Page 110 of Pucking Rebound

He gives me and Piper a curt nod. “Happy New Year when it comes, ladies.”

“Happy New Year, Marcus,” I say, and he walks down the corridor through the swarm of people milling about before the game.

“Well, that was awkward,” Piper mutters. “I can come with you on the thirteenth if you like.”

I pull my phone out of the pocket of my jeans and hit accept on Marcus’s calendar invite. “I think it’s something I need to do by myself.”

“You know where I am if you need me.” She squeezes my bicep before unlinking our arms.

“What would I do without you?”

“You’d be having traditional Christmas dinners, wearing a fancy dress you hate, and spending all day complaining how uncomfortable it is.”

“We should do pajamas and pizza next Christmas,” I suggest.

My life has changed so much in just two weeks. What will it look like in twelve months’ time? Hell knows, but I’m excited, as well as a tiny bit, er, a big bit, scared.

“That’s a great idea,” she agrees. “Also, I think the real reason you keep me around is because without me you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between abstract and non-objective art.”

“I still can’t tell the difference.”

“Philistine.”

I chuckle softly. “Oh, there’s Kali.” I point as she notices me through the crowd. We make our way to meet in the middle.

“Please tell me he has no idea about the surprise trip to see My Chemical Romance?” Rarely nervous, Kali bites her bottom lip. “After his insanely haphazard but beautiful proposal, I wanted to do something nice for him, you know?”

“He’s clueless,” I confirm. “I saw your driver outside. Wade’s luggage is already in the car.”

Resting her hand on her chest, she sighs with relief. “Phew. We’re all set.” Kali replies, “Just the game to get through first.”

Considering how calm Kali always appears, she gets nervous before every game. She only wants the best for Wade, and what she wants is for him to win.

“Congratulations on your engagement,” Piper jumps in.

Kali surveys my bestie. “And you must be Piper?” Kali asks, beaming.

“Where are my manners? Yes, Piper, meet Kali. Kali, this is Piper.”

Kali immediately pulls Piper into her arms. “It’s wonderful to finally put a face to a name.” Stepping back, Kali takes Piper in, something she does often. The model and scout in her never switch off. “Wow, you’re pretty. Is this real?” Kali touches the ends of Piper’s bright auburn hair.

“Yes.” Piper blushes. Actually blushes.

“How tall are you?” Kali looks her up and down.

“Five foot four.”

“You’d make a great petite model.”

“I have massive boobs.” Piper looks down at her enviable chest.

“There is no such thing as boobs that are too big,” a voice from behind Kali booms and a baritone of laughter echoes in the hallway outside of the locker room.

Kali, Piper, and I turn in the direction of the noise to be met by every member of the Edmonton Eagles staring at the three of us.

Magnetized to Jordy, I feel myself blushing when his deep chocolate eyes meet mine. I wave and discreetly mouth a softhiat him but pretend it’s for everyone.

“Who’s the redhead?” one of the players pipes up.

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