Page 30 of Flirty Pucking Wolf

“Randi, you’ve only lived with Trevor for a few weeks, and you’re all wrapped up in love with Mac. As someone who has lived with my brother for years and who loves him, your suggestion sucks. Trev and Sophie work together for hours every day. They’ll be traveling together. For everyone’s sake, they need their own space.”

Trevor nods, and I try not to be offended. Because I don’t want to be with him constantly. Hell, there are times I don’t even want to be withme, let alone another person. Another reason to not get married. If I can’t do a couple of months with someone, how can I do forever?

“However,” Mallory turns to me. “Randi makes sense. Cutting down on drive time would give you more time to practice. If you don’t want to move in here”—she waves a hand at the barn— “you’re welcome to stay in the main house or the pool house. I think you’d like the pool house. It’s a short walk through the stand of trees. Bedroom, bath, kitchen, laundry. Not as fancy as Devil’s Den, of course.”

A gust of icy wind makes me shiver.

“Let’s discuss this tomorrow,” Trevor says. “We’re all too tired, and it’s too cold to be standing out here making decisions. Sophie, if you’re okay crashing here for tonight, that would be great, but no pressure. I’ll drive you back to AC if you’d be more comfortable.”

Liam and Mallory say goodnight and walk toward their home. Kendall and Burke are already upstairs.

“If you’re sure you don’t mind me staying over tonight,” I say, “that sounds good. I’m exhausted and want to get some more sleep. We can discuss things tomorrow?” I look from my brother and Miranda to Trevor. They nod, and Miranda smiles.

“Ooh, I hope you move in, even to the pool house.” She bounces on her toes and claps like she’d do on the sidelines as a cheerleader. I’ve watched videos of her and Trevor cheering to see what kind of things Trevor can do and get some inspiration for moves I can adapt. “We could hang out more, have girls’ nights.” Miranda leans forward and whispers, “Get away from the guys.”

Declan and Trevor look away, their lips twitching. Miranda doesn’t realize no matter how low she whispers, wolf shifters standing within three feet are going to hear her.

“I’ll think about it,” I whisper back. At my normal volume, I say, “Can we go upstairs? It’s cold out here.”

“Yeah, sorry,” Trevor says. “Let’s go.”

I follow him up the stairs to the apartment, admiring the way his jeans hug his arse. Hockey apparently sculpts muscle into divine proportions. The warmth of the apartment is welcome after the frigid chill outside.

“Do you want cocoa or warmed milk?” Declan asks as we take off our coats. His question makes me smile. That’s what Ma would make for us as kids before bed. I suspect there may have been a wee bit of whisky in there on days we were particularly ornery. That’s what I’d do. Another reason it’s a good thing I’m not planning on being a mother.

“No, I’m okay. I won’t have any problems falling asleep. Just point me in the direction of a bed.” Glancing at Miranda, I ask, “Do you have something I can borrow to sleep in?”

“Of course. Let’s get you settled.” She leads the way down the hallway. “Everything is fresh,” she says over her shoulder.

This room is a twin to Miranda’s room, but in a more masculine style. The furniture is dark wood, and the bedding is navy blue. Smiling, I spontaneously hug Miranda. I think it surprises her as much as it surprises me. I’m not usually a hugger, but that’s something I’d like to change. Especially with Miranda. For so long, we haven’t been close. Part of that was interference from Doreen and her cursed tea, but my own jealousy was to blame, too. I don’t have any close girlfriends. In the dance world, we’re always competing against each other, and just like my romantic relationships, women would pretend to be my friends to get closer to my family and advance their careers. Miranda has been my only loyal friend, even during the time we were apart. I know she’ll marry Declan one day and we’ll be sisters as well as best friends.

I’m envious that she has a group of girlfriends here already. I wish I had that. Maybe once I’m a permanent pro on the show, I can be friends with the other dancers. If I’m not going to have a man and a family in my future, then I want to have a group of friends. I don’t want to be alone.

“Here you go,” Miranda says, handing me a T-shirt and sleep pants. “I put a new toothbrush and deodorant on the counter. You’re welcome to my shampoo or anything else you need.”

“Thanks,” I say.

As she’s about to go through the bathroom that connects this bedroom with hers, she turns to add, “The guys have practice at ten in the morning. My schedule is flexible. If you want to go later than that, it’s not a problem.” She comes back into the room and bends to give me a hug. “I know you’re only here for a little while because of the show, but I’m so excited we’re going to be able to spend more time together. This is a dream come true for me. The man I love, my best friends, a home—these are things I was afraid to wish for when I was younger because I knew I’d never have them. Half the time, I expect to wake up and discover this was all a dream. But this really is my life now. It can be your life too.”

I think about what Miranda said as I prepare for bed. Her dreams are coming true. Mine are too. It’s a shame they’re taking us in different directions.

11

TREVOR

Breakfast is a free-for-all.A few times a week, we’ll do something as a group, usually if we can get Stone to cook. He’s the best cook of all of us, and he enjoys it the most, but today, we’re on our own. I’m waiting for Sophie to join us before I make any decisions, in case she’d rather go somewhere for breakfast. I want to be hospitable.

Randi’s seated at the counter when Sophie exits the bedroom.

“Good morning!” Randi says cheerfully when she sees her. “Would you like some cocoa?”

Sophie nods. “Still off drinking tea? I haven’t had any since we discovered what Doreen was doing.”

“Aye. Of all the things I’m angry at her for, ruining tea for me is the most heinous.”

“It’s okay. Do you have yogurt? Where’s the cocoa?”

I join her at the counter and gently nudge her out of the way to open a drawer. I hand her a spoon before turning to open the refrigerator and reaching back to hand Sophie a container of yogurt. “Do you want berries?” I ask with my head still inside the fridge. When she doesn’t answer, I turn and find her gaze fixed on my ass. I’m wearing team-branded sweatpants. Nothing sexy. They aren’t even gray like the ladies go crazy for, they’re basic black. But if she enjoys the view, I’m not going to complain.

---