Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 88895 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88895 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
“Ra!” escapes us as a unit.
“Let go get ‘em, boys!”
Returning to the rink reenergized and rejuvenized, I make one single lap around our goal, deliver a tap of luck to Wheaty’s pads, and park myself in the box.
The instant Layvon plants himself on the other side of the glass, I smugly goad, “Hey, Arden wanted me to deliver a message to you.”
There’s no reluctance for him to shift his attention to me.
“She’s a dragon,” I tug the side of my gear down just enough for him to see the fresh marks, “but also, a Slayer now.”
Chapter 23
Tanner
Would I trade being a Ted Lindsay award winning player for being a top cheddar barista?
No.
However, it is fun to pretend to be one.
Proves my mitts can be silky even serving coffee.
The soft launch opening of the new LMC store has been about as insane as an autograph night.
While fans were technically invited out to see us, it was season ticket holders only.
Of course, they were allowed guests which explains the high ratio of bunnies to broskies we’ve had parading themselves around the building.
For two hours straight, we’ve worked the room busing tables, pouring drinks, and of course posing for pictures.
Posing for pictures is what we’re fucking here for.
Good press.
And despite the fact we haven’t had any bad press this season – misbehavior rumors really aren’t bad press, just a bit unflattering to the PR department – Hot Rocket seems to believe we need more good press points on the board for when the puck slides the other way because according to her, it always does.
Bit pessimistic; however, it is not my call to make.
It’s hers.
That’s why almost the whole team has been here putting in facetime.
Sadly, because it’s a team event that means I have to share Arden with my mates rather than have her all to myself.
She did write “Hamster Boy” and doodle a dick on the coffee cup I’ve been sipping from, so she’s at least with me in spirit.
I plop a giant marshmallow on the beverage, plaster a wide grin onto my face, and gingerly push it across the counter space. “Smashing s’mores cold chocolate for Pattssee!”
A tall blonde sporting a thick pink sweater but very thin white skirt leans over at the same time she asks, “Two ts, two ss, and two ees?”
“That would be the one.” Shooting her a wink occurs between statements. “Enjoy.”
“Can I record you handing it to me?” The ruffle of her hair causes the tits I know she paid for to slightly bounce. “That would be sooooo soooo amazingggggg.”
“Of course,” I retort prior to picking up the beverage. Once she has her phone in place, clearly ready to film the moment, I repeat the action, “Smashing s’mores cold chocolate for Pattssee!”
“That’s meeee,” she theatrically croaks on a playful tossing of the wrist and freeze frame.
Hm.
Odd.
“I’m hoping to be an actress,” the female who can’t be much younger than me quickly explains, “so I’m constantly uploading stuff to my feed that I think would catch a talent agent’s attention.”
Less odd.
“What did you think of that take?” She indulges in a tiny sip. “Should we do it again?”
“I am fairly certain twice was adequate.”
Giggles are given yet cut off when she sees my teammate. “Ohmygod, you’re Peck!”
He gives the back of his neck an uncomfortable scratch. “Uh…yeah?”
“You’re my other favorite player.”
“Snowman, your first?”
“Yes…” She lets her teeth steal a brazen bite of her bottom lip. “But only because he’s single.”
I am not.
“We all knoowwww the ‘secret girlfriend’ thing is just a publicity stunt.”
It isn’t.
“Sorrrryyyyy, like…who wouldn’t be all over him, all the time, for like everyone to see if he were actually off the market, ya know?”
I am romantically off the market, and first thing tomorrow morning, I’m letting Coach know.
Arden’s surgery is less than a week away, and I want to be there.
I’m going to be there for it.
Yes, it is just an in and out procedure, but I want to have her back.
Be on the assist.
The one who holds her hand and promises it’ll all be alright when it’s over.
I’ve never asked for time off; therefore, I cannot imagine Coach denying me the scratch, yet once I explain the who it’s for part, I know I’ll be sent to Hot Rocket to possibly be cut.
And I say possibly because in theory if I tell her…if I approach her regarding the situation…explain I pursued Ducky – though I won’t call her Ducky during the revealing – then the blame will fall on me to which I can remind her of the streak I’ve helped us keep up, the extra coverage I’ve delivered in Cap’s current new dad absence, and being the face of the mini docuseries she wants to continue into the future seasons, the same docuseries that helped get us into this position to begin with meaning it’s all her fault we fell in love.