Blocked (Boston Terriers Hockey #3) - Jacob Chance Page 0,48
She hasn’t seen me play since I was twelve.”
“That’s okay, your dad doesn’t miss a game,” I try to console him.
“He doesn’t. He makes up for her lack of interest.”
“I’m jumping in the shower. Do we need anything for the party or is everything set?”
Marshall feigns a scowl. “It’s like you don’t know me. How many years have we been friends?”
“Too many,” I joke.
“Who’s been taking care of all the parties at the frat for the past year?”
“You have. But need I remind you that you are the president?”
“I could have others doing all the grunt work.”
I nod. “You could.”
“Do I ever ask you to pick up anything for me?” Marshall grins smugly.
“Nope.”
“Then fuck off with that shit. I’ll see you back at the house.”
Chapter Eighteen
Shaw
Music thunders from the house as I head up the walkway. It’s amazing the neighbors don’t call the cops on us whenever we have a party. We’ve been lucky so far, but tonight seems louder than ever. It could have something to do with me wanting some quiet time with Maddie. It would be nice to talk some more and maybe work through some of our baggage from the past.
Instead, we’ll have to struggle to hear one another. It’s not all bad, though, at least I’ll get to be with her.
Once I’m inside, I strip off my winter hat and coat as I move toward my room. I throw them on my bed and lock the door on the way out. I learned what it’s like unexpectedly waking up with someone else once before, and since then I’ve always made sure it’s never going to happen again.
I find a cold beer in the kitchen and grab a lukewarm slice of pepperoni pizza. I shove half in my mouth in one bite and groan when the flavor hits my tastebuds. Swallowing it down, my stomach rumbles in appreciation.
“Hi.” I feel a soft touch on my arm and turn to find Maddie next to me.
“Hey.” I beam at her. I can’t even pretend to be cool anymore where she’s concerned. “I’m glad you came. Can I grab you anything? Beer? Pizza?” I hold my slice up in front of her lips and she leans forward, taking a small bite.
“Mmm, so good.” She licks her lips. An onslaught of images barrage my mind—memories of what her tongue felt like rubbing and caressing mine.
“Want another?” I encourage her.
“Sure.” She bites off a bigger chunk this time. My gaze falls to her lips. I could watch her eat my pizza all night long.
And anything else she wants to put in her mouth.
“Stop watching me eat.” She lets out an awkward little laugh.
“But you’re so damn cute. I can’t help myself.”
“It’s your turn to take a bite. I think it’s only fair that I get to watch you eat.” She places her hands on her denim wrapped hips and tries to look stern.
“Works for me.” I shrug. “I’m starving.” I fold the slice in half and tear off a large chunk with my teeth. Maddie watches my mouth, as if she’s captivated by my chewing. Is she remembering what our kisses felt like? Does she miss them as much as I do?
She shakes her head slightly, like she’s snapping herself out of a daydream. “I’m gonna grab a slice of my own.” She moves across the kitchen before I can reply.
Checking out the rest of the partygoers, I don’t see Marshall anywhere. I feel relieved that I’ll have more time with Maddie. I don’t know when the next opportunity to be with her will present itself.
She returns with a slice of pizza on a napkin.
“Want me to heat that up for you?”
“No, thanks. I like pizza at all temperatures. It’s always delicious.”
“I agree.”
Should I ask her to do something this weekend?
Christ, I’ve never been this nervous around another girl in my entire life. Whatever game I’ve had with other girls, is nonexistent with Maddie. I feel like a bumbling fool who’s lost his touch.
“Is something wrong?” Maddie questions.
“What? Oh, no. I was just thinking.”
“What’s on your mind?”
“Tomorrow, I’m getting a puppy.” I wasn’t thinking about this, but it’s the perfect thing to mention.
“You are?” Her eyes open unbelievably wide. “I love puppies. Can you have one at the frat?”
“Yeah, we’ve got an in with the dean.” I laugh. “One of the former Terrier players on the football team is in a relationship with his daughter. Would you like to come with me when I go pick him up? ”
“Him?”
“Yep, it’s a