Page 50 of Pucking Your Best Friend

“Oh, shut up!” she replied angrily, rising. “I’m going outside for a minute. I need some air.”

“Do you get hot thinking about being alone with Matt in a bed?” Hailey asked innocently.

Maddie raised her middle finger as she walked to the door. Hailey was stupid — and wrong. She had already been alone with Matt and those handcuffs she had noticed next to his bed.

Hailey’s laugh followed her. “It’s okay, I’ll stop. But come back quick. The amount of work here is insane!”

Maddie just nodded and stepped onto the boardwalk. November was drawing to a close and the temperature had dropped to the mid-fifties. Most people were convinced that it never got cold in California, but when the sun hid behind a mass of clouds and a fresh wind blew in from the ocean… Maddie regretted forgetting her jacket. Maybe she should turn around.Hailey was right. She didn’t have time for a walk. They were getting so many new inquiries that they were overwhelmed with work. It was wonderful! They couldn’t have been happier about it. Unfortunately, many people were also interested in what was going on with Matt and if he had already had his first date. ESPN had even asked (twice!) if she would consider doing another interview about Matthew Payne’s search for love.

She understood. It was interesting! For better or for worse, she would have to find him a date. And then…then she had no idea what would happen.

The best thing, naturally, would be if Matt found his soul mate and the media aired exactly that. Then it would prove that their agency worked. But, if Maddie found his soul mate —then he had found his soul mate. And who would she watch Gilmore Girls with if Matt only hung out with his girlfriend?

She frowned and wandered toward the ocean until her shoes sank into the sand.

He didn’t want to ruin their friendship.

She understood. He had apparently had bad experiences in his life and didn’t want to take risks with important relationships. And, of course, sex between friends was always a bad idea. Someone always got hurt and…

“Shit,” she whispered, pressing her hands to her pounding heart.

It was good that Matt had been honest, because she’s already been driving herself crazy with what the kiss was about. At the same time, it was terrible that Matt had been so up-front about wanting her. The thing was, she wanted him, too. He might have images in his head, but she was playing out whole scenarios.

What if they only had casual sex? Or what if they started a relationship? What if they decided to try…and everything went wrong and they couldn’t stay friends? What if they decided to try it…and it was wonderful and they were happy? What if theytried it and she fell head over heels in love with her best friend — and after a few weeks, he told her that he only wanted something casual? Or that he liked her, but she wasn’t the woman of his dreams, just the forbidden fruit that had turned him on for a short while?

No, Matt was right. It was far too risky. Friendships were forever. Relationships, not so much. Besides, she couldn’t bear having her heart broken by Matt.

She had barely survived Clemens, and Clemens hadn’t been her best friend, her confidant.

She flinched as her cell phone vibrated with a message.

She fully expected it to be Matt, that she had conjured him up with her thoughts. But the message was from Lucy.

Do you know what’s going on with Dax and Matt? Dax says he doesn’t want to talk to him until he apologizes. Matt says Dax can go to hell. Did one of them steal the other’s favorite puck?

Maddie sighed heavily, narrowed her eyes, and typed;I know what’s going on. But it’s their business, so I’d feel like a snitch if I told you. Ask Dax to tell you.

Mhmpf. Frustrating answer, Maddie! But fine. You know what, why don’t you come over for dinner sometime soon? I haven’t seen you in ages and then the boys can hash it out.

That wasn’t a bad idea. She missed her sister.

Sure. This week? Thursday, maybe, after the game? They’re playing at five, so they’ll be finished early, right? And invite someone else, otherwise, it’ll be awkward. Like we’re sending them on a blind date.

Deal. I’ll ask Jack. He needs more social contact. I’ll write you back with the details.

Maddie gave a thumbs-up, followed by a gif of a happy dog. She wanted Dax and Matt to get along. It would make them both happier.

She put the phone back in her pocket, took a deep breath, and turned back toward the office. A woman in a pristine gray pantsuit was approaching. With a start, Maddie recognized Ms. Geller, the music producer who had turned their services down a few weeks ago.

“Hey,” she said in surprise, and the multimillionaire turned to her. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see you,” she replied calmly and nodded toward the window.

“Well, you found me,” she said warily. “What can I do for you?”

“I…” She cleared her throat. “I may have acted rashly when I turned down your offer.”

She raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Really?”

---