Page 70 of Risky Play

SWEET PEA: Miss you already! Good luck. I’ll be the one screaming my head off when you have the puck.

ME: About to take my nap. Can’t wait to see you later.

She sent me a heart emoji, and I felt the warmth of her smile on me, even though she wasn’t in the room. Then I shut my eyes and fell asleep.

When I woke from my nap, I grinned at a few more texts from Maddie, offering me encouragement. Not having had a girlfriend in a while, I forgot how nice it could be to have someone in your corner.

I got out of bed and took a quick shower. That was one reason I moved down here. With the full bath, I could have my own space downstairs, while Dinah and Noah had theirs upstairs.

I rubbed a towel over my head and tried to figure out which suit to wear. I tossed two of them on my bed and sent a text to Maddie for an opinion. I grinned when she texted me back right away.

SWEET PEA: The blue one! You look so hot in it.

That was my favorite one, too. It was the one I had worn to the wedding the night I met her and on the night I told her I didn’t want to be in the friendzone anymore. I was glad she loved it, too.

I dressed in it and snapped a selfie. My face hurt from smiling too much at the heart eyes and fire emojis she texted back.

SWEET PEA: Good luck, baby! Score a goal for me. Remember, more power in your shot.

ME: Okay, coach!

SWEET PEA: [grimace emoji] Sorry, can’t help it.

ME: Your place after the game?

SWEET PEA: Yes, please. You can tie me to the bed this time.

ME: Can’t wait.

I put my phone in the pocket of my suit and walked upstairs. Noah and Dinah were sitting at the kitchen table while Noah had his pregame meal. Dinah had her laptop, and her hair was in a bun, which meant she needed to get shit done. Those were her words, not mine.

“Hey,” I greeted them.

I walked toward the fridge and pulled out my pregame meal. I got pretty serious about nutrition during the season and was hardcore about meal prepping. I had to do extra laps on the ice today to work off dinner last night. I sat across from the couple and ate while my thoughts turned to tonight’s game.

“You ready for the game?” Dinah asked me.

“Think so.”

Noah nodded. “Good.”

“How was your date?” Dinah asked, her lips curving up into a mischievous grin.

I felt a lump in my throat. Was she fishing for information? “Good. Thanks for letting me use your car.”

“Anytime. When do we get to meet her?”

I sighed.

Noah nudged her. “He said it’s too early.”

“Oh. Well…hopefully, it works out. We’d love to meet this girl that makes you almost miss the jet,” Dinah teased.

Noah gave his wife a warning look, but I shook my head with a smile. That was D. She always busted my balls, and I wouldn’t have her any other way.

We cleaned up after eating and got ready to head out. Noah lifted Dinah up onto the kitchen counter so he could give her a kiss goodbye. I couldn’t help but smile at that. Dinah was so tiny beside him, but the love radiated off of them. I felt weird watching them while I pulled on my coat, but I couldn’t help but admire their love.

“Alright, rookie, let’s get to the arena,” Noah said and met me at the door.