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“Can we go home?” I ask sleepily.

“Yup.” He finishes gathering our things and gets out his phone to call a ride.

I manage a shy smile at Jamie and Viggo, whisper good night, and before I know it, I’m in bed and fast asleep.

* * *

We sleep in the next day and when we finally stir, Cash gets busy doing laundry and packing for the upcoming road trip. I need to get home to do my own laundry for the week, though it’s not as pressing of an issue as it is for him.

“You’ve got this down to a science,” I say, watching him close his suitcase.

“Been doing this a long time,” he says. “Road trips are part of my life so I try to make packing efficient.”

“I’m a lot more haphazard,” I admit. “But I probably bring a lot more stuff than you do, generally speaking.”

He chuckles. “You definitely bring more toiletries.”

“It takes a lot to stay pretty.”

“I think you’re beautiful without any enhancements.”

I smile. “I’m talking about sunscreen and moisturizer and stuff, the things that keep my skin looking good.”

“I do like your skin.” He wiggles his eyebrows playfully.

I love his sweet playfulness, but I feel like we need to talk about last night. “Hey, Cash?”

“Yeah?” He must hear a change in my tone because he pauses what he’s doing to look at me curiously.

“Is last night going to cause trouble for you with your Coach?”

He shakes his head. “No. I don’t think so. Coach would have left the area or said something to me in the moment. He doesn’t hold back if he has an opinion about something important.”

I nod. “Okay. I just want to be sure.”

“Are you…embarrassed?”

“No.” I answer quickly. “I just don’t want it to impact your job.”

“I wouldn’t do anything that would do that. Trust me. Everything is fine.”

“As long as you’re sure.”

“I am. But I’ll mention it to Coach on the trip, if it makes you feel better.”

“It would. It’s not really about me, but I’d hate it if my sexual exploration reflected badly on you.”

“West and Serena might make us pay to have their hot tub cleaned,” he jokes, “but otherwise, I think we’re okay.”

“Oh, shit, I didn’t even think about that! Should we offer?”

He laughs. “I’m pretty sure West was going to have both the pool and the hot tub cleaned after the party regardless. God only knows what else went on in there.”

“I didn’t even think about that. Gross.”

“I think it’s the risk you take if you have a party for a bunch of pro hockey players.” He leans over to kiss me. “Are you hungry? I feel like breakfast even though it’s nearly four.”

“Let’s go to the diner. Breakfast sounds good but I don’t feel like cooking.”