Keene, one of our former defensemen, joins him. “We’re driving there tomorrow. We had to stick around for a trial up in Bridgeport. We came back to get the last of our stuff and we couldn’t have missed Tucker’s surprise party.”
I follow Keene’s gaze as Bex and Connor wish happy birthday to Tucker and get introduced to Taryn.
“So Tucker’s got a girl, huh?” Jamie asks.
Tucker’s arm is tightly wrapped around Taryn’s waist, so I don’t bother correcting their assumption. “Yeah, I guess he does.”
“Gotta give it to Tuck,” Keene observes. “He has good taste, and he definitely has a type. Taryn’s looks remind me a lot of Bex.”
My vague noise of agreement doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Oh, I see.”
A look passes between Jamie and Keene.
“What do you see?” I play dumb.
“You’re into Taryn, too.” Keene doesn’t beat around the bush. “Does she know? And does Tuck know?”
I run a hand through my hair. “Yeah, they both do. We’re both seeing her. At least for now.”
There’s another look between my two former teammates.
“What?” I bite out.
“Nothing,” Jamie shrugs. “Something like that happened with us and Bex last year.”
As far as people knew, Bex was Jamie’s girlfriend. “Really? I always suspected that Keene was into Bex. Connor too, to be honest.” I admit.
Jamie pulls me closer. “Yeah. Look, it isn’t a secret, but we don’t particularly advertise it, especially since there has been a lot of attention on Bex after what happened in Bridgeport. But all three of us are dating her. And we want to keep this going long term.”
“Forever, if possible.” Keene adds.
“Really? How does it work? Aren’t you guys jealous of each other?”
Jamie shrugs. “Jealousy is a natural human emotion. We just keep things honest and communicate openly, and we make things work.”
“It helps that Bex loves us all equally. She doesn’t have a favorite.”
Keene’s words get stuck in my head, ringing in my ears over and over. They look happy; they seem to have it all. They’re in love, and they have each other on and off the ice.
Could something like that work for me and Tucker? Could I ever share Taryn with him? The thought of not having to get my heart broken and watch my best friend and the woman I want together is appealing. And I would hate to watch Tucker hurt even if Taryn chose me.
But there’s also Nash. He says that he isn’t looking for anything serious; but does he really mean it? I see the way he looks at her. Even now.
I join him at the bar just as Talia announces that it’s time for the cake.
TUCKER
This night fucking rocks.
My face hurts from the huge smile I can’t fight off. My sister and my girl planned a surprise birthday party for me.
At the newest, hip club that just opened in town. In the fucking VIP room. This is how I’ve always imagined my life as an NHL player. Swanky parties, rivers of Champagne and the prettiest girl in the room on my arm.
Taryn’s body is warm and soft as she’s tucked into my side. I keep lowering my head to kiss the side of her face, her head, her cheek, or her lips when she meets me halfway. It’s like we were meant to be together. We’re just a perfect fit, like two pieces of a puzzle that are designed to fit together.
This night has all my favorite things.
