Page 131 of Three Hockey Hotties

Lots of cursing and snacking.

“I’m off to be the most amazing host who ever hosted,” Kane says, kissing the top of my head with a loud smack.

Dash reaches out and takes my hand. “What’s my assignment?” he asks, the corner of his mouth turning up in a small smile. “Or do I get to stay by you? Please?”

Big parties are not his thing and I know that. I squeeze his hand. “I would love it if you would restock the refrigerator with the beer and wine from the garage,” I tell him.

He gives me a grateful nod. “It’s only been an hour and I think Bennett and Gus have used up my social battery.”

That makes me laugh. I glance over at the two rookie Mutts players who appear to currently be in competition to see who can toss more cashews into their mouth. Neither was able to go home for the holiday because the Mutts play on Saturday and the travel time would have been too long so Dash invited them to join us. I think Gus is from Connecticut and Bennett is from Florida but I wouldn’t swear to it. They both have high energy and big grins.

Much more like Kane than Dash.

But Dash is also the one who made note of the fact that they had nowhere to go today and made sure they could enjoy the holiday.

Dash goes off to the garage and I squeeze a dollop of whipped cream onto a spoon and put it in my mouth, just to torture myself. Whipped cream has also become a signature playtime treat with my guys and now that Benjamin brought up sex I can’t stop thinking about it.

Besides, this is a great vantage point to survey the house and everyone in it.

It gives me a warm and tingling sensation to see everyone talking, laughing, getting along. Magda’s grandson came with her and he’s deep in conversation with Sadie, who is doing a very flirtatious hair flip. I’m not surprised. Tristan is a good-looking man.

Dash’s parents are with Kane and Benjamin’s parents chatting by the fireplace, and my work bestie, Thomas, is keeping score for Gus and Bennett.

The turkey is in the oven and will be done any minute now. Everyone has been noshing on appetizers and sipping drinks. The whole house is warm and filled with the aromas of a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

I want to pinch myself. This is so perfect.

It would only be better if my sister were here. I invited Emily and gave her the address and details but she didn’t respond.

My guys assured me that was all I could do but I’m still sad.

“Abby!” my dad calls out to me. “Benjamin just offered us season tickets to the Mutts!”

He’s beaming.

Benjamin looks both relieved and thrilled.

“That’s awesome, Dad! That means we can see you more often.”

He nods. “Any excuse to see my girl.”

I’m walking toward them to join the conversation when the doorbell rings. I pause and glance over.

“I’ll get it,” Dash says, his hands filled with two bottles of wine in each palm.

“It’s probably just a delivery,” I say. “I’ll get it. If someone is working on Thanksgiving, I want to give them a tip.” I open the drawer of the table by the front door and pull out a twenty from the stash of cash Benjamin keeps there in case it’s ever needed.

I pull the door open with a smile, “Thanks for⁠—

My jaw drops and tears fill my eyes.

It’s Emily. My sister. Standing there on our doorstep, a sheepish look on her face. Her dark hair is shorter than it used to be and her face is more mature. But it’s her.

She shrugs. “Hi.”

“You came,” I choke out, fighting the urge to reach out and pull her into my arms for the world’s biggest hug. But I resist. I don’t want her to bolt.

She has a bottle of wine in her hand. “Um, here.” She shoves it at me.