Page 22 of Decked, Wrecked and Pucked

“In a cabin up at the lodge,” Jasper announces, sprawling across Addison’s counter like he owns the place.

“They’re really nice,” she replies, offering a smile that’s a little too tight. “Spacious.”

“Perfect, because we take up a lot of room.”

There’s a hint of curiosity in her eyes, but she swallows whatever she was about to say.

“What?” Jasper calls her out instantly, cocking his head, daring her to say it. “Come on, angel. You’re dying to ask. I can see it all over that pretty face.”

Addison shifts, her fingers knotting together before she finally exhales. “I guess I was wondering…” She trails off. “I take it you guys are still?—”

“Still fucking each other’s brains out?” Jasper cuts in without a shred of shame. “Yeah, baby. Every goddamn day.”

For a second, she just stands there completely frozen, pink flushing across her cheeks and spreading down her neck.

I reach out and grab Jasper by the back of his coat, yanking him off the counter hard enough to make him grunt.

“What the hell’s wrong with you?” I growl at him, even though I’m half laughing because this is just who he is—wild, unapologetic, and way too much. But fuck, I love him for it.

“What?” Jasper just shrugs, grinning like the chaotic bastard he is. “Come on, you know she was desperate to ask. Weren’t you, Addie?”

“Not quite the words I would’ve used,” she mutters, her voice unsteady but her mouth twitching like she’s fighting a smile.

“Doesn’t make it any less true,” Jasper fires back.

“You really haven’t changed, have you?” She laughs, and that’s when I hear my big guy speak up beside me.

“Have you?”

“I like to think so,” she answers softly.

I snort, tightening my grip on Jasper’s neck before finally letting him go. “Yeah, well, as you can see, this one’s still fucking trouble.”

“Don’t pretend you two don’t fucking love it.” He flashes a smile that’s all teeth, while Roman lets out a deep rumble of laughter beside me.

“How long are you guys staying?”

“We’re heading back to Boston on Sunday. We’ve got some time to catch up if you’re free. Maybe we could grab a drink tomorrow night?”

Before she can answer, Roman’s phone starts ringing. When he mouths the word “coach,” he’s already moving toward the door, slipping outside to take the call.

“How is he?” she whispers, like she’s not sure she’s allowed to care this much anymore.

I glance at Jasper, and he's already looking at me, the same thought written across his face.

She still feels something for him.

“He’s still Roman. He still carries everything like it’s his alone. But this is a lot for him. It’s a lot for all of us.”

She nods, picking up what I’m saying without needing it spelled out. “I suppose we could do something tomorrow,” she offers. “But I’m guessing you’re still keeping your relationship under wraps?”

“For now,” Jasper answers before I can.

“Then why don’t you come to my house? You don’t have to hide who you are there.”

“Are you sure about that, angel? Last time we were all a little wasted in a house together, we ended up making out.”

“I’m pretty sure we’re all adult enough to know the past isn’t an issue anymore.”