Page 71 of Slap Shot

“Here.” Lexi taps her phone and scoots it across the table to me. I blink, and an image of a hard dick with a hoop attached to the tip takes up the screen. I zoom in and tilt my head to the side. “This is from my folder titled UNSOLICITED PHOTOSFROM WEIRD MEN I MEET ON DATING APPS. You’re looking at Miguel’s penis, which he sent to me at 11:27 in the morning, immediately after matching with him.”

“Wow. How—would that—does that feelgood?” I put my hand over the picture when our server approaches the table. “It looks like it would hurt.”

“Best orgasm I’ve ever had,” Lexi says proudly, and Emmy lifts her glass.

“I’ll drink to that.”

After ordering one of every appetizer off the menu instead of individual dishes, I listen to the three best friends fill each other in on what’s been going on in their lives. I add a few comments here and there, content to be an included bystander rather than the center of attention.

Lexi orders us another bottle of wine after we finish the first one, and I’m busy taking a bite of a meatball when a question gets lobbed my way.

“How’s it going with Hudson?” Emmy asks.

“It’s great. He’s easy to be around, and there isn’t a meal I’ve made that he hasn’t liked.” I pause to wipe a drop of marinara sauce away from the corner of my mouth. I wasn’t sure if we’d have anything in common, but we’re friends now. At least, it feels that way.”

“He’s a good guy, isn’t he?” Emmy says. “All the boys are the team are amazing, but there’s something special about Hudson. It’s like he really wants to know you. Once you’re close with him, he has your back. He’ll do anything for you, no questions asked.”

“Remember when he beat up your ex?” Piper asks. “That game was something else.”

“He mentioned he did that.” I look at Emmy. “Was he provoked?”

“I told him the things my ex said about me, and he didn’t like them very much. He and Maverick decided he’d be the oneto start a fight so Mav could finish it. I think that’s the only time he’s gotten physical on the ice, but he’s a loyal man.”

“Wow.” I imagine him shoving a guy into the glass during a game. My cheeks heat in a blush I know isn’t from the wine, and I twist my hands together. “I saw him shirtless the other night and realized how attractive he is. Which is a big problem. Am I allowed to think he’s hot? Probably not, but I do. I’dneveract on it,” I hurry to say. “It’s just… I’m learning it’s not the worst thing in the world to be living with a man who looks like him and is sweet as hell.”

“Why wouldn’t you act on it?” Piper asks, and it’s my turn to laugh.

“Because it’s unprofessional. Because I have a good thing going right now with this job. I’m doing what I love. I get to be with Lucy every minute she’s not at school, and stability is important to me. When Hudson is out of town, we get to go to the museums and the parks. This is the most time we’ve spent together, and I’m grateful for it. Sticking my tongue down his throat is not going to help with stability.”

“What about a friends-with-benefits thing?” Lexi asks.

“Oh, god. I’m not sure I remember how to have sex. And that would be awkward as hell the next morning.”

“Probably for the best. Hud is an all-in kind of guy,” Emmy says. “He’d want a relationship, not something casual.”

“He told me he’s a romantic, and I’m… not. I don’t believe in all that sappy shit anymore, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready for another serious relationship. I’ll just admire him from afar,” I say. “He’s a great guy, and I hope he finds someone who’s as lovely as he is, but it’s not going to me.”

“Let’s drink to admiring hot men,” Emmy says, and when I clink my glass against hers, I realize it’s fun as hell to finally have friends like this.

TWENTY

MADELINE

Hours later,I tap my key fob against the door to Hudson’s condo. I slip inside as quietly as I can, smiling as I shrug off my coat and hang it on the hook on the wall.

I didn’t mean to stay out so late, but the drinks were flowing. The food was delicious, the company was even better, and I laughed like I haven’t laughed inyears.

I’m happy to be back, though, and I follow the soft glow from the television down the hall to the living room. When I round the corner, I freeze.

Hudson is asleep on the couch, and his body takes up all the cushions. Next to him, Lucy is curled against his chest. Her face is buried in his shirt and his left arm is wrapped around her, as if he’s keeping her from falling off the sofa. Gus and Millie are on the floor beneath them, snoozing soundly.

My breath catches.

It feels like someone is squeezing my heart unbearably tight, and I pull my phone out of my purse so I can capture this moment. I want to be able to remember it two months from now when I’m having a bad day and need something that will make me smile.

Making sure the flash is off, I snap half a dozen pictures of the group. Lucy stirs ever so slightly before grabbing a fistful of Hudson’s shirt and going back to sleep. I walk toward them, wanting to get closer. Wanting to feel like I’m part of the magic of this place, because looking at them brings me immense joy.

The floor creaks under my footsteps, and Hudson cracks open an eye. He blinks and yawns, his sleep-heavy gaze finding mine.

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