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He nods slowly. “Uh-huh.”
“Seriously. That we managed to be in the same room and not rip each other’s heads off is a miracle.” Although it’s been better lately. Last night was good after I stopped being a dick. And this morning was…nice. I ball the rag up and toss it on the counter, then go back and smooth it out, because it drives her up the wall when Flip and I do that.
“Right. Okay. You keep living in the land of denial.” Roman stands.
“I’m not in the land of denial. She annoys the hell out of me.” Especially when she wears those tiny shorts when Flip’s around, and I can’t bend her over the nearest surface and spank her naughty ass.
“If you say so. Ready to hit the pool?”
“Yeah.” I put on my slides and grab my duffle.
“One last question, though, and then I’ll drop it.”
I make a go-on motion.
“Does Flip know you’ve got a thing for his sister?”
“Fuck off. We barely tolerate each other.” At least that’s how I felt when she moved in. Now, though…I’m not so sure.
Ipush myself hard during my workout with Roman, and push myself even harder during the team skate. I need to play tighter during our next exhibition game or Hollis will take my place on first line. And rightfully so if I keep playing like it’s my first year in the pros.
Then I meet my dad for a quick coffee since he’s in the city and between meetings.
“How you feeling about the exhibition game this weekend?” he asks.
“All right. Hoping it goes better than last night.” I shake my head.
“Hollis being back is stressing you out, eh?” He sips his coffee.
“Yeah. Got inside my own head. I’m my own worst enemy sometimes.”
Dad nods.
“How’s Brody doing?” I ask.
“He’s okay. He had an off game the other night. He was supposed to go out with some of his teammates, but decided to stay home instead, which isn’t like him.”
Those hickeys and bite marks the last time he and I shot the puck around come to mind. Maybe he’s avoiding that girl because he’s not into her and doesn’t want the awkwardness. I’ve done the same thing when Flip has brought home girls and I didn’t feel like being part of the party. “I should call him. Make sure he knows we all have bad games.”
Dad nods. “It’d be good for him to hear that from you. He has practice until eight tonight, but maybe after that.”
“Okay. And once I’m back from the game this weekend, I’ll come your way for dinner or something.”
We talk for a bit longer, and I go over my brother’s game schedule and compare it with mine. It looks like I’ll be able to make a few of his games this month, but once the season starts, it’ll be harder. I promise to call later in the week, and when Dad leaves for his next meeting, I head to the gym so I can run out some of my stress.
Flip and Bea are already in the kitchen when I get home a couple hours later. It smells freaking fantastic.
“Dude, we’re having a quesadilla fiesta tonight!” Flip passes me a beer. “How was your dad?”
“Good. We had a quick coffee between meetings. This looks amazing. Can I do anything to help?”
“Nope. You’re good.” Bea keeps her eyes on the lime she’s cutting into wedges.
We sit down for dinner, but everything feels off. Bea ignores my existence and gives me one-word answers. I would have expected that before, but I sort of thought we were heading for civil territory, especially after last night.
Maybe she’s so quiet and standoffish because we’re lying to Flip. Fresh guilt gnaws at me, along with a general unease. I can’t decide why I feel bad—because I’m lying to my best friend, or because it puts Bea in a weird position. Or both. I don’t want her to call off our sex pact, though. I still want more.
I get a minute with her after dinner when Flip disappears into the bathroom. “What’s going on?”
She purses her lips. “I’m trying not to be obvious, and it’s hard when you look like that.” She flings a hand toward me.
“Like what?” I run a palm down my chest. I’m wearing a T-shirt and joggers.
She rolls her eyes. “A snack.”
I smirk. “You should come to my bedroom later. I’ll give you something to snack on.”
She pokes my chest and grabs her purse. “Ugh. Your ego is annoying.”
Flip comes out of the bathroom as she slips into her shoes.
“You heading out?” Flip asks the question I can’t.
“Yeah. I’m getting a drink with Hemi and Hammer. You boys have a good night.”
And then she’s out the door.
“You wanna go out?” Flip asks. “I met a couple of superfans last night, and they’re heading to this club tonight.”
