Page 12 of Rules Of Our Own

The idea for Prosthetics For Kids came after my first few weeks as an intern in the pediatric unit. There was a young girl in for a checkup after a transtibial amputation, where they amputated her leg below the knee. Even with what happened to her, she was a bouncing ball of sunshine that had the entire staff wrapped around her finger.

I overheard her parents worrying about not being able to afford all of the different prosthetics she’d need while growing up. The sheer injustice of it all hit me like a brick. The only thing the parents should’ve had to worry about was their daughter. Instead, they had this heavy financial weight hanging over them.

Within a week, I had a fundraiser started, raising money not only for her but other local kids in the same situation. It was a huge success, hitting national news, but it was a blip on what I wanted to do. Once the initial inertia was over, the funding ran out, and the entire thing fell flat.

At that point, I realized I didn’t want to only help a few kids; I wanted to provide a solution to the problem as a whole. Which meant I needed money.

I’m not talking about a local fundraiser level either. I’m talking millions of dollars in fundraising to pull this off.

My shoulders slump in defeat, and I sigh. “Soon to bewasworking on.”

Misty’s brows pull together before smoothing out. “Maybe I can help. Give me a few days to sort through some ideas, but I can probably get the players to pull their weight into getting it rolling.”

My chest tightens, and a grin grows across my lips. I’m really starting to like her. “That would be amazing.”

“You know what else relieves stress?” She waggles her brows.

“I’ve got it covered, don’t worry.” I remember River’s hooded gaze traveling down my chest to where my hand was tucked under my waistband and the loud vibrator filled the room. Dammit, I thought I was totally going to die from embarrassment.

“Come on. All work and no play keeps the orgasms away,” Misty says, and even I can’t stop myself from joining in on their laughter.

I have my share of toys, always finding it easier to guarantee I climaxed rather than count on a man. “Seriously, I’ve got it. Plus, I don’t do randoms.”

Piper smirks. “Who said anything about randoms? You’re single, and you have two totally hot men literally in your room. You’ve got to at least sample one of them. It’s not like it has to be forever.”

My thighs press together, my panties growing wet as her words bring up memories of Alex and River in their boxers, climbing into the bed beside mine. I want to. God knows I do. The problem is I’m not sure I can do just a weekend with either of them. “Maybe.”

Sidney whoops, a huge grin taking over her face. “I’ll take that.”

I huff out a breath, refusing to look at her, and focus on Piper. “I can’t believe you’re getting married in two days.”

Sidney snorts. “I can’t believe it took this long.”

Piper rolls her eyes. “You’re one to talk.”

Sidney’s mouth snaps shut, and a pretty pink flush covers her cheeks.

Misty and Shana both laugh at that.

“I honestly can’t wait.” Piper’s gaze softens, and I reach over, giving her arm a quick squeeze.

The girls keep talking, but my thoughts drift to River and Alex. For once in my life, I want to be selfish. To take what I want for a change.

And there’s no hiding that I want them both. Now I need to see if they’re down for that. Judging by the way River punched Alex back in university, I’m guessing my chances are slim. That’s not the risk though. The risk is how much it’ll hurt to get on that plane and never look back when the weekend’s over. Not when the last time nearly killed me.

They’re my almost. Almost kiss, almost touch, almost something. Just almost.

When I’m looking for always.

CHAPTER7

ALEX

Fuck me.I wish I’d been the one to go back for that speaker. I still have a semi just from River describing Mia playing with herself. I know he loves that she’s into toys just as much as I do. Falling asleep to the sound of her breathing was something else. It’s more than being horny—there’s an overall comfort I don’t dare to name. I knew I was gone for her in university, but after three years, I didn’t expect just being near her to have me so fucking undone. Because that’s exactly what I am. A walking fucking disaster of hormones and emotions, bubbling to the surface. I’m not sure I’m going to survive this weekend if I can’t get her in my arms. I’m also not sure I can get her under me and let her go. Again.

The first time had been like a knife to the gut, and I had no choice in it. This time, I know exactly what I’m walking into, and I can’t fucking stop myself.

I walk around the path between the resort buildings and spot where the crew is set up. Jax, Sidney, Lucas, and Piper have already staked out a large area by the pool. They have their own gazebo and sitting area, no doubt costing a fortune. Even in a high-end resort, I’ve seen people snap photos of us. Hockey players aren’t as famous in the States, but that doesn’t mean people don’t notice.

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