Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
“We should go to a game sometime,” Eric says. “I’ve been trying to get D to go with me forever.”
“We don’t have to do everything together,” Donovan replies playfully.
“Yeah, but everything’s more fun with you.” I wait for Eric to snicker, like he’s joking too, but I’m pretty sure the guy is serious. The two of them are definitely close.
“If it’s a sport, Eric likes it. I don’t mind going, though. It’s fun every once in a while,” Donovan adds.
“I’d be down. I like hockey.” Anthony points to me. “And we know Hayes likes it too.”
I’m not sure if I make a face, but when everyone looks my direction, they must see something there, or remember the fact that the only reason we’re all in a room together is because I proposed to Malcolm at a Rebels game. That one choice sent us viral as the known Los Angeles members of the Jilted Exes’ Club.
“It’s probably too late in the season to worry about that,” Donovan says. He’s a peacekeeper. The type of man with a big heart who wants to make everyone feel better.
“Yeah, maybe next year,” Anthony adds, and…I’m a strange mix of emotions. I don’t really know how to feel or why my heart feels so much bigger. Words escape me. I should say something, right? But when I don’t even know what’s going on, it’s difficult to make anything come out.
“And the Rebels score again!” I hear in the background, and the people around me erupt into cheers.
I sit back and allow myself to enjoy the rest of the game.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Rylan
The buzzing beneath my skin won’t stop. We played an incredible game tonight. I feel like I’m hyped up on too much caffeine, like I need to do something to get all this excited energy out.
“We’re going out tonight to celebrate.” Stevens wraps an arm around me when we get back to the hotel. We’re not flying out until tomorrow. “Not too late because Coach and Volkov will kick our asses, but we deserve a drink or two after the game we played.”
We do. It felt like there was magic in the arena tonight, which is the best feeling to have this far into the season.
My first thought is to tell him hell yeah because honestly, I haven’t been out in a long time. I’m usually a sure thing for going out with the guys, but it’s already late, and if I go out now, then it might be too late to talk to Hayes when I get back. I’m sure to be too exhausted to keep my eyes open after a game and then going out.
Okay, I might be exaggerating. Really, I just don’t want to miss my call with Hayes. I look forward to our talks, especially when I’m on the road. I like seeing his face as he mentions things I did in the game. I like the feeling of knowing he’s watching me.
And clearly, I like to torture myself with this annoying crush I have on him. Every time I see him, I can’t stop myself from wondering if there’s a chance he’ll ever feel the same, and if I’d be good in a relationship, or obsessing about why I want one for the first time in my life.
“Actually, I think I’ll stay in,” I tell Stevens. I feel Mads’s gaze on me. I glance his way, and he grins. I give him the finger.
Stevens frowns. “You always go out with us.”
I cross my arms. “Not always.” I’m sure there has been at least one time in the past that I’ve hung back when the team went out.
“Hey, Jonesy. Pierce isn’t going out with us tonight,” Stevens says to the guy who takes shifts with me on the ice.
“Why? You sick? Please don’t be sick. With the way you’ve been playing, that’s the last thing we need.”
“I’m not sick. I just don’t feel like going out.” Mads and Stevens laugh at me.
“I’ll meet you in the lobby in ten,” Mads tells Stevens before going to the elevator with me. “You gonna talk to your guy?”
“He’s not my guy,” I say, but really, I want him to be. This is the most miserable thing that’s ever happened to me. “But yes. I’m gonna talk to him.”
The elevator doors close behind us, and Mads leans against the wall, grinning at me.
“What?”
“You’re really into him.”
“No I’m not,” I say. He cocks a brow, and my mouth opens on its own, the worst things ever falling out. “Holy shit, I am. What the fuck is wrong with me? I’ve never felt this way in my life, and I happen to catch feelings for someone who only wants to have sex with me?”
My ex-best friend laughs.
“It’s not funny.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be a dick. I’ve just never seen you like this before. You’re the most honest person I know. Tell him how you feel.”