Page 135 of Home Game

“You’re special to me.”

I never wanted to kiss anyone as much as I wanted to kiss her in that moment. “I’m not special enough.”

She studied me with those knowing eyes. Seeing things I wish she wouldn’t. “Okay.”

She rolled back over, so her back was again to me.

“Night, Ryan.”

It took all my willpower to turn off the light and roll away from her. “Night.”

We beat Boston,and as team tradition predicted, the coaches gave us permission to go to Dixies, to let off some steam. It was team tradition across all teams in the NHL, and I was no stranger to Dixies. Mica shared a cab with Zoey and me.

“You ready for a fun night?” He spoke to Zoey.

“What is this place?”

“Every NHL team covets Dixies. It’s filled with puck bunnies, lots of booze and great music.”

“What’s a puck bunny?”

Mica’s eyes danced as he glanced at me. “Ask Ryan.”

I shot him a dirty look. “A puck bunny is a woman that chases hockey players.”

Mica leaned forward and winked at Zoey. “Even a toothless butt ugly player can get laid in this bar.”

Zoey spoke directly to me. “If you need the room tonight, I can always find elsewhere to sleep.”

Mica’s laughter burst out. “You can crash with me.”

Over my dead body. “Unnecessary.”

“Ryan’s frustrated. He could use a puck bunny.”

“I bet he is.” Mica worked to keep a straight face.

“No one is doing anything or anyone tonight.” My sour tone made me sound like a pensioner.

“Speak for yourself,” Zoey shrugged as the cab pulled up to the bar.

Excuse me?

Mica laughed as he muscled me out of the way to follow her. “Time for shots, Zoey. We’re going to do this the right way.”

My jaw clenched as I paid the driver. It would be a long night.

I satat the table and nursed my beer while I watched Zoey on the dance floor doing a crazy line dance with Jensen and Dylan.

“You’re in a mood.” Mica sat down beside me, pushing a shot in front of me. “Drink up.”

I tossed back the shot. The alcohol burned on the way down. “I’m good.”

“Is that why you haven’t been able to peel your eyes off her?”

“She’s having fun. That’s what matters.”

I took another shot and enjoyed the burn.

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