Page 180 of Cross Check

I’m keeping our relationship safe inside a goddamn vault. I’m taking it to my fucking grave because it’s what she wants, and there’s not a thing Lia could ask for that I wouldn’t bend over backward to give her.

“You’re right, E,” I say. “I am a pushover. Secrets don’t stand a chance with me.”

“Circling back to the book, because that’s why we’re all here, I liked the male main character,” Hudson says. “My favorite parts were when he washed her hair when she wasn’t feeling well and made sure she ate after a long day of work.”

“You have a strong love of food,” I point out. “Makes sense why you liked those scenes.”

“Hair washing is boring. Let’s talk about the sex.” Ethan grins. “I never thought a hay bale would have so many uses, but damn. Those two made it work for multiple positions.”

“I don’t understand the logistics with the hay.” I tap my cheek. “Was she kneeling?”

“This is my moment to shine. Let me provide a demonstration.” Ethan jumps to his feet and drags the ottoman to the center of the room. He climbs on it, placing his knees and palms on the furniture. “She was on all fours like this. Gives the guy a great angle to get nice and deep.”

“Jesus Christ. If I had known I was signing up for a sex show, I wouldn’t have come.” Liam buries his face in his hands. “Do we really need a reenactment, Richardson?”

“I find it incredibly helpful.” Riley smirks. “Thank you for bringing that visual to life, E.”

“I’m in hell,” Liam grumbles.

“It’s never too late to learn things, Goalie Daddy,” Connor says, and Liam launches a pillow at him.

“That position only works if everyone is the same height. It would be too low for me, since I’m the tallest on the team.” Maverick kisses Murphy again and puts her in her bassinet. “If there were three bales of hay? Now we’re talking.”

“You are not the tallest on the team,” Hudson says, and Maverick gapes at him.

“Are you kidding me? I have an inch on you, Hayes. At least. Don’t make me get out the tape measure.”

“The problem with three bales of hay is the stability,” Riley counters. “The higher you get, the more likely the bales are to tip over if they’re not perfectly aligned.”

“When did you become a physicist, Mitchy?” Connor asks. “It’s a shame we don’t have more ottomans to see how high E can get before he falls over.”

“If I push him, he’s not going to make it any higher,” Liam says. “And I’m tempted.”

“No violence, please,” Maverick says. “We just had the walls painted, and I don’t need Emmy pissed at me because they’re chipped already.”

“I like the color.” I look around the room and take in the light shade of blue. “Hey! It matches our jerseys!”

“We wanted it to represent where we first met, so we went with the DC Stars blue. Whoever wins the next Stanley Cup gets to decide the dining room wall color. We can’t come to an agreement.”

“A Stanley Cup win for the Sea Crabs might happen sooner rather than later with Amelia Green starting in Baltimore next season,” Riley says. “I’m excited to see how she does, and it’s awesome she and Emmy get to team up.”

“She’s going to be great,” I blurt. “Emmy mentioned their last coach could barely get through a practice without breaking a stick. At least Lia—A-Amelia—doesn’t have anger issues. The Sea Crabs were smart to hire her. She knows the game better than anyone, and she has two Stanley Cups under her belt. Just, you know.” I shrug. “Casual observation.”

“I think she’s going to be great too,” Hudson adds. “I read an article about Baltimore’s owner, and she has some big plans. It’s inspiring. Green will have a lot of tools at her disposal to make the best possible team.”

“Damn. You all are making me want to keep up with the other teams in the league so I can be a part of this conversation.” Ethan looks over his shoulder on the ottoman. “As long as the Sea Crabs don’t beat us in the East, I’m happy.”

“We’re not going to let that happen,” I say, but it might be fun to wager a bet with Amelia when our teams play each other. “If you’re finished with your demonstration, E, I’m going to head out. I’m getting dinner with Han, and she’s a lot more enjoyable than whatever this is.” I wave to the position he’s still in. “But you all have fun.”

“Tell your sister I think she’s hot,” Ethan calls out. “And if she wants to go to dinner, my door is always open.”

“I will literally mess up your face if you put a finger on my sister,” I answer, pulling on my coat and shoving my beanie on my head. “Go hit on someone else, Richardson.”

I send Hannah a quick text to let her know I’m on my way and hop in my car. The drive is short, the roads are quiet, and I find a parking spot out front. She’s waiting for me at a table along the wall when I make it inside, and she waves as I meander through the crowded room.

“Hi,” I say. “Sorry I’m late. Book club took a turn like it always does.”

“Do you guys actually talk about books? Or is it code for something else?” she asks.