Page 20 of The Penalty Shot (Totally Pucked 5)

“And you won’t know someone you find on a site either. At least we know some things about each other, and you know that I’m not an asshole. Hudson is moving out; he found a house, so I was going to start looking for a house too, but if I can stay here, I’m good with that. You’ll be helping me as much as I’m helping you, Auden.”

She’s silently pensive for a moment, staring off in front of her, then her eyes dart to meet mine. “This is crazy. I wouldn't want Alex and me to be a burden to you. Just for you to help me out, Asher. That’s kind, bu-”

“Auden,” I stop her, “it might be crazy, but crazier things have happened. Listen, just think about it, okay? If you decide that you don’t want me to be your roommate, it’s okay. There’s no pressure. But if you do, you’d be helping me out too. Either way, I’m not going anywhere. I’m here for you and Alex. I’m going to head home and get some sleep, I’m beat, but send me a text when you’re ready to talk.”

Auden pulls her cherry red lip between her teeth and chews it nervously. As I head for the door, I call back over my shoulder.

“And Auden?”

“Yes?”

“Alex living here is a bonus for me, not a burden. I’d be a lucky motherfucker to have both of you in my life.”

Her face softens slightly, her eyes shining with moisture.

And with that, I leave her and shut the door behind me. I wait to hear the deadbolt lock, and once it does, I put my back to the wall and slide down, landing on my ass in the hallway, wondering what in the fuck I’ve gotten myself into and why I’m already waiting for a text from her.

Chapter Eight

Auden

I’ve spentthe last three days attempting to make a detailed list of every reason why Asher Hartshouldn’tbe my new roommate. The list currently has only two things.

I’m attracted to him.

We hardly know each other.

Okay, maybe number two isn’t exactly true, but I really don’t knowthatmuch about him. Although I knew absolutely nothing about Jarrett and look how that turned out. Still, what if he has weird habits? What if he moves in and everything becomes awkward and weird because of this…tension that exists between us when he’s around. It’s dangerous because my son is already attached to him, and if this doesn’t work out, I don’t want Alex to get hurt.

It’s a bad idea, and I didn’t need a list to prove that fact. I’m just still trying to convince myself that although it’s probably a bad idea, it might be thebest ideaout of all the rest of my options.

What if the next person I interview to be our roommate is just as crazy as Jarrett? My heart and my anxiety can’t handle another situation where Alex is exposed to someone violent, or someone with an issue with alcohol or drugs. Someone who could bring strange women into my home or respect my wishes.

Tonight, I’m working a late shift at the club while Alex’s at his friend Callum’s for a sleepover. Callum recently moved in down the hall and I am so beyond thankful for it. He and Asher met at the pool, and they’ve been thick as thieves since, bonding over their love for video games. I’m just so glad that he’s found someone his age to be close with.

“Auden?” MJ says, startling me from my thoughts. She’s my work wife and every time we work together, we have a blast so I am thankful she’s here We’re the exact opposite in almost every single way, and I think that’s why we get along so great. She’s bold and confident, constantly dressing in crop tops and short skirts while wearing heels. Her favorite band is Breaking Benjamin, and if I had to guess, there are a lot more piercings than the ones that are visible.

“You already know the answer, Aud,” MJ adds. She’s twirling a piece of her bright pink hair around her finger as she pops another bubble. “From everything you’ve told me, he seems like a great guy and exactly the kind of guy you need as a roommate. He’s a professional hockey player, so obviously, he has a steady income to cover his portion of bills. He’s been friends with your kid for a while, and he has been your literal knight in shining armor the past few days. Plus, he’s hot as fuuuuuuck. I creeped him on the gram.”

Of course, she did. And heishot, and completely off limits, even more so if he becomes myroommate.

“All valid points. But, I’m still nervous, MJ. I don't want to make another mistake. You should’ve heard my mom the other day. She made me feel so bad about myself that I drank two glasses of wine and cried in the bathtub for an hour.”

She rolls her eyes as she walks over to a guy, grabs him a beer then pops the lid off with the bar key from her pants. “You already know how I feel about your parents. They’re assholes, and you shouldn't give them any power over you, Aud. You’re a great mom, and you obviously didn’t learn that from wicked witch of the North. If they can’t see your worth then that’s onthem, they’re missing out on an incredible woman.”

My stomach tightens. Everything she’s saying is the truth, but it doesn’t make it any easier to hear. Or to swallow. My relationship with my parents is something that, to this day, makes me sick to my stomach. As hard as I’ve fought, part of me still craves their acceptance, and their words still cut deep. Each time my mother breaks me down, it takes time for me to climb out of the hole she put me in. Their words have power that I wish they didn’t.

“Text him, right now, Auden Claire!”

I glance at my phone in front of me on the bar and bring my, already chewed, nail to my lips, but before I can even bite it, MJ slaps it away. “Do it. Don’t miss the opportunity to have the perfect roommate or you’ll end up with a guy who collects Pokémon cards at thirty or a girl who steals your makeup while you’re at work and raids your closet like it’s hers.”

Fine. She’s right. Asher moving in is the answer to my problems, but the only way this is going to work is if we lay down ground rules, and make sure we’re on the same page.

Me: I hope you don’t snore.

I type the message out, before I can talk myself out of it, and glance at MJ, who’s positively beaming. Smiling from ear to ear in satisfaction.

“It’ll be great, and hey, if there are some extra perks…then so be it.” Her eyebrows wag suggestively.

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