It was worth it, though. Worth sucking up my pride and accepting the help because tonight was amazing.
I got to watch Kellan and Clay work together to win. Beckett and Wyatt looked good too. I had my girls by my side. Then Kellan blew me that kiss, and I swear I melted right into my seat.
I never thought I would like dating a hockey guy. Not with my brother being one, but I see the appeal. They are strong, have stamina, and there is this raw energy to them that makes them irresistible. Like even though we are walking into a bar together, I want to jump his bones. I’ve never felt this strongly before.
“Go get a seat with the girls. I’ll bring you a drink.” He taps my butt twice, making my heart rate up even more.
I can’t even speak as he walks away. Other women are staring at him, but when he looks over his shoulder and winks at me, all I feel is special.
“Girl, you have hearts in your eyes,” Peyton jokes, pulling me to the only free table. There are only four chairs, but the guys will manage.
“She’s in loooove,” Grace teases.
“Shhh.” I look over at Kellan, but there’s no way he heard us.
“You are so adorable. I love this look on you, girl. You are beaming,” Peyton adds.
“Well, I don’t know if I’m ready for him to know how I feel yet, so maybe we keep it on the DL?” I glare at them both.
They only laugh harder.
Assholes, the lot of them.
Clay comes back first, sliding a bottle of water over to Grace before standing behind her, his hands on her shoulders. Beckett and Kellan come over next, four bottles of water between them. I love that they take hockey so seriously. Even now, they won’t drink because it’s during the season.
“Here you go, beautiful.” Kellan hands me my water, mirroring Clay’s position.
Beckett hands Peyton hers, but she raises a brow at him. “Don’t even think about it.”
“What? I was going to take the free seat. You think I’m trying to snuggle up to you?” he asks.
“I am a fucking queen, so I wouldn’t be surprised.” She flips her hair over her shoulder, taking a sip of her water.
I don’t miss the way Beckett follows her movements, longing in his eyes.
Poor guy has a crush, and yet she won’t give him the time of day. I make a mental note to talk to her again. She’s so focused on working, I don’t think she even notices that he likes her.
“Where are Wyatt and Brett?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Brett was hurting, so Wyatt went back to the hotel with him,” Clay advises.
“That’s sweet of him,” I murmur.
“Calvin, bro. Do yourself a favor.” Kellan steps away from me to pull the freshman over to our table. “Put the shot down and drink water. Trust me. I drank most of the season last year, and you could tell with my playing.”
“I’m not going to get to play this year, so why does it matter?” He looks dejected.
“Not the way to look at it. You could get called up at any minute. Even if you don’t, you should treat your body well. Do you want to go pro?” Kellan asks him.
“Of course.” The kid perks up.
“Then you need to prepare yourself like you are going to go pro. Don’t mess up your chances by drinking. Is that shot really worth your career?” Kellan steps back from the kid, giving him a chance to think.
I reach out, grabbing his hand.
I love watching him be protective over this kid. It’s like a glimpse into the future of what he will be like with his own kids. Maybe even our kids.
The thought has my cheeks heating.
