Page 32 of Hockey 101

Did you want to come to the pub again? he asks.

I hesitate, but duty calls. Sorry. I still have to edit tonight’s story.

He smiles. No problem. Look, I’ve got a great idea. We should watch a game together. I bet you’d learn a lot.

How can that happen? You’re either playing, or away during the women’s games.

Jack grins confidently, like he’s got all the angles covered. We can watch a Minnesota Wild game together. We get the games at our house. I’ll figure out a good game and you can come over.

To the infamous hockey house? Well, it would be good for my reporting. And definitely not for any other reason, of course. And certainly not because I’d like to sit on a sofa beside that sculpted body.

I manage a weak smile. Okay, that would be great. Let’s do it.

Jack beams and holds out his hand. Deal.

His hand is sweaty and warm, and mine is enveloped in his larger one. That tingle must be some kind of static electricity, right?

Oh, who am I kidding? The more I get to know Jack, the more appealing he becomes.

10

WILD NIGHTS

JACK

DO WE HAVE a vacuum? I poke my head into the living room. I’ve never seen anyone using one, but there must be one somewhere…right? Swanny and Bergy are on the sofa, gaming and debating on whether it would be harder to battle a sea lion or a camel.

Swanny turns to me and nods. Yeah, my mom bought us one last year. I’m not sure where it is though. Maybe try the laundry room?

I head downstairs and find Lloyd actually in his own room for once. He’s on the phone chatting to someone. I spot the vacuum in the corner and knock on the doorframe. Lloyd motions for me to come in.

Sure, baby. Can’t wait to see you. We’ll meet around 9:00, okay? He disconnects and grins. Jack. Just the man I need to see.

Shit. I know what’s coming next.

I’ve got this hot date lined up and I need the room tonight, okay?

For once I have a valid excuse lined up. Sorry. Not tonight. I have a date coming over myself. Okay, this is not exactly the truth, since an actual date with Andy exists only in my fantasies. But she’s warming up to me. Besides, I’m sick of Lloyd taking over my room whenever he has company. He has so many dates that he can’t be carrying a full course load.

Oh, is it a sure thing? he prods.

I said no, Lloyd. Not tonight. For fuck’s sake, it’s my room. Even if the only sure thing is that I won’t end up in bed with Andy tonight.

Maybe he reads my doubts, because he pushes. Oh, c’mon, man. You should see this chick. Red hair, tight little body, and lips that could suck the butter off bread. And you know what redheads are like. Screamers, right?

I scowl at his description. He has zero respect for his many dates. My sisters would enjoy tearing a strip off him. I wish Amelia was here—she would have booted his ass to the curb long ago.

I catch his eye, so we understand each other. I told you: I need my bedroom. And it’s not just about sex. I need to get a full night’s sleep to play hockey. Aren’t you supposed to be getting your own place?

He looks down at his phone. Yeah, but it’s tough out there. Places are expensive. But don’t worry, I hear you.

But does he really? I’ve told him this several times and he continues to use my bedroom, usually without even bothering to ask.

Why don’t you use Ethan’s room? He’s your cousin, I suggest.

Lloyd chuckles. No way, that asshole’d kill me.

Guess I need to channel some of that asshole energy too. I grab the vacuum and head back upstairs. I remember my grandmother saying to dust first, so I swipe at the furniture with an old T-shirt from my junior hockey days. Swanny and Bergy take time out from their Animal Kingdom debate to helpfully point out any spots I’ve missed.

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