Page 122 of Of Pucking Course

“You’ve been through a lot, Dakota,” Maya says. “You’re free to live your life the way you want now.”

Sophie squeezes my hand and smiles. “Exactly.”

Everyone nods. I smile, feeling so loved and supported. Everyone continues laughing and chatting and drinking. I catch Sam looking over the rim of his beer glass at me. He winks at me before turning back to his conversation with Theo.

I bite back a smile as butterflies zip around my tummy. We can’t be affectionate in front of everyone because our relationship is a secret, so little gestures like that drive me wild in the best way.

“I’m guessing that the ‘something more’ setup you have with Sam is going well,” Sophie says in a quiet voice, her tone teasing.

I bite back a grin. “Really, really well.”

A pang of guilt hits me as I remind myself that I can’t tell my best friend more. Sam and I promised to keep this relationship between us a secret.

I’m tempted to tell Sophie everything. She’s been my best friend since we were kids. She knows everything about me. Every time I’ve told her something in confidence, she’s always kept quiet. She’s never betrayed my trust.

She’d be nothing but supportive if I told her about Sam and me. And it feels wrong for Sam’s sister to know about us, but not my best friend.

I glance over at Del, who’s frowning at Blomdahl as he gestures wildly while going off about goalie interference.

I quietly remind myself why Sam and I are trying tostay a secret in the first place: because of Del. My brother would flip out if he ever found out about us.

A knot forms in my stomach. I hate the thought of keeping my relationship with Sam a secret long-term…But I know for a fact that it would cause a rift in their friendship. Or destroy it completely. I can’t do that to them.

I look at Sophie. “I wish I could say more. I really do. But we’re still keeping things quiet.”

She flashes a sweet smile. “It’s okay. Really. I’m just glad you’re happy.”

“I really am.” And if I could figure out a way to be with Sam without destroying his friendship with my brother, I would be even happier.

I push aside the thought and refocus on having a fun time with my friends. When we finish our drinks, I pull out my credit card to pay the tab, but everyone tells me no.

“Come on, guys. I’m the one who invited everyone out. Let me pay,” I say.

Del shakes his head. “No way. We’re treating you tonight.”

He and the guys all throw twenties on the table to cover our tab.

“Thanks, you guys.”

They all tell me it’s no problem.

“So where are we off to next?” Bella asks.

“There’s this cool cocktail bar in the industrial part of the city that’s pretty good,” Blomdahl says.

“I’m in,” Sam says. Xander, Theo, Maya, Sophie, and Bella say they’re all in too.

“We’ll probably head home,” Ingrid says. “Salem’s feeling a little under the weather, so we don’t want to be away from him too long.”

“Oh no, what happened?” I ask.

“Respiratory infection,” Del says. “We have to give him meds at night.”

“He’s cuddling in bed with Del every morning,” Ingrid says while smiling at my brother. “It’s the cutest.”

“Please tell me you took a photo,” I say.

“Of course.” Ingrid pulls out her phone and shows us a picture of Del sleeping in bed and their adorable black cat Salem curled in a ball at his feet.

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