Page 85

Nadia

The credits runon the latest episode of Springfield and I sigh in annoyance. “You know, Jane really is a dumbass for trusting Rich like that.”

“Mmhmm,” I tilt my head to look at Axel, and see that his eyes have fluttered shut. “Total dumbass.”

“Axe,” I say, shutting the laptop and setting it on the floor.

“Yeah, darlin’?” He rolls into me and shoves his hand in between my thighs, his preferred sleeping position.

“I think you need to sleep.” I kiss his chin. “And I didn’t plan on spending the night and don’t have any of my stuff with me, so I’m going to head back to the Teal House.”

His eyelids pop open. “Fuck no, you’re not walking back by yourself this late.”

I hadn’t come over until nine, after my shift at the gym. He also had a late night at the arena, first on the ice, then watching film with the team. This weekend is their final game before the winter break–against their rival, Milton. Who, from what Iunderstand, is the team they lost to in the championship last season.

“It’s just a couple of blocks.”

“I know how far it is, and I’m not comfortable with my girl walking back by herself.” He covers a yawn with his fist. “I can either get up and walk you back or you can stay over. You pick.”

He’s naked in nothing but a pair of boxer briefs, his warm skin flush against my body. The idea of leaving is hard, but clean pajamas are the least of my concerns. My period started that morning and I’ve got one of those unrelenting heavy flows for the first twenty-four hours. I need supplies. Looking down at him, his eyes are already shut, sleep taking over. I brush this hair off his forehead. “I’ll be back.”

His grip tightens. “Where are you going?”

“Girl stuff,” I say. “Let me see if Twy can help.”

“Okay.” He reluctantly releases me. “But don’t leave without me, got it?”

Cocky fuckboy Axel is super hot, but protective boyfriend Axel? I’m about to melt from the inside out.

“I won’t,” I reply, easing off the bed. I grab his hockey hoodie and pull it over my head, before opening the bedroom door. When I glance back, he’s already fast asleep.

I cross the narrow hall and pause outside of Reese’s door, listening to see if they’re quiet, maybe already asleep. If they’re awake… I’m listening for a sign I shouldn’t interrupt.

Twyler and I are still navigating this new arrangement, one she has originally been vehemently against. I understood her concerns. Even before the situation with Brent and CJ, I’d been getting into increasingly risky situations. I’d get on the dating apps and agree to meet up with guys on the football team in the middle of the night. I took no precautions. It was dangerous and dumb, trying to work my way in as a jersey chaser. All it did wasget me in trouble and she didn’t want that trouble messing with the hockey team.

But my relationship isn’t about late night hook-ups or trying to elevate my status. It’s about being with this amazing guy who has taken the time to get to know me.

Reese’s room sounds quiet other than the soft murmur of a video playing. Knowing Twyler they’re watching murder shows and there’s nothing unsexier than that. I knock, rapping my knuckles on the door. A moment later it opens a crack and a shirtless Reese Cain fills the gap. “What–oh.” His eyes widen, and his hand drops down below the waist. Is he naked? “Hey.”

I look at the wall next to his face. “Can I talk to Twy for a second?”

“Yeah, sure.” He clears his throat and glances back. “It’s for you.”

I hear the rustle of bedsheets and realize this was a terrible idea. Twyler and I are best friends and I’ve always been pretty open about my sex life, but she’s much more private. I’ve probably just crossed a million lines and any progress we’d made about this situation is most likely ruined.

Reese vanishes and a moment later Twyler takes his place. Her forehead is furrowed. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Her immediate concern is both unnecessary and a little jarring. Just because I’m knocking on her boyfriend’s door doesn’t mean something’s wrong.

“Nothing’s wrong,” I say. “I just… do you have any tampons?”

“Oh, uh, sure.” She turns away and I hear her tell Reese she’ll be back in a minute. She steps into the hallway and shuts the door behind her. “I left my backpack downstairs.”

“Great.” I give her the once over, noting the black hoodie identical to the one I’m wearing. The only difference is the number stitched on the chest and her legs are bare while I’m wearing leggings. “Looks like we match.”

“It’s so weird,” she mutters, heading down the stairs. “You know that, right?”

“That we’re both sleeping with hockey players who happen to be best friends?”