Page 40 of Risking the Pucking Defense

It’s been five days since the wedding. I thought I’d have heard something by now. The fact I haven’t tells me everything I need to know about those few hours we spent together. She really meant what she said that morning in my hotel room. She has forgotten all about it. All about me. I thought… I thought she’d a least check in after everything that happened.

With a sigh, I slip my feet into my sneakers, shove my skates into a rucksack, pocket my cell, place a hat on my head, and follow them out.

I wasn’t planning on spending all day on the couch reading; I was going to hit the gym and go to the grocery store. But this is so much better.

The guys all joke around as they get their skates on. Just hearing their voices and their laughter makes me feel lighter.

In only a few minutes, we take off toward the ocean.

It’s a fucking distance from my place, but I’m up for the challenge, and by the time we skate down the promenade, I am more than ready for the breakfast I was promised.

“Fuck,” Linc grunts as he falls into a chair at one of the diner’s outside tables. “I need another few weeks.”

“If only,” Kodie agrees.

“Nah, I’m ready for it,” Killer states.

“Same,” I agree.

“I’m not ready to constantly be saying goodbye to Bea and missing out on all the baby stuff.”

“Who are you, and what have you done with Everett Donnelly?” Linc deadpans.

“I dunno what to say, man. I’m fucking gone for that girl.”

I watch Rett, the way his whole expression softens as he talks about Bea.

I’m sure he’d be the first one to say he never saw her coming, but damn, we didn’t either.

“Just you and me now, Marilyn,” Killer states. “I’m gonna need you as a wingman after our home opener.”

“You don’t need my help. You’re more than capable of pulling multiple bunnies in one night.”

“Pfft, of course I am. That’s not in question. It’s just nice to have a partner in crime.”

“You know, it’ll get old eventually,” Kodie warns.

“Maybe so. But that isn’t now, and with you lot out of the game, someone needs to reassure the bunnies that we haven’t forgotten them.”

“There are plenty of others on the team who are willing to play that game,” Linc points out.

“Yeah,” Killer mutters. “But they’re not you guys.”

“Aw, Calvin. Are you getting all soft on us?”

“Hell, no. What I meant to say was that you’re a bunch of assholes, but I’m grateful you’ve left all the bunnies to me. It’s going to be a fucking epic season, boys.”

We don’t have drinks yet, so instead of raising a glass, we all put our fists in.

“To an awesome season,” we all sing.

Thankfully, the server comes over with menus and a coffee pot, and we all fall silent as we decide what we want to eat.

I make my decision pretty fast, and after lowering the menu, I scan the faces of the men around me.

“I don’t want to make a big deal about it because I’m kinda a mess and I don’t want to ruin the day by getting emotional, but I just want to tell you all how much I appreciate you.” Despite not wanting to get emotional, my voice cracks on the final few words.

“What did I tell you, man?” Rett says after throwing his arm around my shoulder. “We’ve got you. Always.”