Page 54 of Silver Fox Puck

***

I need a drink. Or a distraction. Or possibly a full-blown exorcism. Because it’s been hours, and I can still hear his voice in my head.

“We both know how this ends.”

Low. Steady. Absolute.

The way he murmured it, his breath teasing my skin. The way he walked away—like he hadn’t just burned through every last piece of control I had left.

I pace my kitchen, phone in hand, trying not to throw it against the counter out of sheer frustration.

I should be winning this game.

Instead, I’m spiraling.

I exhale sharply and do what any sane woman would do in my position.

I text my best friend.

Thirty minutes later, I pull into Allie and Jake’s driveway and let myself in, because this house is basically my second home.

Allie is curled up on the couch in leggings and an oversized hoodie, her belly rounding under the fabric as she sips from a glass of what I assume is sparkling grape juice.

"Okay, tell me everything," she says, pushing a bowl of popcorn toward me.

I flop onto the couch, grabbing a handful of popcorn like it might somehow soak up the chaos inside me.

"You already know about Denver," I start.

She nods. "Yes. You texted me but then were kinda cryptic when we talked on the phone about it.”

I sigh. “Sorry…”

She just shrugs. “So, yes, the mystery man. The one-night stand. The one who left you breathless and twitchy for a week and was so good you wanted to talk about it but then also… didn’t. Must’ve been even better than you’re letting on."

I groan, throwing a piece of popcorn at her. "Can we not?"

She smirks. "Oh, I think we have to."

I glare, but it’s weak. Because I know exactly where this conversation is going.

I take a deep breath. "It was Grant."

Allie freezes mid-sip.

Her eyes go wide.

"Wait. Grant Maddox? As in Jake’s coach?”

I grimace, grabbing a pillow and smothering my face.

Allie screeches. "KENZIE!"

I groan into the pillow. "I KNOW."

"You fucked Grant Maddox?!"

"I KNOW, ALLIE!"

---