Page 17 of Playing the Pucking Game
I grab my cell the second I’m safely back in my room, flop back on my bed, and set about knocking off a few things on that to-do list I created.
I don’t doubt that Parker will be annoyed with me for it, but that’s always been our love language, so why change that now?
5
PARKER
Ibarely got a wink of sleep.
Despite my shower, the scent of smoke still lingered in my nose. Every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was my building being engulfed by flames.
I fought the tears with everything I had, but it was pointless. The more I thought about my home, about the things I’ve collected over the years that I love to surround myself with, the faster they fell.
I don’t know how much time had passed before I heard Linc push my door wider and step into the room. All I do know is that I kept my breathing as heavy and as even as possible, hoping he’d be convinced that I was sleeping.
What he did last night…well, it was more than I ever could have asked of him.
It was New Year’s; I’m sure he had plans to be out partying and pulling bunnies. Yet instead, he was here with me in his apartment, ruining any chance he had of bringing a woman back.
When I finally throw the covers off this morning, my body aches and my eyes are swollen and sore. I can only imagine how I look.
But unfortunately, as tempting as lounging around in bed all day is, I’ve got shit to deal with.
Just thinking about all the calls I need to make, all the things I need to replace, is making my head spin. I need to make a physical list and figure it all out. Then, I’ll work through one at a time.
Linc was right last night: it will be okay. It’s just going to take some time.
I pad through to the bathroom and kick the door so it almost closes behind me before dropping my ass to the toilet.
I stare at Linc’s boxers around my thighs and groan.
How the hell did I end up here?
Once upon a time, this would have been my ultimate fantasy. Wearing his clothes, being with him alone in his apartment.
I shake my head. That was the dream of an innocent teenager with a crush.
I’m a woman now who knows a hell of a lot better than to crush on my unavailable brother’s best friend.
Hell, I’ve learned a lot of lessons about men over the past few years.
The biggest of which, is that they can’t be trusted.
Okay, sure, there are a few out there who break the mold.
Kodie, Fletcher, a couple of others who prove on the daily that they truly love their women and are nothing but loyal.
I just…I haven’t met one who might be interested in being loyal to me.
Finishing up, I walk toward the sink and scan the counter.
It’s empty, save for a crappy bar of soap.
In desperate need for a toothbrush, I pull the vanity door open and peer inside.
A relieved sigh spills from my lips. Linc wasn’t lying; everything I could need really is in here.
In a rush, I rip at the packaging, squirt some toothpaste onto the brush, and freshen up.
