Page 2 of Dirty Play

There’s a reason he’s one of the best defensemen in the NHL. Not only does he help make my job a hell of a lot easier, he’s also the leading scorer amongst the league’s defensemen. He’s always been that way, even back when we were kids playing on the only team our parents could find close to our small town, which was still an hour away. That meant we had lots of time to crack jokes and make each other laugh in the back of one of our parents’ vehicles, whoever got stuck driving us that day.

“Can you two shut your faces and finish your workouts? I’d have been done half an hour ago had I come on my own,” I grumble before picking up my weights again. Being a goalie, my workout program is quite a bit different than these guys. I spend a lot of time focusing on my flexibility and keeping my mobility up, whereas these guys spend most of their time with strength training and cardio. That being said, as annoying as they are, it’s nice to burn off some frustration with them when our schedules align.

We pause our workouts when Trevor comes over with post-run sweat dripping down his face. I have no idea how he runs inside on a treadmill. I love to run, probably more than I even realize, but I need my feet hitting that pavement to make it enjoyable.

“You guys remember Ellie’s surprise party is tomorrow, right?” Trevor asks as he towels off his face.

“Of course, I’ve been counting down the days until we have an evening off,” Harris says with a smile. “I’ve been needing a night out.”

“We’ve gone out, you’ve just been too busy for us these last few months,” I grunt, finishing my last rep before reracking my weights. I’m exaggerating a bit. He’s bailed on us just a couple of times, but has never told us why—so obviously, I’m giving him shit. I’m a nosy bastard. “But I agree, it’s time to let loose. It’s been a while since I’ve had a wild night out.”

“You mean, besides when you had your little sleepover with Gwen? Did you get to let loose then?” Miles asks, wagging his eyebrows like a fool. I immediately feel everyone's eyes on me, while he just stands there looking damn proud of himself.

I tell myself it’s just their attention that causes my cheeks to heat, not the mention of Gwen or that night. Harris and Miles have been giving me so much shit lately, trying to get me to come out with them after a game, but the idea of going to a bar just to spend time with puck bunnies never sounds fun so I’ve turned them down each time—if I want a quick fuck, I can easily find one in my phone. But for now, my hand and I are doing just fine on those nights I need a release.

“Fuck off,” I grumble, glaring at them before turning away and busying myself with stretches.

They’ve always bugged me about Gwen, pretty much since the first time I met her, and they had to remind me to pick my jaw up off the ground… multiple times. They just don’t realize after that day I’ve shoved down any attraction or feelings, deep down. Just because I think she’s hot doesn’t mean I want anything to happen between her and me. Well, it doesn’t mean I’d ever let anything happen between us.

Well… mostly.

But they’ve never given up. It definitely didn’t help that one night she had two tickets to a concert out in Philly and ended up having one of her friends bail on her at the last minute.

That would have been fine if it hadn’t been the Morgan Wallen concert that I’d listened to her drone on about for months. It was insane how much planning she did, figuring out how to get tickets before they sold out, where to stay and how they’d get there, only to have her friend cancel the day of.

When she called me, obviously upset, and asked if I wanted to go with her, I knew I had to go. It didn’t matter that I had a million alarms blaring in my mind, all encompassed by red flags and flashing lights, telling me I should keep the distance between us. I couldn’t. Not when we were home on a break between games and didn’t have practice for two days—I had no excuse. I knew she would be devastated if she didn’t get to go, plus the excitement in her voice when I said I could go, hell, that was fucking worth it in itself.

But, I mean, every guy wants to see their friends happy… right?

At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

“Is that really all we’re going to get? Aren’t you ready to finally share the juicy details of your little getaway?” Harris jokes while Trevor quietly watches everything unfold, a playful look in his eyes.

“I’ll share when you do,” I deadpan, watching his eyes widen in shock.

“Next subject please,” Harris says as he pulls his sweatshirt back on, and I just smirk.

He’s been acting weird lately, bailing on us more than usual or sneaking off early into the night claiming a headache or whatever. Plus, he’s just been a little different lately, hot and cold. I don’t think the other guys have noticed it yet, but I’ve known him for almost our entire lives—I’ve noticed it.

“There has to be something going on between you two. I’ve seen the way you look at each other, I mean, just the way you bicker… I don’t know. It’s tense as fuck. But like, in a good way… like, I feel like I need a cigarette if I’m in the room with the two of you for too long.” Miles grins.

“You complain about me going to book club with my mom, and you’re here talking about sexual tension and the “looks” they were giving each other?” Harris jokes, already back to his usual self.

I’ll figure it out one day, but I’ll wait till he’s ready.

Harris has two older sisters, both of whom have declared themselves the leaders of the book club in our hometown, trying to spice up everyone's life by getting our grandmas reading smut. His mom attends and it’s fun watching him squirm whenever she calls to tell him about their recent book choice. At least that’s what Harris is always telling us. It’s been quite some time since I’ve been back home to listen to my mom or sister tell me about it.

It’s been even longer since I’ve considered that town my home.

“The book club your mom and sisters are in is a little more… adventurous, than just talking about sexual tension,” Miles says with a little smirk that tells me he’s up to no good. “Since you mentioned book club… what did you say the name of it was? It’s after a bird, right?”

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Harris blush before so I almost can’t believe my eyes when he avoids eye contact and looks down at his phone, leaving me curious. Thankfully, Miles isn’t done.

“Was it the Robins? The Crows? Maybe the Eagles?”

“The Swallows,” Harris replies with no amusement. “That would be thanks to my sisters, Lyla and Emmie, but my mom definitely thought it was hilarious.”

I can’t help but laugh at his expense. Really, The Swallows?

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