“All right. If this is everything, are you ready to head out?”
I nod, giving the place one last good look. It’s not lost on me that I’m more annoyed than I am sad about things ending with Jared. Guess that tells me everything. Blowing out a breath, I say a silent goodbye before turning to Maddy. “I’m ready.”
“Jared’s not even going to see you off?” Maddox looks affronted by the fact, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Maddy’s justmad he won’t get a chance to intimidate the guy. He loved doing that to my boyfriends. Especially since he’s always been so much taller and broader than any of the guys I knew.
Hockey players are just built differently.
“Nope. And I’m glad. Really.” I am glad that Jared hasn’t shown his face. I said some things when I broke up with him that were pretty harsh. Even though it’s taken me a bit to move out since then, Jared and I have done a solid job of avoiding one another. There’s really nothing left to say to the guy I thought I loved, but who, as it turned out, only loved being taken care of.
“Okay, then. Let’s hit the road. I want to get to Wright’s place before dark.” Maddox walks out of the house, and I follow, locking up one final time before tucking the keys under the welcome mat.
I give my brother another hug before he climbs into the U-Haul. We’re driving separately so I can take my little old silver Toyota. I’m well prepared with iced coffee and water in the cupholders, and plenty of snacks on the passenger seat. It’s only a seven-hour drive from the Chicago suburbs to Minneapolis, but boredom hunger is real.
When I turn the key in the ignition, my car sputters and whines. “Oh, come on. Seriously? Not today, Artax. Not. To. Day.” I glare at the ignition while turning it again, and it finally sputters and starts. It probably wasn’t the smartest idea to name my car after the horse that gets sucked into the Swamp of Sadness, but some movies stick with you. I don’t know any kid who wasn’t emotionally damaged byThe Neverending Story. My mom must have been feeling particularly sadistic when she made us watch it.
Whatever. As long as Artax doesn’t succumb to the sadness today, it’ll be fine.
“You good?” Maddox rolls down the moving truck window and asks with a raised brow.
“Yep. Let’s go.” The last thing I need is for this stupid car to break down at the same time everything else in my life is crumbling.
As the miles accumulate, my mind wanders to my new roommate, Griffin. He’s Maddox’s best friend and the Rogues’ first-line left winger. The guy is crazy talented and so much fun. He always makes me laugh, and he’s never made me feel like I’m just Maddox’s little sister. Griffin treats me like a friend, and I enjoy his company.
But living with him could be interesting. Because, while Griffin is one of the nicest men I know, he’s not the steadiest. As far as I can tell, hockey is the only thing he takes seriously. He loves to go out, drink, and have a good time. Then there’s his reputation with women. If Maddy and the gossip blogs are to be believed, there’s a steady stream of puck bunnies flowing through Griffin’s bedroom. And almost no repeats.
Which could be awkward.
Who wants to be drinking their morning coffee, only to be greeted with some random chick’s ass when they do their walk of shame?
I know it’s Griff’s place, but we’re going to have to lay down some ground rules.
On the plus side, if I decide I need some rebound sex, I know he won’t judge me for it.
My phone buzzes, and an incoming text pops up on my screen, momentarily obscuring my GPS directions.
Griffin
Madds says you’re on the road. I hope you like Chinese, because that’s what I’m ordering for dinner. All the guys will be here to help unload your stuff. Drive safe, Little Gravesy. Or should I say, ROOMIE?
Grinning, I stop worrying about silly things like how I’ll deal with Griffin’s hookups. It’ll be fine.
Besides, this is just temporary. Two friends sharing a space.
What’s the worst that could happen?
two
GRIFFIN
Sex isthe best way to unwind when you’re stressed.
“Damn, girl.” I flop onto my back, sweat beading along my body. My new friend, Bethany, giggles as she lies down beside me. Her perky little breasts bounce when her back hits the mattress. “I don’t even need to work out after all that.”
Bethany and I met at a bar last night when my teammate Logan and I hit the town. After a less-than-stellar start to the hockey season, dealing with Maddox’s relationship problems—which involved some sleuthing on my part and minor threats against his girl’s ex—I desperately needed a release.
Plus, Mira is moving in today, and I promised Madds I wouldn’t bring an endless procession of bunnies home while she’s staying here. If I had to curb my socializing for anyone but Mira, I’d be pissed. But my best friend’s little sister is cool as hell, so I’ll deal with it.
Doesn’t mean I can’t go out with a bang, though.
