Page 44 of She Wolf

Now for more chores.

I heft up my travel duffel onto the bed and swirl the contents around searching for my lucky items and then, I make my way from my bedroom through the house to my utility room. I say utility room lightly because my mom’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw the washer and dryer in here and the ample space to sort or fold.

The designer also set up these big jars that you tip all the cleaning products and whatnot into. It’s a total waste of time but my mom’s gone and done it in hers too.

Once I’ve loaded in the detergent I add my two pairs of teal boxers, my pre-game workout gear including compression shorts and socks and my extra special pillowcase that I’ve had since Juniors. The thing only seems to get softer with each wash. I’m superstitious to the point I need these with me but not so superstitious I don’t clean my stuff. And I can’t trust anyone with it.

The club offers a laundering service, but no sane hockey player would hand over their most treasured good-luck charms. Rosie is amazing but she doesn’t get to do this load either.

I jog back up the stairs to throw the rest in the laundry hamper, get to repacking and choose two game suits to wear. I’m feeling navy again and maybe a lighter grey. My tie is always a shade of teal and I have a ton of them. As soon as that’s all done, I head to the garage to sort out my hockey gear.

***

Morning skate races by quickly, as does the weight session. I even - though I’m eager to get this portion of the day behind me, take my time in the shower. I brought my products from home and everything. No locker room soap today for this guy.

“Why so fancy?” Rex asks, nodding to my shampoo.

“If you must know, I’m taking Coralie out on a date.”

He squeal’s—no shit, and then bounces. And fucking claps.

“Keep it down,” I hiss. “This is literally our first date. Don’t let the others catch on.” I know Casey, Adam and Knox are in Coach’s office, but my eyes do a

quick sweep of the shower stalls, just in case.

“Okay, okay. Can you at least tell me where and when and what and…” his eyes scan his cubby thoughtfully, “well that’s all I need to know.”

I fill him in and by the time I’ve finished his eyes are as wide as saucers. “Well, well, well, Gunner Grey is quite the romantic.” He nods his head, an impressed smile spreading across his face.

“You think?” I ask, puffing out my chest, a little proud.

“Yes, very. I think she’ll love it.” He shakes his head again as he ties up his runners, unable to hide his smile.

I’m throwing my tracksuit back on in record time, slapping Rex’s outstretched hand and then I’m shooting out of the practice facility. Happy knowing none of the Madden brothers will be at home when I collect Coralie in less than an hour.

It’s first date day.

My legs can’t carry me fast enough as I burst into my bedroom. The adrenaline racing through my body like an electrical current gives away how truly excited I am to be taking Coralie out today and I’m glad I chose what to wear last night. I decided to keep it simple and go with jeans, a navy tee and a navy and green checked shirt with brown boots.

Enzo is prompt as ever and I’m ready just in the nick of time, my hair doing exactly as it should. Ostentatious I know I requested a stretch limo. It’s not my usual style but I thought it would be nice for Coralie.

Pointing over to Casey’s, Enzo nods in acknowledgment as I make my way across the street. I’m not some douche who’s gonna sit in a car while Enzo has to drive literally thirty feet.

I hold my breath as I knock on Casey’s wide oak door, foregoing the doorbell that’s linked straight to Casey’s phone.No thanks.

In no way is this a secret. I’d just rather tell them I took her on a date after the fact, rather than take loads of shit beforehand and let them psyche me out.

Urgh, my palms are sweaty. I rub them down my thighs just as the door flies open and I swallow my tongue.

“Hiya handsome!”

Holy shit, she’s stunning. I refrain from gnawing on my fist as she beams up at me. I couldn’t take my eyes off her if I tried. I can’t even take her in a bit at a time—I’m hit with it all at once. Dazzled. Her make up is flawless, long light brown waves cascading over her shoulders. A fluffy pink sweater with short sleeves and cute puffed-up shoulders compliments the cream jeans that stop before her ankle, and nude pumps finish off her classic look.

She reaches for her pocketbook and cashmere cardigan that must be stowed on the side table that’s just inside, draping it over her arm as she steps out and pulls the door shut.

“Gunner, will you be talking to me today or is our conversation going to be totally one-sided?” The smirk she tacks onto the end of her question has me snapping out of my daze and pulling her into my arms.

“Hey, you.” I squeeze her tight, nuzzling into her neck, taking a big old whiff of her gorgeous scent.

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