Page 23 of Cross Check

“Absolutely not. You deserve much better than any of those idiots. Stay far away from hockey guys.”

“What about you? Is there a new WAG in your life?”

“The only wagging that’s happening are the tails on Hudson’s dogs.”

“God.” Hannah groans. “Am I going to have to spend the next ten years seeing details of my brother’s sex life plastered on TMZ because you’re not settling down? Horrifying.”

“I’m not sure why TMZ would care about me. I’m a nobody in this league.”

“Please. People go wild for information about any athlete, and you’re no different. You’re young. You look like me, and I know I’m drop dead gorgeous so you’re not tragically inept in the appearance department.”

“Thanks, Han. How considerate of you.”

Our conversation continues until I pull up to the ice cream shop. My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I hold the door open, motioning for her to go ahead. I pull it out, expecting a message in our group chat about why I ditched book club early, but it’s not one of the guys.

It’s Amelia in my Instagram DMs, and I can’t fight off my grin.

“Are you ready to order, G?” Hannah swats at me, and I nearly drop my phone when her hand connects with my shoulder. “Are you blushing?”

“I’m not blushing. It’s warm in here.” I swipe across the notification, not caring how eager my fast response is going to seem. “Take my card and get me a scoop of cookies and cream in a cup. Tip them well, please.”

“You’re a horrible liar.” She takes my card. “I’m getting a double scoop for my troubles.”

When I’m safe from prying eyes, I steal a glance at my phone.

@AmeliaGreen

Think the Stars are going to make any moves at the trade deadline?

My fingers fly across the keyboard before my brain can catch up.

@GMoneyEverett118

Trying to get some secrets out of me?

@AmeliaGreen

Consider me bored at home while watching SportsCenter and listening to guys who don’t know a thing about our sport weigh in on potential trades that make no sense.

They said Maverick Miller should go to St. Louis. In what world would that work?

@GMoneyEverett118

What the hell is there to do in St. Louis?

@AmeliaGreen

I hear they have a very large arch.

I chuckle and check to make sure Hannah is still preoccupied.

@GMoneyEverett118

You’re someone who probably knows a lot of things that are above my pay grade as a player. Any plans to change Denver’s roster?

@AmeliaGreen

This is the best we’ve looked since we won the Cup. We’re not touching a thing.