Page 44 of Three Hockey Hotties

Normally it would be because he’s waiting for Benjamin to finish cooking breakfast but that’s definitely not it this morning.

He’s waiting for Abby to emerge from her room.

We all are.

Benjamin is cracking eggs and flipping bacon, but he also keeps glancing over his shoulder toward the stairs.

I wasn’t sure if he would be as into Abby as me and Kane—he isn’t impulsive normally—but he clearly is.

Me? I’m drinking a protein shake while I wait for the fresh food because I consume a lot of calories.

But I have myself positioned so that I have the perfect view of the top of the stairs.

That’s why I’m the first to see Abby.

I straighten up immediately, and smack Kane on the arm so he’ll quit his pacing.

Abby is dressed for work in a blouse with a bow and fitted pants and low heels.

Yesterday was pink.

Today’s theme is red with a splash of pink.

Red pants.

Red heels.

A red headband.

I don’t think of cherries or fire trucks.

Nope.

Immediately my mind fills with strawberries.

I swear I can even smell the fruity sweet scent of her shower gel as she descends the stairs.

The soft delicate blouse is pink and so is her ever-present water bottle.

“Morning,” I murmur, ripping my tongue off the roof of my mouth.

She gives me a smile. Maybe a slightly hesitant smile, but it’s a smile.

Kane bounds over to her and goes in for a hug. Abby hugs him back but it’s stiff.

She shoots a nervous glance over at Benjamin at the stove. He doesn’t look over his shoulder now, seemingly determined to focus on breakfast.

Interesting.

Last night everything felt so comfortable and natural.

Abby had been snug up between me and Kane, relaxed enough to fall asleep with our limbs all tangled up together.

It felt like we’ve always done that.

Like we always will.

But now…