Page 70 of Puck Sweat Love

She lifts a shoulder, a shy smile curving her lips. “Just dreams. Relationship dreams and free time to enjoy my man dreams. And maybe…family dreams, someday.”

“I have those dreams, too,” I murmur, falling for her all over again. “And I want to make them all come true. With you.”

Her expression softens. “Yeah? So, we’re a team?”

“Best team I’ve ever been on,” I say, meaning it.

And I know that’s not something that’s ever going to change.

Even when Ibreeze into the locker room on Monday morning to find Garcia’s locker empty, the weasel long gone, and camp suddenly a much nicer place to be, Stephanie is still my number one.

Even as the season moves forward and my bonds with Stone and Cruise deepen into real friendships, my girl is always at the top of my mind.

Even when we have a season for the record books, the Badgers missing a slot in the Stanley Cup Finals by the skin ofour teeth, the knowledge that I’m headed home to the sexiest, sweetest woman in the world banishes the sting of defeat.

The loss sucks, sure—I’m still a competitive asshole—but as I clean out my locker for the summer, I feel something I never expected to feel after falling short of our goal…

Contentment.

“Next year,” Stone says, clapping me on the shoulder with a rueful smile. “We’re taking it all the way next year.”

“All the fucking way,” I agree, tossing my worn gloves into a bin for donation. I’ve already packed my lucky pads, the ones that saw me through the best season of my career, into my gear bag. I’m not superstitious—okay, maybe a little superstitious—but there’s no way in hell I’m giving those up.

“Any big plans for the off-season?” Stone asks as we head toward the exit.

I shrug, but there’s a smile tugging at my lips as I say, “Nah, nothing too crazy. Unpacking all the shit we haven’t unpacked since we moved last month. Maybe a vacation somewhere sandy and sunny. Taking it easy. You?”

“Actually, I’ve got a date. My first date in over a year. Tomorrow night.”

My brows shoot up. “Yeah? Good for you, man. It’s about time you got back in the ring. Who’s the lady? Anyone I know?”

“Um, no, not really, but…” He rubs the back of his neck, pausing beside me with a pointed look at the players leaving the locker room in front of us.

I stop, waiting until we’re alone before I ask, “What’s up?”

He shakes he head. “It’s nothing, just…” He laughs. “No, it’snotnothing. This woman is trouble, man. She’s trouble, and she brings out the dumbest side of me. Like, really dumb. Crazy dumb. But…” He shrugs. “Fucking on the DL just isn’t enough anymore, you know? I want more. I want feelings, more timewith her.” His shoulders hunch closer to his ears. “I don’t know, maybe a house and a dog or a cat someday. Like you and Steph.”

I nod, my brow furrowing as I take all that in. “Okay. If that’s what you want, then you should go for it, but…” I search for a delicate way to make my next point, but eventually just ask in the gentlest tone possible, “Is shooting for forever with a walking red flag really the smartest choice? Kind of sounds like you’re setting yourself up to fail before you even get started.”

He sighs. “I know.”

“And someone who brings out your dumb side doesn’t sound great either,” I add. “The team needs you smart and sharp. Hell,youneed you smart and sharp.”

He nods slowly. “Yep. Excellent points. You’re right and I know you’re right, but this is some powerfully potent pussy, brother.”

“Say that three times fast,” I say dryly, slinging my bag back over my shoulder.

As we push through the locker room doors, he adds in a whisper, “I called it a Voodoo Vagina the other day. She was so pissed. I thought she was going to strangle me with my own jock strap.” He sighs again, a dreamier one this time. “She’s so great.”

I laugh as we move down the hall. “So, it’s too late for logic, then. That’s what you’re saying.”

“Basically,” he confirms.

“Then just have fun, man. Enjoy it while it lasts. Who knows? Sometimes troublesome people change their ways.”

“You sure did,” he says as we step out into the late spring sunshine, the air warm and sweet. “Aw, look. There she is now, your lady love.” He slugs me on the bicep with a laugh. “Jesus, you should see your face. You are so gone on her.”

“So gone,” I agree, grinning at where Steph leans against her car, her hair in that cute-as-fuck little puff ponytail on top of herhead that she’s been wearing since deciding to give her scalp a break from the extensions and braids.

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