Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 91595 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91595 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
We have a good laugh about that, because he isn’t wrong. But that doesn’t mean I’m gonna help Matt out and not tell his wife about his big mouth.
CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
Dean
I have two Thursdays a month that are mine and mine alone.
Between Wagner and me, we have a great schedule that makes sure I’m able to be home for Skyye on my weeks and still have two days for myself. When Wagner asked me what day I wanted, I picked Thursdays so I can play hockey and then go to Whiskey and Whirl Night at the Thirsty Pine. I’m usually really excited for my nights, but tonight, I’m feeling a little off.
Probably because I want to keep texting Kenni, but I don’t know how to act like I’m not fucked for her.
I feel like everything I say is like a neon sign telling the world: I want Kenleigh Colburn.
I’m sitting with most of my gear on, staring at my phone, while everyone else is getting ready for our game. I play for the firehouse’s team, Hat Trick Heroes B team, on my Thursdays, and then for the Beer League Belles’ A team on Saturdays, when I’m off. Since the firehouse doesn’t have a consistent team of players who can play all the time, we picked the B League so we don’t get crushed. I get that this is just a beer league, but I love winning.
I glance down at my phone, to the open thread between Kenni and me.
Me
I’m assuming it was you who cleaned my truck and my hat?
Kenni
Yup, thanks for taking care of me. The coffee was a godsend. Next time, though, make sure you set up an IV drip.
Me
Next time?
Kenni
You know it.
I don’t know if I should circle back and tell her I’ll always take care of her. That it was my pleasure to bring her coffee, that maybe next time, we can go together. I want to ask what she’s done the last three days.
Fuck, I just want to talk to her. But can I? Should I?
Between her sister being my baby mama and my sister being her best friend and her just filing for divorce, can I really talk to her like I want?
Fuck. I feel like I’m eighteen again, just wanting a fraction of her time.
As if I’m once again leaning in to kiss her before I’m yanked away.
When my buddy Liam Cutler sits beside me, he hands me a beer before leaning back into the wall. He played for the Belles before my game and usually comes to sit with me before I hit the ice. He taps his beer to mine, and we both take long pulls.
“I’m not going to make it out tonight. I have a super-early morning. We’re heading to Knoxville for a tournament.”
I nod. He already told me this, but since he’s mentioning it again, something must be up. He coaches the 16u-18u travel teams for the Ice Thistle with his daughter. His boys are super talented, and he has kids coming in from all over to play for him. He’s a damn good coach. So is Chelsea.
“No worries. I’ll drink one for you and take a pretty girl for a whirl.”
I wink and he snorts. “I’m sure that’s no hardship. Though, I’m surprised you didn’t ask Kenni to go out with you.”
I roll my eyes. “Why would I do that?” He gives me a knowing look, and I shrug. “She’s just coming out of a marriage.”
“That ended six years ago,” he says, like I don’t know every detail. I’m always thankful that Missy has a bigger mouth than a largemouth bass. That’s the only reason I know anything about Kenni.
Unable to handle what he’s throwing at me, I ask, “You excited for the tournament?”
Liam sighs deeply, and I smile knowingly. I knew something was up. “Chelsea is bringing him with her.”
I hold back my grin. “Him? You mean her boyfriend, Jackson.”
Liam glares at me. “Why does he need a title?”
I guffaw at that, taking a long pull of my beer. Licking my lips, I ask, “What are you going to do when they get married?”
His eyes widen to saucers. “What the fuck, man?”
“Come on,” I urge. “You can tell she likes him a lot, and he adores her.”
Liam shakes his head. “I don’t like it.”
“Will you like anyone?”
Liam shrugs. “Maybe when she’s thirty.”
I laugh as I knock my shoulder into his. “Give him a chance.”
He thinks that over as I start to tape my shin guards in place. When I slide my Hat Trick Heroes jersey over my head, he sighs deeply again. “I don’t know, man. His parents are batshit.”
“That’s family. Look at mine.” I stand to tie my girdle. “Plus, Kara isn’t that bad.”
The mention of Jackson’s mom has Liam staring at me, unamused. “She made it her goal to beat me at everything. The only thing she couldn’t beat me at was hockey.”