Page 14 of Risking the Pucking Defense

“A perfect night has to include orgasms.”

My cheeks burn bright red.

Now, I’m no prude.

I read what many would classify as pure smut, and I’m not ashamed of it. I work around men who are crude as hell a lot of the time. Sure, they usually tone it down when there are women around, but I’m good at popping up when they least expect it. And I’m not a virgin. But equally, I’ve never had girlfriends I’ve been able to talk about sex with. Hell, I’ve never had anyone I can talk to about it. And hearing them be so open makes me feel…I don’t know. I’m not embarrassed or ashamed. It’s just…different, I guess.

Forcing all that down, I summon up the courage to say what I know they would in this situation.

“You didn’t let me finish,” I tease.

Parker’s smirk turns into a full-blown grin before she holds her hand up for a high five. “Oh yes, get in there, girl.”

5

HAYDEN

Ican’t deny that it’s infectious being surrounded by so much happiness. For the first time in weeks, I feel a little glimmer of hope that I might not forever feel like I’m drowning. I’m not sure it’ll ever fully leave, but it could get better.

And the people I was scared to see are the ones who have finally managed to put a smile on my face.

I shake my head, that grin threatening as I watch the guys fooling around at the bar, the girls on the dance floor enjoying themselves.

I no longer feel alone.

I wasn’t when I was at home—I had my parents, my family, and my childhood friends who all rallied around me. But everyone looked at me with sympathy in their eyes. They knew I was hurting; they understood, but none of them really got it. Even with those who have lost people, none of them had lost a twin. Someone who should have their whole life ahead of them, a shot at their dreams, able to have a family and a happily ever after.

We’ve known for years that Rylee was never going to get that.

She fought so fucking hard for every day that she did have, and I’m so fucking proud of her. What she went through would have broken most people. But not my sister.

She looked cancer right in the eyes and said, “Fuck you.” I just wish that were enough.

“Hey,” a deep voice rumbles. “How are you holding up?”

I turn around and look at Rett as he places a beer in front of me.

“Yeah, you know. Shit.”

“Fuck, man. I wish there was something I could do or say to make it easier.”

A sigh slips free as my eyes drop to the table.

“We’re all here for you. Whatever you need. You know we’ve got your back, yeah?”

I nod, forcing my eyes up to his.

The compassion in them makes a lump crawl up my throat.

Everett Donnelly isn’t known for his sympathy. Everyone knows him as a gives-no-shit fuckboy who loves the game, and the bunnies even more.

Or at least, that used to be the case.

Since he met Bea and discovered he’s going to be a father, everything has changed. Although deep down, I think he was always like that, he just didn’t want anyone to see it. He may have only been with the Vipers for a few months last season, but I saw how supportive he was of not only every member of the team, but also all the staff.

And he’s always had the patience of a saint with me.

The first time I saw him, not gonna lie, I was a nervous wreck.