Page 58 of Player Problems

“Sure, big guy. Isla said she’s ready whenever you are.”

I look back at the sparkly outfit. Well, if I’m going to do it, might as well full send it.

There are only small regrets a couple of hours later as I walk down the stairs and have to pick a wedgie out with almost every step. I glare at Isla who isn’t even trying to stifle her giggles anymore. “How the fuck do you wear shit like this every day?” The soft material of the shorts is getting way too comfortable making its home up my ass.

Wells snorts as he turns to look at me. A smack lands on my ass making me hiss as Beau laughs from behind me. “Looking good, Levine.” I am going to get this fucker back so good first chance I get.

“Next time just buy me a dress. These shorts are going to have to be surgically removed.”

“Drinking will make you forget about them,” Isla says, but her amusement doesn’t do much to boost my confidence. “Or you could always ask Torryn to help you.” Girl has a wicked grin when she drops her guard.

I point at her. “You are full of brilliant ideas.” Tequila and Torryn are quickly becoming my two favorite things. Too bad she won’t be at the party.

Beau throws his arm over my shoulder, and pulls me into his side as Wells takes a picture. At least he also looks ridiculous with a fake beard that looks nothing like Jason Kelce. Isla on the other hand, looks cute and comfy dressed as his wife, Kylie. Something I’m sure Wells has been preening about since she agreed to this. Disgustingly cute fuckers.

James comes down dressed as another football player. Why did they all get to be athletes? “Where’s your couple?” I ask him, annoyed I’m the only one not in football gear.

He grins while his eyes rake over me. Perv. “My Gisele is meeting me at the party.”

I shake my head. Conspiring fuckers. “You all are the worst.”

Wells pats my shoulder. “But you make such a pretty Taylor.”

James huffs a laugh. “Next time don’t piss off Wells.”

At least I look better than the princesses from last weekend. We leave the house and instantly the cold air hits my bare legs, making me curse and Isla cackle. Her innocent giggles apparently a thing of the past.

“The alcohol will help,” she promises, handing me a water bottle full of clear liquid. Fuck it. Can’t make it worse. Taking several gulps, my throat burns with the liquor, but it doesn't do much to warm up my legs. My dick is still trying to crawl back inside me to get away from how cold it is out here.

“You’d think those hairy ass legs would keep you warm,” Beau taunts.

I snort. “You’re one to talk, Chewbacca.”

He doesn’t get the chance to respond as we walk up the walkway to the front door of the hockey house some of the juniors live in. Wells clicks his tongue. “Not as impressive as ours,” he notes. Isla pats his arm, nodding her agreement.

I almost wish I could tell him he’s wrong, but their decorations definitely don’t compare. They aren’t bad, just not impressive. We walk into the house and it’s much warmer in here than out there. The inside at least looks better with fake spider webs, fog machines, and lights going off to match the songs blaring through the house. Instantly, I decide not to go back outside. Too fucking cold.

We head straight for the kitchen, grabbing warm beers while Isla grips her water bottle a little tighter, eyeing our cups distastefully. Taking a sip, I shake my head. Should have followed her lead and brought my own bottle. Chugging the restof the warm beer, I fill my cup back up as Tate and a guy I don’t recognize right away comes over.

Tate eyes me with a look of disbelief. “I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am,” he huffs. I don’t recognize who he is dressed up as, but before I get the chance to ask, he’s introducing his friend. “Guys, this is Xander. He goes to Everleigh.”

Recognition dawns at me. “Number twenty-three,” I say, reaching my hand out to shake his. The corners of his lips twitch as he nods his hello back before pulling away and nodding to the others. He’s a beast of a defender at one of the best schools on the other side of the country. I’ve also heard he can be a bit of a dick. I didn’t know him and Tate knew each other.

“Lost a bet?” Xander asks as stares at the sparkly shorts showing off my legs. I should really work on my tan more.

“Not exactly,” I hedge.

Beau snorts. “This is what happens when you can’t follow simple directions. You don’t get to pick your own costumes anymore.”

Xander nods like it makes perfect sense to him, making me roll my eyes. New guy isn’t going to be on my side. Not that I need him. “It was a good joke,” I defend. It was still worth it despite the chaffing. Torryn thought the French fries were funny, and I got to see her in my costume. It was a win all around.

“It was a joke only you and Torryn understood,” Wells retorts.

Tate’s brows raise. “You guys a thing now?”

“No,” I answer at the same time as Wells, Beau, and James all say, “Yes.” Isla just laughs, sipping on her vodka with wide green eyes, trying to look innocent. She’s not fooling me anymore.

“We’re not a thing,” I clarify, looking straight at Isla. Last thing I want is for Torryn to think I’m saying shit like that behind her back.

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