Page 122 of The Casanova Complex

They came to surprise Bennett, and it honestly makes my heart squeeze because it’s not just a regular hockey game.

It’s family weekend, where the players’ families come in for a game, and they honor the seniors on the ice, followed by a dinner gathering at the arena.

When Bennett told me about it, he said it casually like it was no big deal, but it seems like it actually is.

He never mentioned if his family would be here tonight, so I’m really, really glad that his friends showed up for him.

“Yes, there are plays in hockey.” Maisie laughs and tucks a piece of her long, wavy blonde hair behind her ear. “And Bennett is killing it tonight.”

Lennon leans past Maisie and grins, waggling her eyebrows. “Probably because he has you here. He’s showing off for his girl.”

His girl.

I still can’t believe that I’m Bennett Legros’s girl.

Out of everyone on the entire planet, I could’ve never imagined he would be who I ended up with, but I think if this year has taught me anything, it’s that the universe is always in control, and we’re just along for the ride.

“Okay.” I nod with a small smile. I’m rubbing my hands up and down the front of my jeans because suddenly, I’m nervous that somehow we’re going to lose this game, even though we’re up by four points, and per the girls, that’s a really good lead to have in a hockey game.

When the puck goes flying down the ice, being chased by a guy on the other team, I leap up from my seat again, screaming, “Let’s go, Goalie! You… guard that net! Beat their asses!”

Okay, yeah, I’m getting a little too into this.

I just… I want this for Bennett.

Maisie giggles and glances at Lennon, sharing something in their expressions before looking back at me. “Yeah, I can see exactly why Bennett likes you. You are perfect for him.”

My cheeks heat as I sink back down into the seat, feeling the flush slowly creeping up my neck.

“He deserves someone passionate about him,” Maisie says softly.

I can’t believe I was worried about meeting her tonight.

He mentioned in passing that he used to have a crush on Maisie. That she’s part of what helped open his eyes to making a change in himself.

So, was I a little nervous about meeting her? For sure.

I wasn’t jealous or anything like that; I was just worried because I didn’t know what the dynamic was between them or how it would be between her and me.

And if I’m being totally honest, Blake kind of fucked me up when it comes to this. He cheated on me with a girl he swore was just a friend, like a sister to him, and is literally still dating her.

At least I think he is. I’m at the point that I’m doing my best to pretend he no longer exists. Number and socials blocked.

But, still, the insecurity is there and making me question things that I shouldn’t.

Within the first five minutes of meeting her, I realized that I had been worried, even if it was only a tiny bit, for nothing because she is so sweet, and warm, and funny. And truly head over heels in love with her man.

I honestly think I’m going to have to steal both Maisie and Lennon from Bennett. I have zero doubt that they’d fit in perfectly with me, Stella, and Mads. Honestly, sitting here with them now makes me miss my girls. I hate that we’re so far away and don’t get to see each other the way we used to when we were just ten minutes down the road.

“You know, I have been trying to get us all together for like months,” Lennon says with an eye roll and a laugh, “but this guy has been traveling so much this season, and I’ve been trying to finish class here while he’s living part-time in New York when he’s not on the road.”

The man sitting next to her, with his dark hair and eyes, seems unnaturally quiet. Stoic? Reserved? Honestly not sure which word that I would use for him, but he has said a total of maybe four words sitting here with us, and there are only minutes left in the third period.

He feels like an enigma compared to his girlfriend. She’s loud and bubbly and has asked me a billion and five questions since I sat down. Not because she’s nosy, but it seems like she genuinely wants to get to know me.

“Yeah, between everyone’s schedule and everything that Bennett had going on, we just haven’t been able to make it happen,” Maisie adds, and I nod.

“I totally understand. I swear the last six months have flown by so quickly that I feel like I blinked and they were gone.”