“Good.” I nip at her lip before dragging her downstairs. I don’t want anyone to come looking for us.
By the time we get downstairs, Puck is already in his sweater, chewing on a bone.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Tenley tells me, setting a dish on the table, “but we got some bones for him.”
I smile back at her. “Not at all. That’s very kind of you. I’m surprised he’s so happy. He usually doesn’t like people.”
She nods. “Piper told us. He didn’t fight us when we put the sweater on. Gave him some treats.”
“Looks like it worked.”
We all take our seats around the table as dishes are passed around. They’re chatting about everything and anything. It makes me feel like I’m a part of something, even if I’m not talking.
For once, the lonely feeling of spending the holidays by myself isn’t there. Normally, I spend the day at the arena getting in a good, hard workout. Instead, I went for a walk with Puck before bringing him here.
The two of us spending the day like most people. With a family.
It’s a feeling I don’t want to get used to. Because Piper isn’t mine to keep.
“How are you feeling after that hit?” Jackson asks.
I waggle my head, taking a heaping spoonful of green beans. “Not the worst hit I’ve ever taken.”
“Do you think you’ll be ready for the next game?”
“Nothing will stop him,” Noah chimes in.
“Damn right, Strawberry.”
“Strawberry?” Tenley asks.
Noah groans. “It’s my nickname.”
“Aww, my sweet strawberry.” His mom claps him on the cheek. “How did I not know this?”
“I hate you, Willy,” Noah tells me.
“Nah, you love me.” I blow a kiss at him.
Conversation carries on around us as we eat the incredible meal Tenley cooked. Beef tenderloin. Garlic mashed potatoes. Green beans. I never would have had something like this on my own.
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to eat dessert,” I groan, setting my napkin on my plate. “That was delicious.”
“Thank you, Cash.” Tenley smiles back at me.
“We can clear the table,” Piper says.
“Actually, I’d like a word with Cash.” Jackson tilts his head toward the hallway and I dutifully follow.
The room he goes into is one I haven’t seen. It’s full of dark wood and leather furniture. Pictures of him playing are on one wall with two gaudy rings sitting in the center of a dark wooden bookshelf.
His Super Bowl rings.
“Piper’s been through a lot these last few months.” Jackson’s voice is very matter-of-fact as he pulls a bottle of bourbon and two tumblers out of a cabinet. “Her ex did not treat her well.”
“He’s a douche.”
Jackson smirks at me, handing me a glass.
