Page 125 of Of Pucking Course

“Yeah.”

“We ever going to meet her?” Del asks.

I clear my throat and pretend to mess with one of the buttons on my shirt. I can’t look at my best friend in the eye and lie to him. “Uh, maybe.”

“You embarrassed of us or something?” Del says.

I’m quiet for a second before I look at him, my nerves going haywire.

I wonder if he can see the guilt in my eyes. Because I feel guilty as hell hiding this from him.

He shoves my arm. “I’m giving you shit,” he says.

I try to laugh, hoping it doesn’t sound as forced as it feels. “I know.” I rub the back of my neck. “It’s just new. I don’t want to put too much pressure on it.”

That’s technically true. But I also don’t feel like getting the crap kicked out of me, which is exactly what will happen when Del finds out about us.

Anxiety shoots through me. I can’t keep standing here and evading questions from my best friend.

“I’m gonna head to my room,” I say. I tell the guys goodnight and walk a few doors down to my hotel room.

I open the door, kick off my shoes, strip off my suit jacket, and plop on the bed closest to me. Then I pull my phone out and text Dakota.

Me: I’m alone in my room. What’s my surprise, beautiful?

A few seconds later, she texts me a video. I tap on it and see all the kids from her kindergarten class smiling at the camera.

“Okay, everyone,” Dakota says off screen. “What did you want to say to Mr. Sam?”

“Good luck, Mr. Sam! Go Bashers!” the kids say at once.

A massive grin splits my face. The bad mood hanging over me from our loss the other day starts to fade after hearing an entire classroom of kindergarteners cheering for my team and me.

A second later, Dakota sends another text.

The kids wanted to send you and the guys some good luck for your game in Nashville :)

That warm feeling in my chest intensifies. She’s so damn sweet and thoughtful. How the hell did I get so lucky to land a woman like her?

Me: That was the best surprise ever. Seriously. Thank you.

Dakota: Did you check the side pocket of your gear bag? I slipped in another little surprise

I walk over to my gear bag and open the side pocket. When I pull out the hot pink friendship bracelet she gave me, I grin and text her.

Me: I’m going to wear this whenever I play an away game.

Dakota: Really?

Me: Yeah. It’ll be like having a little piece of you with me

Dakota: :)

Dakota: Are you ready for your other surprise?

Me: Yes.

She sends another text. It’s photo of her kneeling on her bed, wearing nothing but my Bashers jersey. Her long, chocolate brown hair is in a messy bun and she’s looking over her shoulder with the sexiest smile on her gorgeous face.

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