Page 123 of The Penalty

Rhys laughs and tells him where to find the big man. Porter quickly disappears, and the rest of the team files in but doesn’t move past the entryway. We’re all shoulder to shoulder and awkward.

“So…this is fun,” Lancelot says and we all chuckle.

“We know we’re supposed to be rivals, and on the ice we are, but most of us have played with you guys at one point or another. So, let’s put the game behind us, workout whatever animosity we all have, and get drunk.”

“Here, here!” One of the guys in the back yells, and Rhys steps back out of the way as the guys disperse.

Rhys is right, most of the guys on my team have played on the same team or gone to camps with someone from his. Hockey is a pretty small world.

“You want a drink?” Rhys nods toward what is probably a kitchen, and I follow.

“As long as it’s not a cocktail.”

“No cocktails, promise.”

“Why are they called cocktails anyway? There’s no cocks or tails in it and they’re served in a vagina glass.” He hands me a red cup with beer from the keg.

“Don’t ever change.” Rhys smiles at me, and it makes me want to kiss him.

He’s leaning against the counter, so I move to do the same, brushing his arm with mine. “How many people know you’re team dick?”

Rhys shrugs. “A couple. You?”

“Same.”

“A few of them know I’m dating the Summerset goalie.”

I nod and take another sip, looking around. “Lancelot guessed it was you.”

“Do you think anyone will be a problem if they know?”

I think about his question, and I really don’t think so. I shake my head. “What about you?”

“If they do, that’s a them problem.”

I drop my gaze to his lips and drag my teeth over my bottom one.

He smiles and leans in to give me a way too quick peck.

“I saw that,” one of the Gods’ players says, smirking into his cup.

“Good for you, you want a medal?” Rhys tosses back. “Teddy, this is Cox, Cox, Teddy.”

“I know who your goalie is,” the man smirks and winks at Rhys.

Being calledhisgoalie makes me happy, but that wink makes me want to growl.

“Relax, I’m not flirting with him.” Cox watches me over the tip of his cup as he takes a drink. “Much.”

“You’re an ass,” Rhys says and grabs my hand, pulling me behind him. Laughter follows us as we leave the kitchen and into a quiet corner. We sit, knees brushing, and Rhys puts his hand on my knee, but it’s hesitant.

I reach for his hand, and he pulls it back, but I grab it and put his palm on my thigh. Not as high as I want it, but higher than my damn knee.

“You handling the game okay?” He looks at me with concern and it melts my heart. I’m even more sure I’m falling hard for him. It’s scary and exciting at the same time.

“I’m disappointed we lost, but I know I did my best and your team had to work for every goal they got.”

Rhys nods in agreement.

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