Page 79 of Of Pucking Course

“This was such a great idea, bringing the kids here,” Abby says. “They’re burning off so much energy. Their parents are going to be thrilled when they pick them up this afternoon. Thanks again for coming up with this at the last minute.”

“It was all Sam. He went out of his way to organize this,” I say, glancing over at him.

I bite back a smile when I see him stick his tongue out and make a funny face at Rosie. A second later, he catches me looking at him. He winks at me. My stomach flips.

“I don’t think Sam went too much out of his way,” Abby says in a teasing tone. She gives me a knowing smile. “I think he was happy to be able to spend this extra time with you.”

My face heats as I glance down and fuss with the hem of my sweater. I haven’t told anyone about Sam and me. But Abby isn’t stupid. She’s my best work friend and can tell when something is up with me.

“Sam’s a good friend. And roommate,” I say, hoping my smile doesn’t give it away.

Abby shakes her head at me, her shoulder-length blonde hair swaying with the movement. She’s still sporting that knowing smile. “Sure. Whatever you say. But when you’re ready to gush about whatever is going on between you and Sam, I’m all ears. I can tell it’s good.”

I bite back a smile at what my friend and coworker has said. She’s right. This thing between Sam and me issovery good.

Chapter 28

Sam

Iwatch Dakota as she talks to Abby and resist the urge to toss another knowing smile or wink at her.

Del is back from his phone call, and I don’t want him to notice that anything is up between Dakota and me.

As the guys chat around me, a small stab of guilt lands at the center of my chest. I’m the shittiest friend in the world for giving in to my feelings for Dakota and hooking up with her in secret.

If Del knew what I was doing with his little sister, he’d skin me alive.

I remind myself that Dakota is an adult and that she’s in control of her life, even if she chooses to do something her older brother would hate.

But it does nothing to erase the guilt that I feel.

I glance around the Bashers practice rink. Emotion tightens through my chest. I wouldn’t be standing here right now if it weren’t for Del and what he did for me in college.

I breathe through that tight, guilty feeling and try to focus on what my teammates are talking about.

“This kindergarten is the coolest,” Blomdahl says. “When I was in kindergarten, the most exciting thing we did was finger painting. We never went on cool field trips.”

Abby walks over to throw away a bunch of wrappers in the trash can nearby. She smiles at Blomdahl. “Dakota and I try to plan fun outings for the kids to help keep them engaged. It’s nice to hear you appreciate that.”

“Sorry your students had to hang out with us. I’m sure they would have had a better time at the museum,” Theo jokes.

Abby chuckles. “The kids are having way more fun here. They were excited about the museum, but they’ll be talking about this outing for weeks. Activities like this are great for them to get their energy out. Honestly, the only reason that the parents push for the museum field trip is because it’s educational and they want their kids to be smart.”

Xander shakes his head. “I don’t know why they think museums make you smart. I’ve been to tons of museums, and I’m an idiot.”

Abby bursts out laughing. So does Dakota, who’s helping a kid at the end of the bench zip his jacket.

“Miss Richards! Miss Taylor! He said a naughty word,” the kid next to Dakota says.

Dakota takes a second to school her expression before looking at the kid. “You’re right, Eli. That’s not a nice word.”

Abby nods along. Dakota turns to Xander and frowns at him, but I can tell by the look in her eyes and the fact that the corners of her mouth are twitching that she’s struggling to keep from laughing.

“Mr. Xander, can you please watch your language around the children?” Dakota says. I hold back a laugh.

A wide smile splits Xander’s face before he pulls his lipsinto his mouth. He nods once, his expression serious. “Sorry about that.”

The kids finish up their snacks. Abby and Dakota decide to do one more bathroom run before they leave to head back to the school.

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