When I reassure her that I feel safe, she composes another message.
Jo-Jo: Then just go with the flow, Tar-Tar. Just so you know, Talia invited me and Sam to hang out at her house later, and I’m gonna crash there. So our room is all yours in case you want to bring one of your hotties back there tonight.
Oh. I hadn’t thought about that possibility. Tucker had my brain short circuiting to the point that I hadn’t thought about much more beyond kissing him.
My fingers hover over the screen as I low key spiral about how this night could end. Would I invite Tucker or Colsen to my room later tonight? A shudder works its way down my spine at just the thought of getting naked with one of them. It’s the good kind of shudder, too. My body seems to have a mind of its own when it comes to those two men. Ever since we met earlier tonight, I’ve been a live wire. The most casual look, the smallest touch from either of them has awakened a need I didn’t even know I could feel.
But the truth is that I literally just met them. I’m under no illusion that these feelings are anything more than pure lust. And you don’t stay a virgin until the ripe old age of twenty-one if you’re comfortable with casual sex. I don’t think I am. Especially since my one and only attempt at casual sex ended up with me having to leave the state with all my belongings in my car.
A new message from Jodie lights up my screen. I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts that it took me by surprise and I almost dropped my phone.
Jo-Jo: Taryn, stop.
Me: Stop what?
Jo-Jo: What happened last week wasn’t your fault. You were roofied. So don’t think about this too much, and if you hit it off with one of those two hot hockey players, I think you should have some fun. Horizontal fun, just to be clear.
Me: I don’t know if I should, Jo-Jo. Whenever I think about sex, I see all that blood and his head. I kicked his head before I saw what it was.
One of the many reasons why I love Jodie is that she can keep calm when I freak out.
Jo-Jo: Tar-Tar, babes. Deep breaths. Listen to me. What happened sucked, but you need to put it behind you. I would love for you to replace that horrible memory of your first time with something that one day you’ll remember with happy feelings. But you don’t have to do anything you don’t want, ok? Have fun and see how you feel. And just know that you have the room to yourself if you decide that you want to invite Tucker or Colsen over. I’ll keep my phone handy in case you need me, too. If anything goes wrong in any way, just text me and I’ll be there in no time. Talia’s parents live only a couple of blocks away from Sam’s. Ok?
My chest fills with love and gratitude for my best friend.
Me: Ok. What have I done to deserve the best friend in the world?
Jo-Jo: You’re the sister I’ve never had, babes. I love you.
Me: I love you too. To the moon and back.
Jo-Jo: I know. Now, go back to your date. I’m going to expect a full report tomorrow with all the details.
Me: Yes, ma’am. You have fun too, ok?
Jo-Jo: You know me. Fun is my middle name. Go get ‘em, tiger!
CHAPTER NINE
RECOIL
TARYN
Whatever happens later, I’m having a blast with Tucker and Colsen.
These two men are so striking, with their tall, athletic bodies and their blond hair, and perfect smiles that they turn heads wherever they go.
But their similarities end with their similar coloring and with the fact that they’re teammates and they’re very popular in town.
It doesn’t take much to see that their personalities are almost polar opposites.
Tucker is a ray of sunshine, smiling and joking with every single person who stopped them to wish them another winning season next year.
Colsen is nice and polite, but more quiet and reserved than his best friend.
It takes the handsome center a little longer to feel comfortable, but once he does, he’s a hoot. His sense of humor is more subtle compared to Tucker’s, but his wit makes me curious to find out more about what makes him tick.
One thing they both seem to thrive off is competition. I guess it isn’t a surprise, given that they’re college hockey stars headed to the NHL after graduation.
