Page 40 of Pucking Bad Boys

“Vaughn,” Prescott clasps his shoulder to stop him from walking away. “Are you sure you’re ok? That big hit against the boards wasn’t the only one you took tonight. That McKenzie kid was riding you hard all night. I saw him smack into you a few times before that. And even after he got a major penalty, he came back on the ice still determined to beat the crap out of you. It looked almost personal.”

Heston remains uncharacteristically tight-lipped and our goalie insists.

“True,” Mack agrees. “But I’m a year older than you and I don’t think we’ve ever played his team. Not even during the preseason. He’s a local, isn’t he?”

“He is.” Prescott nods. “And he’s about your age. I know because the summer after he graduated high school, he did an internship with my dad when he still had his mechanic shop. He went to school at Star Cove High, and he must have been in your class, right? You guys were freshmen when I was a senior. I remember you trying out for the team but not him.”

A muscle ticks in Heston’s jaw. “He was on the team the year after you graduated. He was good, but he got injured early in the season senior year.”

“Way to reunite with an old teammate.” Prescott gawks.

“Yeah, well. I haven’t seen him since he left the team. He obviously recovered since he plays for the Raiders. I don’t know anything else. Now if you’ll excuse me, the beer won’t drink itself and the bunnies won’t bang themselves either. Let’s get this party on the road. We’re not all pussy whipped like you and blowing off the party to go on a date with our girlfriends.”

Our goalie chuckles. “You wish you had a girlfriend like Taryn.”

Heston’s smile widens. “You’re right about that. Your girlfriend has the hottest pair of tits I’ve ever?—”

“Do not finish that sentence, Vaughn.” Prescott’s smile vanishes and is replaced by a scowl. “Or the bruises McKenzie gave you tonight will be nothing compared to what I’m gonna do to you. Are we clear?”

To my surprise, Thomas and Belkin’s heads snap in our direction too. They both glare at Heston.

“Whoa, sorry. I was just stating a fact. You lost all your sense of humor since you got a serious girlfriend.”

Is he talking to all three of them? I’m a little confused about why Thomas and Belkin should get involved in a brawl about Prescott’s girl.

“Come on, Beavis,” Heston wraps his forearm around my neck, trying to pull me into a headlock. “I’ll be your wingman tonight. Let’s get you laid.”

I shove him away. “Dude. Can you not? Your dick just rubbed against my hip. Nothing wrong if you swing that way, but I don’t. Just FYI. And you’ll have to be my wingman another time. I’m going to the party with Genevieve.”

“You’re going to the party with Gen? As in your brother’s ex?” Heston gawks. “We follow a bro-code here, Shayba. That’s all kinds of fucked up.”

I feel my brother’s gaze on me. Mack is watching me, waiting for my answer.

“Slow your roll, Heston.” I bite out, annoyed. “We’ve known Gen our whole lives. She’s a friend, and it’s my first party on campus. We’re going as friends.”

Some of the tension in Mack’s shoulders eases at my words. “It’s fine, Vaughn. We’re all grown ups and Gen and Becks can do whatever they want. It doesn’t concern me.”

“Seriously?” Heston looks shocked. “Are you saying that it wouldn’t bother you if they hooked up?”

Mack shrugs. “All I can say is that if I were you,” he turns his gaze on me. “I’d think twice before sticking my dick in that woman. Gen isn’t the nice girl we grew up with anymore. Let’s just leave it at that.”

I frown. When I heard about their breakup, our parents had no idea what caused it. “Care to elaborate on that?”

“Let’s just say that Gen isn’t interested in a genuine relationship. She wants someone to control. If you want to go there, be my guest. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

My brother heads to the showers, leaving me with more questions than answers.

I don’t have to justify myself to him, but I meant it when I said I’m going to the party with Gen just as friends. There’s another woman on campus I hope to get to know better.

Chapter 12

Party Games

MACKLIN

When they say that hockey is king in Star Cove, they’re almost downplaying it.

Our college has a more than decent Division One football team that draws quite a few spectators to its games. A great swim team, and basketball team, and even a competitive skydiving team.