Page 17 of Pucking the Team

“Tomorrow, when I’m at the airport and about to get on a flight to somewhere sunny and a long way from Steven.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Theo nodded slowly. “And where you gonna stay tonight? Before you get on that flight?”

“The receptionist is organizing me a room.” I took another big mouthful of wine. “Apparently there’s been a cancellation.”

“Ah, good.” He nodded, glanced at his Rolex and then Ben. “We gotta get going soon, buddy. It’s nearly start time.”

“What’s going on?” I asked. I was sure I did know but I couldn’t remember. “What’s starting?”

“Meet and Greet. Gina’s idea. The hotel is putting on a buffet dinner and a bunch of fans have been invited along, probably be some Devils hanging about, too.”

“Devils?”

“Yeah, Cardiff Devils, we’re up against them tomorrow.” Theo gestured out of the window at Cardiff. “Last game. They’re good, it’ll be close.”

“Not if you score like you did in London.” Ben slapped Theo on the back. “He got three goals in the last period. Awesome play.”

“You gave me some great assists.” Theo shrugged. “We’re a team.” He set down his finished bottle of beer. “You should come downstairs with us, Pippa, see if that room is ready.”

“Er, yes, you’re right.” I quickly finished my wine and set it on the dressing table. “And I’ll get rid of this thing.” I scooped up the delicate gown, crushing it in the folds of my arms. “To the first person who will take it.”

Chapter Five

“I’m so sorry, miss, there’s nothing I can do?”

I stared at the receptionist who now had my wedding dress sat on the table behind her.

Her red lips were pulled into a downward curve as she shook her head. “The cancellation was cancelled if that makes sense.” She shrugged. “They changed their mind and are coming to stay with us after all.”

“So there is no room I can use?” I said, rubbing my temple. The headache was returning. “Nothing at all?”

“No, we’re fully booked. There are the hockey players, you can see, and Harry Styles is in town this weekend, big gig, you know, so everywhere is sold out. Has been for months.”

“Damn it.” I swallowed tightly, my brain searching for options. Maybe there was an airport hotel I could use.

“Use my room,” Ben said from behind me.

I turned. “What? No…I can’t.” I stared at him. How could I share a room with another man on my wedding night? Okay, so I hadn’t got married but…but to switch Steven for another bloke was such a tectonic shift in how I thought life would be that it made me dizzy.

He held up his hands, a worried crease lining his brow. “Oh…I didn’t mean… I’m sorry. I meant you take my room and I’ll bunk in with Theo.”

“Gosh, what…no, I can’t ask you to do that?”

“Why not?” Theo appeared at his side. “We shared a room for years growing up, makes no difference, and besides, he’s used to my snoring.”

Ben rolled his eyes. “Damn, I forgot about that.”

“I…wow, are you sure? I really am stuck.”

“’Course I’m sure.” Ben rested his warm palm on my shoulder. His pale-blue eyes were kind and soft. “We said we’d help if we could and so we are.”

A little of the tension went out of my neck and shoulders; at least that was an immediate problem solved. “Then thank you. I would appreciate it, and I’ll reimburse you the cost of the room, naturally, and—”

“Don’t talk crazy,” he said. “It’s all paid for, part of the tour, just try and get a good sleep.”

“If you’re—”

“I’m sure.” Ben gave a sharp nod, and his lips set in a tight line.