Page 67 of One Pucking Life

Ari and Bash are across from us, snuggled close, laughing about something Bash whispered in her ear. Penny and Gunner are a few feet away, wrapped in each other’s arms, and staring into the bonfire.

The vibe of bye week has changed a lot since I first joined the team. Back then, it was a blur of booze and puck bunnies with no real purpose beyond partying. While some of the single guys are still living that life in the main house—hosting a handful of female guests—most of us are coupled up now. I never thoughtI’d be the type to enjoy this side of things, but the truth is, I’m not just content—I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.

Miranda, Anna’s best friend, is currently arguing with Miles by the drink station. She’s in a white sundress, and has one hand planted firmly on her hip as she playfully glares at him over her glass.

“You seriously dumped half that bottle of rum in here,” she accuses.

Miles leans on the edge of the table, his smirk unapologetic. “You’re welcome. I brought the island to your drink.”

“My cup tastes like a bonfire,” Miranda says, lifting it with exaggerated disgust.

He shrugs. “Island vibes, baby.”

Miranda groans but tips it back anyway. “Next time, just hand me the tiki torch fluid directly.”

Laney laughs under her breath. “They’re either going to kill each other or end up making out in the ocean.”

“Or fucking in one of their rooms later,” I mutter with a grin.

Laney gasps, turns toward me, and lightly slaps my chest.

“What? It’s true. Bye week’s sparked a couple of hookups over the years.”

“Like who?” she whispers, glancing around to make sure the others aren’t listening.

I lean in, brushing her hair behind her ear. “Well, you know Cade and Iris started fooling around two years ago in Barbados.”

“I don’t think she told me that. Or maybe she did, and I just didn’t listen.” She scrunches her nose. “I was kind of negative about the whole thing at first. Not my best moment.”

“You were? She’s your best friend.”

“I know, and I feel bad. I was just worried about her. I didn’t exactly trust jocks.”

“And now?” I arch a brow.

“I’m still on the fence,” she teases, eyes sparkling. “So who else?”

“Let’s see... Oh, last year in Texas, Bash and Ari.”

Her eyes widen. “Really?”

I nod. “Yup. Right under Elena’s nose, too. No one had a clue. Though now, looking back, it feels so obvious.”

She shakes her head. “That’s wild. I keep forgetting Elena’s her mom. They look like sisters. Anyone else?”

I tug my bottom lip between my teeth, thinking. “That might be it… for now. But who knows? Maybe Miranda’s about to add her name to the list.”

“What about me?” Miranda steps up to the bonfire, claiming the empty seat beside Anna. She eyes me with suspicion, her gaze narrowed.

“Nothing,” I say with a casual shrug.

She wags a finger in front of her. “Uh-uh. I heard my name. What did you say?”

Laney jumps in, saving me. “We were just wondering what you thought of Michigan. It must be so different from living in LA.”

Miranda nods, taking a sip of her drink. “Well, the food’s definitely better in LA, for sure.”

“Agreed,” Anna chimes in, then adds, “And the winters are way better in Cali.”

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