left to chat with him. She was sad she missed the game in real life.”

“Get some rest sis. Love ya, I’ll call Jack tomorrow.”

“Love you,” Coralie says and then before I can reach for my phone, Casey ends the call and throws it back my way.

I scramble to catch it, shooting up into a sitting position. “I didn’t even get to say bye.”

“Alright, don’t cry. Just text her. Sounds like she’s had about two glasses of that fizzy shit though, so you better do it quick before she falls asleep.”

“I will, you asshole.” I pout. He grins.

***

The next morning, I’m ready before Casey and meander down to breakfast. The hotel provides the team with everything we need, so the only things to worry about are our training and rest. We also take over the hotel gym and it’s a bonus if there’s a pool or steam room and sauna.

At the buffet station I load my plate with scrambled egg and bacon and go and join Knox at a table he’s occupying by himself. He’s kicked off his slides and has on team sweats and a tee. His outfit is a mirror image of my own.

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