Page 37 of Not the Puck Bunny

Not to mention, he'd be dumped by the team in about two seconds flat, and never play professional ice hockey again. Blake wouldn't give up his career for a few moments of public nudity.

I hoped.

“No one is running naked around the arena,” Coach said. “Don't be distracted by this shit. Let the PR department deal with it and you guys deal with your jobs.” To me he added, “I suggest you be more discreet next time.”

He moved away before I could say there wouldn't be another next time. Judging by the look on his face, he was thinking the same thing the other guys were.

Of course there would be a next time, it was just a question of when.

Chapter Fifteen

Andi

Without glancing up,I pointed a finger at Rafe. “Don't say anything.”

“Me? I wasn't going to say a word.”

I looked up from my laptop where I'd been doom scrolling and cocked an eyebrow at him.

He stood with a hand pressed to his chest, over his heart, trying to look innocent.

Innocent, my ass.

“Yes, you were. I know you better than that. You can never resist.”

He sank down into the chair on the opposite side of the smaller, more elegant desk I'd had installed in my office. “Fine, but only because you invited me to speak my mind.”

“I don't think I invited you.” I frowned slightly. “It was more… giving in to the inevitable.”

He huffed slightly. “I can be quiet when I have to be.”

My second eyebrow joined the first, arching in playful disbelief.

He raised his hands in surrender. “Fine, I'm happy to offer my opinion to anyone who'll listen. Which is usually you. In this case my opinion is—” He paused for dramatic effect. “Good for you. Why shouldn't you be kissing a smoking hot hockey player on the top of a rollercoaster at the pier? Or anyone else, for that matter. You deserve to be happy, especially after what Xander pulled. What sort of man moves out without saying anything? One without balls, that's who. He needs to grow a pair. You know who I bet already has a pair? Cam North. But I'm sure you know all about that. Did you get a feel?”

I shook my head at him. “No I didn't, but if I did I wouldn't tell you. Cam North's balls are none of your business.”

Hell, they were none of mine either. He'd made that clear enough when he accused me of being a spoiled little rich girl. He was quick enough to walk away once he got down off the ride. He looked as though he couldn't wait to be anywherebut there. I'd seen that expression on Xander's face often enough, though I hadn't realized it until right then.

In retrospect, I wondered how the hell I missed such obvious warning signs. Yes, I was busy, but I was willfully oblivious as well. I didn't want to see what was right in front of me. If I did, I would have had to admit the relationship was over a long time ago.

“Fine,” Rafe said. He caught the look on my face and sighed. “Fine. I'll have to find someone else to live vicariously through.”

“You do that,” I said. “Isn't your anniversary coming up soon?” If there was anything that could distract Rafe from my doomed love life, it was talking about his happy marriage, and spoiling his partner.

“Jacoby and I are thinking of having a big party,” he said. “The whole team could come.” He hesitated for a moment before saying, “We could have a big Christmas party with lots and lots of mistletoe.”

That sounded appropriate for them. They were happy and they wanted everyone around them to be happy. On the night, they'd make it their mission to put as many couples together as they could. And Rafe would probably take credit for each and every one of them. Not in an arrogant way, because I didn't think he had an arrogant bonein his body, he just wanted to spread joy and bask in it.

“I'll remember not to stand under any,” I said.

He pressed his lips together and gave me a look. “You need to stand under mistletoe more than anyone I know. You kissed Cam North, but you look like someone kicked your puppy.” His eyes widened. “Was he that bad?” In a whisper he added, “Did he have bad breath? That's it, isn't it? I knew he couldn't be perfect. Did he eat onions right before your lip lock?”

“No, he did not eat onions,” I said. “He doesn't have bad breath.” He'd tasted like coffee with a hint of something savory, like meat and cheese. It was warm and pleasant, like a hug after a huge orgasm. Like spooning his hard body all night long.

Like… I didn't want to admit it to myself, but Cam North tasted like home.

“What is it then?” Rafe pushed. “Is that all those photos?”

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