Page 11 of Home for the Holidays

Viv waves the phone. “By definition, a meathead. Trust me, I’d know.”

She’s the oldest of six siblings, five of whom are professional athletes. Including her.

“He’s completely different than Erik. Physically, that is.” She squints at the phone. “Is his chest waxed?”

“I’m sure it’s just shaved,” I mutter.

“He’s definitely wearing body oil,” she continues. “He’s gorgeous. Fuck, if you don’t go after him, I will.”

“I’m not going after him. He’s giving me a place to stay.”

“Yeah, and you can give his cock a place to stay.” She waggles her eyebrows.

“Gross.”

“Seriously, Rach.” Viv sets her hand on my arm. “You deserve a little casual fun with a nice guy. It doesn’t have to be with this dude. It doesn’t have to be forever. It can just be a little bit of fun for now.”

“I dated his brother,” I remind her.

“Yeah. When you were in high school. That doesn’t count,” she retorts.

Glancing around us, I lower my voice. “I slept with his brother.”

“Was it good?”

I shrug. “I mean, it was both of our first time. It… he wasn’t great.” We were having sex as often as possible for two teenagers who lived at home for maybe six months before we ended things. It didn’t get much better. It wasn’t until college that I realized what sex was supposed to be like.

I guess it was too much to expect Josh to suddenly be devoted and doting in bed. Then again, he was kind of a dick out of bed, too.

“Then let the kid brother show up the older brother.” Viv smirks.

I wince. “And let him brag about me to Josh? Gross.”

She shrugs. “So don’t go for it. Let someone else snap him up.”

“He’s not a cookie at a dessert bar.”

“No,” Viv agrees. “He’s the entire buffet, ready for your taking.”

six

. . .

Jake

We win. It’s a glorious win, too, four goals to one.

I’m flying high as we shuttle down the chute toward the locker room. Flinging myself onto the locker stall bench, I sit there for a moment and breathe, taking it all in.

My phone buzzes in my locker, and swiveling in my seat, I reach for it. There’s a bunch of messages on the screen, but my eyes narrow in on the most recent.

Good game, Rachel texted. Where should I meet you?

I gave her the address of the bar already.

“Hey,” I nudge MacGregor. “Where does Hailey usually meet you?”

“In the tunnel?” He cocks his head. “Wait, did you send your girl to the WAGs suite?”