Page 94 of Hat Trick
“Something about my job. The usual.” I swirl my straw around and swallow down another gulp. I should’ve asked for straight gin, no tonic. The whole fucking handle, really. What thefuckis wrong with me? “And yes, I put him in his place.”
“I knew you would.” Maven smiles and reaches for her glass, lifting it in the air. “Fuck the patriarchy.”
“Hear, hear.” Madeline clinks her drink against Maven’s. “And was that Riley you were talking to? Don’t tell Hudson, but I always thought he was cute.”
“Yup. That’s Riley.”
“Are your sessions going well?” Piper asks. “He seems so much happier after being behind the bench for a game or two.”
“It looks like he’s living again,” Emmy adds. “Coach offering that role to him probably changed his life.”
“They’re much better.” I let my attention drift across the room again and find Riley talking to a blonde woman in a black gown. He nods along with whatever she says and smiles at some parts. There’s a twist in my chest when he throws his head back and laughs, and I down the rest of my drink. “I’m so proud of him. If he keeps progressing like this over the next two months, we’re going to be able to try skating with his prosthetic. I hope the guys will come out and help him around the rink when it’s time.”
“Oh my god. They’d be there in a second,” Piper says.
“They wouldn’t miss it,” Emmy adds.
“I’m going to put a plan together.” I set my empty drink down and smile at the women around me. “All of you are dating or married toveryrich athletes, most of whom will be in this auction starting soon. Should we go spend some of their money?”
“I’m bidding on Grant,” Emmy says with a wicked grin. “Maverick is always more fun when he gets jealous.”
“Funny. I was going to bid on Ethan.” Piper giggles. “Liam will absolutely storm out.”
“I can’t bring myself to bid on anyone but Hudson,” Madeline admits.
“Because he’s too sweet and no one wants to see him sad.” I motion to the center of the ballroom where people are lining up for the auction. Each winning bid on the DC Stars players goes to the charity of their choosing, and in return, the bidder gets an afternoon with them. “Let’s have some fun.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
RILEY
It’sa good thing I didn’t die the night of the accident.
If I did, I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to see the real heaven that is Lexi in her gold dress.
My tongue’s been hanging out of my mouth for the better part of two hours, and every time she sways her hips, I’m close to bolting out of the hotel ballroom for some fresh air.
I knew I was attracted to her, but after tonight?
I’m fuckingruined.
A stronger man would try to put some distance between themselves and her. They’d do everything they could to get her out of their head because they know nothing will ever happen between them—she said so herself—but I’m the weakest, most pathetic motherfucker in existence.
I’m not going anywhere.
“I can’t believe Emmy bid on fuckingGrant,” Maverick grumbles, pulling me from my daydreams of dark hair wrapped around my fist and the soft moans she lets out right before she comes. He glares at our second line right winger and scowls. “I’m herhusband.”
“Who is clearly not jealous at all,” I say. “This is totally normal behavior.”
“This is nothing. Cap leveled that guy who plays for Toronto last season after he found out he liked one of Emmy’s Instagram photos.” Hudson laughs. “Obsessed is an understatement.”
“Maybe she’s asking Grant to put on a mask and chase her through the woods,” I offer, and Maverick gasps. “You know he likes dark romances, and that’s a pretty common scene.”
“Shewouldn’t. He wasn’t included on her orgy list!”
“I’m missing something,” Hudson says.
“You and I are on Emmy’s orgy list. There was something about a dream,” I tell him. “I didn’t get any details.”
