Page 52 of Tripped Up

Puppy stood guard at the lounge door, practically baring his teeth at any players who went near the room while they were asleep. Once they were awake, giggly and happy again, he relaxed a bit.

Hey, if his career in hockey doesn’t work out, he can always moonlight as a bodyguard.

I give Riley a nod as I enter the lounge after our on-ice practice and a shower. He’s back at his post, guarding the two most precious people in my life.

Bex is sitting at the island barstools, eating salmon and rice. Ah, pregame fuel. Most of the other players are still in the showers or getting treatment, but in about half an hour, this place will be packed to the brim with hungry hockey players.

“Where’s Elsy?”

My sister laughs. “So that’s how it is.”

I frown. “What?”

“Hey, little sister, how was your flight, good to see you, hope you’re feeling okay,” she snarks.

Rolling my eyes, I round the island and tug her into a hug.

“Rebecca Lynn. You got drunk and showed up at my work.”

“Yeah, and your first question is about my best friend.”

Shame-faced, I sigh. “Yeah. I guess so. Sorry.”

She shakes her head, spearing a piece of salmon with her fork. “She’s fine. Mitch called.”

“Fucking hate that guy,” I mutter.

“There’s nothing going on with them,” she says.

“No, I know.” Elsy made it clear she’s not into him that way. I’ve never doubted that. It doesn’t take away my envy at his getting to know a part of her that I never will. He’s her family. She loves him.

She tolerates me.

“Not like there is with you two,” Bex says pointedly.

Groaning, I sink onto the stool opposite hers. “Shut up.”

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” I mutter, grabbing her plate.

She tugs it back. “I don’t believe that at all.”

“I’m not talking about this with you.” I run a hand over my face.

“So there is something going on.”

I glare at her.

“Hey, I just want you to be happy,” Bex says. “If my best friend does it for you, good, go after her. Don’t let her get away.”

“Don’t intend to,” I mutter under my breath.

“So what’re you going to do? A grand gesture?”

“Can’t I just ask her out?”

Bex pins me with a look. “No.”