“You look gorgeous, baby,” Keller says.
Theo pretends to puke. He pulls a face, snorting at himself. “What’s the rule? No details. Ever.”
“Did you go out to Dad’s?” Lainey peeks around Keller.
“Yeah, we just got back from The Landmark,” I say. “We’re missing our private kitchen mini-parties without you.”
“God, I’d kill for a fun night of pizza rolls and ranch dip right now. Grad school is intense,” Lainey says.
“What?” Keller’s dopey ass smile falls. “But we do that whenever I have off. I wanted to make tonight special.”
She pats his chest, then locks her arms around him for a hug. “No, this is amazing. I’m just reminiscing. Can you believe the nerd is the one missing the hockey house parties?”
He laughs. “I told you a hundred times that divide is only in your head.”
“This is really bringing back memories,” Theo says. “You know what? I don’t miss having both of you here. My eyes and ears aren’t assaulted anymore having to watch my best friend mack on my sister.”
“Tough shit because we’re still getting married,” Keller says with a smirk. “I’m spending forever macking on the love of my life.”
“Aww,” Laurel says. “That’s so cute.”
“I don’t need this. It’s my birthday.” Theo shakes his head with a smile. He gives them hell, but he’s happy for them. He hands us his phone and heads off. “Later!”
“Bye!” Lainey laughs. “We’ll let you guys go. It was good to talk to you!”
“You too. Happy birthday,” I say.
“Thank you.”
Cameron ends the call and tucks Theo’s phone in the basket of keys by the door. “Beer?”
“Yes, please,” Laurel says.
“I’m good. Practice in the morning.”
We follow the victorious shouts coming from the living room. Sounds like Elijah is kicking ass against Madden on the PlayStation. Laurel pulls me away from watching them play the latest NHL game, and we wind up in the back room where we like to chill around an electric heater when it’s too cold out to leave the closed in sunroom for the fire pit in the yard.
Seeing how happy Alex and Lainey are has struck a chord with me. I never thought I’d want to be tied down, but now…maybe I wouldn’t mind it if I found the right person.
Everyone’s having a good time while my mind is back at the grocery store with Maya’s hand tucked into mine. I stare at my hand sitting on the armrest, closing it around nothing. I have no idea what it is, but this girl has gotten under my skin.
The same thought keeps popping into my head that hasn’t stopped for the last two weeks: I want to see her again.
“Oh my god.” Laurel giggles, nudging me. “Everyone in here is making out. I’m actually pretty sure Kelly is getting fingered over there by Jake. Should we show them all how it’s done, captain?”
I frown. Her calling me captain sounds way off.
When I don’t respond, she exhales through her nose and shifts onto my lap. Her lashes flutter as she slides her arms around my shoulders and brushes my cheek with her lips. I don’t make any move to touch her, gaze remaining on my hand.
It occurs to me that this would be a normal night for me not that long ago. Whenever an opportunity to get laid presented itself, I let loose and enjoyed it. I wasn’t sleazy about it the way some guys are once they realize how much people want to bag a hockey player for bragging rights. How easy it is to fall into bed with someone—or more than one someone—each night and this isn’t even the pro league yet.
Here I am with a smoking hot girl in front of me, flirting with me all night, and I don’t care at all.
I’m not interested in anything with her or anyone else when I can’t stop picturing captivating hazel eyes with flecks of green like the meadow behind the house I grew up at, thick chestnut hair I want to spend hours running my fingers through, and perfect lips that form sarcastic quips and a smile that is quickly becoming my undoing.
“Let’s go find somewhere more private,” Laurel whispers seductively in my ear. “I’ve been wet all night thinking about getting you in my mouth. No one’s looking. Slide your hand up my dress to find out how much I’m dying to blow you. I want to choke on your cock until your come drips down my chin.”
Jesus.
