Page 89 of Hot Stuff
She shivers, a full body shake that rattles her teeth. “Fuckers.”
Moving away from Walker, I stand and head in her direction. “C’mon, you know you love it once it’s over.”
“Yeah, I love that it’s over. It’s the one part of the training our dad taught us I hate.”
“But your dad loves it when you all do it.”
“He does. But the twins usually find an excuse to not do it, same as me. It’s only Mason and Sutton that love it and turned it into a holiday tradition.”
“Well, why don’t we put our heads together and find a way to trick the twins into doing it with you.”
“I can’t think of anything.”
“I can.”
We both turn to face Walker, who’s also gotten to his feet.
“By now they’ve heard about the Rogues, right?”
“Yeah, they told me I was an idiot for asking about Branton.”
He nods. “I expect so. But here’s the thing. I’m with you. I think he’d be a key player. We haven’t talked about that yet, but I have watched your career, I know the family you come from, and I know and have played with Branton.”
“Okay, how’s that going to get the twins to?—”
“We play to their egos.”
“Oh, I see where you’re going with this,” I say. “We bet the Rogues beat them the first time we play. Or that our hot shot can score more points than them in the season or?—”
“Exactly.” Walker comes over and puts his hand out toward Blake. “I’ll make you a deal. If we can’t get your brothers, hell even if we can, I’ll do the ice dip with you.”
“Why would you want to do that?”
“Because you and I are a team and you put yourself out there for our team.”
She eyes him and I’m about to interject when she grabs his hand.
“Deal.” After they shake, Blake adds, “Dad is gonna love this.”
“For a chance to meet Andrew Watts, I’d gladly volunteer.”
“You’re a fan?”
“What self-respecting hockey fan or player isn’t?” Walker counters.
“True. True. So do I tell the twins I don’t need them to come here? They said something about taking me to the owner of the place they think Branton is at.”
“The owner shares an apartment with my sister.”
“Oh. Right. Gannon.” Blake glances at me and I give a hopefully subtle shake of my head. “If you can get the address, we can head to see Branton after you two get married. Are we going to Vegas for that?”
“I was thinking of seeing if Pa could organize something at home. Maybe the back garden of the house.”
“Oh, yes, that would be gorgeous and it’s a good time of year for a wedding in the south.” Blake grins.
“I’d like everyone there and I know Cami is champing at the bit to get home.”
“She hates the city. Any big city.”
