Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
What are they even talking about? “That’s because I didn’t. He asked if I wanted to try this new restaurant on La Cienega, and I said yes.”
“Sounds like a date to me.” Hayes cocks a brow, giving me his serious face.
“I’ve gone out to a meal with each of you, and that wasn’t a date,” I remind them. My response seems to stump them, but for a reason I can’t explain, I’m not as happy about that as I should be.
“That’s different,” Donovan replies.
I look back and forth between them. “How is it different?” No way Kason Maddox asked me on a date. I would know if he’d asked me on a date. I might not be boyfriend material, but I’ve had enough experience with men to know that.
“It just…is,” Hayes replies.
“Compelling argument you have there.”
“Because it would be perfect if you and Mads became boyfriends and then we’d all live happily ever after?” Donovan says it like it’s a question.
“Being in a relationship with someone isn’t the only way to have an HEA,” I tell them. “Unless you’re reading a romance novel.”
“Right?” Hayes asks.
“Exactly.” The three of us chuckle. “Seriously, though, I know the two of you have noticed we’ve become friendly. It’s…nice, having someone else to hang out with. Someone I can trust.”
“I’m glad you have him,” Donovan tells me.
“I guess if you’re not going to date, friends is the next best thing.” Hayes playfully nudges me. “I’m joking, in case you can’t tell.”
“I can.” I wrap an arm around him and give him a hug.
Intermission ends, and I can’t stop myself from watching as Kason skates onto the ice. He looks over and waves. I have one of those TV moments where I want to look behind me to see if he’s waving at someone else before I remind myself how ridiculous that is.
Kason is my friend. Of course he would wave at me. I’m being really fucking weird right now. Maybe it’s because of Hayes and Donovan’s wishful thinking.
Hockey immediately takes me out of my thoughts, Seattle winning the face-off. They fly down the ice toward Kason, their right winger flicking the puck toward their left, who takes a shot. For a second, I think it gets past Kason’s gloved hand that shot out faster than anyone has a right to be able to move, but the lamp doesn’t light up. Holy shit. He’d batted the puck, and Stevens is there to get it, the Rebels heading down, trying to score.
Both teams take shots as the game progresses, neither able to get it into the net until Tremblay intercepts the puck, making a forward hand pass to Kennedy. The black disk flies so quickly, I can hardly keep up with it, but the crowd cheers, everyone on their feet as the Rebels score again.
It’s a rough game after that, intense and quick as Seattle works their asses off to get a score on the board, but I swear I can feel the determination pouring off Kason. He’s everywhere he needs to be at the exact moment, and when the final bell buzzes, I’m screaming at the top of my lungs for his shutout, heart breakdancing against the walls of my chest.
After the game, Donovan heads straight home to his husband, but Hayes and I stick around. I’m not sure why I am, but then, Kason did get me this ticket, and I don’t want to bail on him without saying thanks.
Me: That was fucking amazing.
Mads: One more infinity point for me.
Me: Is that what we’re calling them now?
Mads: I’m feeling pretty invincible tonight, so I can say that. You have plans?
Me: Nah, I’m free. Wanna do dinner?
I mean, I do owe him after the other night.
Mads: I’d rather stay in if you don’t mind.
Me: A new episode of Sunset Boulevard dropped.
Mads: God, you’re fucking perfect. I’ll meet you at your place?
I’ve never met a guy so into queer drama shows in my life, but I’m here for it. The same is boring, and Kason Maddox is anything but the same.
Me: Sounds good.
I say my goodbyes to Hayes and head to my car. Traffic isn’t quite as bad as it would have been if I’d come right when it was over, but it still takes me longer than I’d hoped to get back to my apartment. I change into a pair of shorts and a tank top, and I’m just looking through my fridge to see if there is anything I can make us for a late dinner, when there’s a knock at the door. My lips automatically curl into a smile.
When I pull the door open, Kason is there, wet hair peeking from under his hat, and he’s wearing a grin of his own.
“You hungry? I assume you ate before the game, but you probably worked up an appetite while earning yourself a shutout.”