Page 64 of Pucking the Team

I kicked off my sandals and headed up the stairs. I’d lie down for a while. A big meal, wine, and a sexy liaison with Eduardo had drained my energy.

When I reached the landing, I heard water flowing. A shower was running. Ben’s bedroom door was open a little, and I guessed it was him.

With another yawn I went into my room, dropped my purse on the floor, then flopped onto the bed. I stretched with pointed toes and arms aloft and let out a sigh. Okay, so I wasn’t in the Maldives with my groom, but I was at least in sunny Florida enjoying sexy dates and schmoozing with hockey heroes and country and western stars. It could be worse. I could be married to a cheat.

My eyes quickly became heavy, and I let sleep envelop me. Thoughts of things I needed to do like call Trevor and find myself my own place to stay left my mind. A delicious blackness wrapped around me and whisked me away to a heavy place of contentment.

“Hey, sleepyhead, you’re not following the jetlag rules.”

“Mmm?” I turned over and opened my eyes.

Ben stood there in just a pair of gray sweats that sat low on his hips. “I brought you tea. You won’t sleep tonight if you don’t wake up soon.”

“Oh…yes, you’re right.” I pushed myself to sitting and took the mug that had a picture of Mickey Mouse on it. “Thanks.”

“Did you have a nice time with Eduardo? He took you toCiao!, right?”

“Yes, or should I sayoui, I did, thank you.” I took a sip of tea. “The food was incredible, and he clearly goes there a lot.”

“Yeah, we all do. Benita is adorable.”

“I agree.” I nodded at the door. “Is Theo back yet? He wasn’t at practice, was he?”

“No, he’s not home, not yet.” He stepped away. “I’ll sort us out some food.”

“No…don’t do that. When I got the groceries I bought the ingredients for paella. I’ll cook in a little while, once I’ve had a shower, woken up a bit.”

“You don’t have to cook for us, you know.”

“You don’t like my cooking?”

He laughed. “You’re a great cook, from what I’ve sampled so far, but don’t feel you have to earn your keep.”

I shrugged. “I like cooking, I find it relaxing, and I like eating, too. So I’m happy to cook. It’s nice to have a couple of strapping guys to make food for.”

“Well, okay, if you insist.” He turned.

I admired the muscles of his back, long thick ropes of strength that followed the gutter of his spine. The sun had kissed his wide shoulders, and he had a small crop of freckles at the base of his neck.

“Thanks again for the tea,” I said. “I’ll be down soon.”

I took my time with the tea, then seeing it was nearly six p.m., I got up and showered. I put on a floaty white skirt andtight blue vest top, an outfit I’d imagined wearing for evening strolls along the beach. I’d pictured myself hand in hand with Steven, the azure water lapping at our ankles and the sun setting on the horizon.

“Asshole,” I muttered and blew out a breath. “But I won’t let you get me down. You’re history and so is Cheryl.”

I applied a little perfume and lip gloss, set down my shoulders, and headed down the wide staircase. There was still only one set of trainers at the front door.

“Theo still not here?” I asked Ben as I walked into the kitchen.

He was sitting on a barstool scrolling on his phone. “He will be soon.”

“Where has he been all day?”

The front door opened, and the sudden sharp clicks of shoes on marble echoed toward us.

Dylan appeared, his cheeks red and his eyes narrowed. “What the hell is this?”

“What is what?” Ben frowned.