Lexi grins. “What he needed was someone who wouldn’t put up with his shit, and that’s definitely Emmy.”
I laugh. “Slow down there, everyone. We don’t need to be tossing out the L word just yet.”
“Maybe not. But he’s head over heels for you. We can’t help who we love, and if you’re going to fall in love with anyone, he’s the best choice,” Maven says.
“Yeah.” I rub a hand over my chest. It feels like a piece is missing there, like Maverick’s taken a part of my soul and tied it to his. “He is.”
“A toast.” Maven lifts her glass in the air. We all follow suit, and she smiles. “To the good men with good dicks who treat us right. And to the good dicks out there who haven’t found their way to us yet. May they hurry up and get here so everyone is happy and satisfied.”
“Hear fucking hear,” Lexi says, and we knock our drinks together.
For so long, I’ve felt like I was alone. Chasing after something I couldn’t quite reach and running until everything in me ached.
When I’m in Maverick’s arms, I think I’ve finally put my feet on the ground. I think I’ve found someone who might help heal that loneliness that’s followed me for years.
FORTY-ONE
EMMY
Professional Stick Handlers
Easy E
Did you see that NBA player get suspended for life for betting on games?
Wonder if any of the guys in the NHL are doing that.
Liam
The only thing they bet on is when you’re going to stop talking.
Connor
Ouch. Goalie Daddy with the sick burn.
Liam
Don’t call me Daddy.
Grant
He’s not calling you Daddy. The internet is. That video the social media team uploaded of you biting your jersey went viral, and you’ve been dubbed GD.
Pretty Boy
Wait a second. I used to be Puck Daddy. What happened to that nickname?
Hudson
No one called you that besides yourself.
Pretty Boy
That’s not true! There was a whole message board about it!
Easy E
Sorry, Mavvy. Grumpy gills Liam has taken your spot as favorite Stars player.
