Page 190 of Playing the Pucking Game
I’m not sure that’s happened since he started playing for the Vipers. Or if it has, he’s kept it very well under wraps.
“Are you okay?” Casey asks as she retakes her seat in front of me.
The restaurant Kodie booked for us has been incredible. The food is mind-blowing, and the cocktails are exquisite.
“Um…” I hesitate, unsure how to explain how I’m feeling right now.
Angry. Dejected. Rejected. Hurt. Jealous.
I could go on, and none of them are good.
I didn’t see Linc again after our session earlier. I messaged him about going out with Casey, and that message received a thumbs-up. Not exactly the kind of response I was expecting after last night. But then, I guess he was busy.
Suddenly, dots start bouncing on my screen, and my eyes zero in on them, waiting as questions begin filling my head.
If he’s on a date, why is he messaging me?
Where did he meet her?
Is she a bunny? No, bunnies don’t date. They just fuck.
Is he on dating sites? Is Kodie right and he’s actively looking for someone to settle down with?
When his message comes through, I quickly discover it isn’t a written reply, but a photo. And the second I register who’s in it, I relax.
“Oh my god.” I laugh.
“What?”
Making the image larger, I hold my cell up so Casey can see.
“Aw, they’re the cutest,” Casey whispers, her face getting all sappy as she looks at them together.
By the time I spin my cell around again, I find another message.
Storm: Me and my bestie
A smile pulls at my lips as I stare at him sitting on Kodie’s couch with Sutton next to him, her arms around his neck as she kisses his cheek.
My heart thumps harder as I take in the state of his hair. He has a million small ponytails with multicolored bands everywhere.
“He’s so good with her. He’s gonna be a great dad one day.”
It takes a few seconds for Casey’s words to register, but the second they do, my eyes jump to hers.
“Do you think he wants that? A family?”
“I don’t know; he’s never said. Maybe he doesn’t even know. It’s not like he’s ever been serious with anyone to consider the next steps.”
“I guess,” I mumble, my attention dropping back to the photo.
I stare at Linc. A man who’s almost as familiar to me as my own brother. He’s been a part of my life, my family, for almost as long as I can remember. So why is it that I’m suddenly looking at him so differently? And it’s not just because of my stupid teenage crush that likes to poke its head up every now and then. That’s just because he’s hot. This is…
I close my eyes as I remember how his embrace felt last night.
“Are you okay?” Casey asks softly.
When I look up, I find her brows pinched in concern.
