Page 114 of Hat Trick
“I’ve never had a friend with benefits either,” Lexi admits. She scoots across the wrinkled sheets and rests her cheek on my shoulder. “It’s mostly been one and done for me.”
“Personal preference? Or is it because my gender is a constant disappointment?”
“Both.” I feel the curve of her smile, and it makes me smile too. “I read romance books. I’ve seen my friends fall in love and get married and have everything they’ve ever wanted. I know it happens, I just… it’s hard for me to believe it’s real and true. Why waste my time and energy on something that might turn around and hurt me six months later? Or, even worse, six years later? I don’twantto be tied to someone else. I want to make my own happiness. My own rules.”
“I guess I could ask the same question about other things. Why get in a car when it could end with me losing my other leg? Just because something could happen doesn’t mean it will,” I say. “But I get it. Your independence is important to you. Letting another person in offers up the chance for you to lose that part of yourself.”
“Exactly.” Lexi props herself up on an elbow. “But I still have needs, you know? I may not want a ring on my finger, but I do want a couple of orgasms.”
“That’s my job.” I close my eyes. “I’ll be a good friend to you, Lex.”
“Speaking of friends, can we agree to keep this between us again? I know if I tell the girls, they’ll start coming up with couples names for us and asking how we’redefining our relationship. I’m not ready for an interrogation.”
“My lips are sealed.”
“Thanks.” She kisses my forehead, and the mattress dips when she rolls toward the edge of the bed. I crack an eye open and watch her scoop up her clothes. “I’m going to head out. I have some guys scheduled for taping before the game tomorrow night, and I need to be at the arena early.”
“If you give me a second, I’ll walk you out.”
“That’s okay.” Lexi smiles at me over her shoulder, clasping her bra and putting on her shirt. “I can find the door. It’s in the same place it was earlier.”
“Will you let me know when you’re home?” When she lifts an eyebrow, I roll my eyes. “It’s not a marriage proposal. I’d ask the same thing from the guys.”
“Yeah, yeah.” She pops to her feet and redresses with her underwear and jeans. “If you insist.”
“I do insist. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She blows me a kiss, and I laugh. “Sweet dreams, friend.”
“See you tomorrow, Lexi baby.”
With another smile, she slips out of my bedroom. I hear the toilet flush in the bathroom down the hall, then the click of the front door closing behind her. I count to one hundred, and when I know she’s gone, I grab a pillow. I put it over my face and groan, knowing I’m teetering on the edge of a very dangerous slope.
THIRTY-TWO
RILEY
Puck Kings
Mavvy
Don’t forget about book club tonight, kids.
Me
Might be late. I have a therapy session. I’ll head over after.
Huddy Boy
Madeline made cookies. I’ll make sure to save you one.
G-Money
What kind of cookies?
Huddy Boy
Chocolate chip.
