Page 41 of Risking the Pucking Defense

The others agree, and thankfully, the conversation changes to the upcoming season and all attention turns away from me.

We have the best day. My skin is tender from the last of the summer sun, and my cheeks ache from laughing so much. It’s not something I thought I’d feel again for the longest time. But clowning around on the beach with the guys allowed me to let go of everything for a few hours.

At some point this afternoon, we were joined by Casey and Sutton, Freya, Bea, and Parker, who also brought Darcy and Brooke with her.

Brooke has spent most of the afternoon filming footage of us. Thirst traps, apparently. I swear to God, if she tells me to walk out of the ocean pretending I’m James Bond one more time, her cell is gonna be swimming with the fishes.

“Oh, yeah. That’s the one. The bunnies are gonna go feral over this.”

“Can you not stop her?” Kodie complains to Casey.

“You think I want to stop this? Are you crazy?” Casey shouts back from her position, lying out on a lounger with the others. Each of them has their sunglasses on, but I know they’re watching. I can feel their attention on me. I’m pretty sure Darcy is enjoying himself a little too much as well.

“We’re not exhibits at the fucking zoo.”

“Aw, Big D is getting grumpy,” Rett teases. “Do we need to get you an ice cream with sprinkles and extra sauce?”

“Fuck off, Donnelly.”

“Looking good, baby,” Parker catcalls Linc, making Rett groan.

“It’s all yours, pretty girl. You can make the most of it later. Aw,” Linc complains when Rett smacks him around the head.

As I watch the girls watch us, I can’t help but think someone’s missing.

I know she hardly ever hangs out with us all, but it still feels wrong.

When Brooke finally lets up, we all collapse on towels and loungers.

Unable to stop myself, I reach into my bag for my cell, and I’m tapping out a message before I can second-guess it.

Hayden: Hey, how’s it going? We’re all hanging out at the beach if you fancy joining us.

My heart slams against my ribs as I read back my message.

I shake my head, wondering why I thought it was a good idea.

She’ll never come. Hell, she probably won’t even read my message.

Feeling stupid, I put my cell face down on the towel and try to forget it ever happened.

“Beer?” Rett asks, passing a bottle over.

I shouldn’t. Training camp is almost upon us, and despite all my distractions, I want to be ready.

One won’t hurt, though.

I twist the top off and lift it to my lips, swallowing down the cool liquid. But it does very little to calm me down.

“Shall we order food?” Bea asks, clearly forgetting who she’s surrounded by.

The loud “yes” that comes back nearly knocks her off her lounger.

We place a colossal order that includes almost every side being delivered right to us.

Despite my cell being right there, I refuse to pick it up and check.

I know she won’t have read it, and she certainly won’t have replied. I don’t need the disappointment.