“Well, yeah, sure I do.” I’ve spent enough time around my coach’s and teammates’ kids to know that they make constant messes. But that’s why I have a cleaner.

“It means you’ll have to give up all the nitpicky order and organization.”

“Maybe they’ll all like order and organization too.”

She laughs and jumps off the counter. “Maybe.”

My phone chimes from the breakfast island. “That’s Hanna. We usually video chat every other morning to check in.”

“I’ll go get ready for work and give you some privacy.”

“You don’t have to do that. I’m sure she’d love to say hi.”

“I should probably be wearing something other than your T-shirt for momster conversations, though, don’t you think?”

I look over her outfit. “Hmm. You make a good point.”

She rises up on her toes and kisses the edge of my jaw. “You talk to your momster, and I’ll get ready for work. I can say hi another time when I look less like I’ve been fucked six ways from Sunday.” She pats me on the cheek and leaves me alone with my phone and my third erection since I woke up this morning.

I’m falling in love with her chaos.

Fifteen minutes and one brief and slightly embarrassing video chat later—Hanna called me out on my messed-up hair, and my stammered responses told her more than she needed to know—I find Queenie standing in the hallway outside my bedroom. Her bag is slung over her shoulder, and she’s wearing a pair of black dress pants and a very pretty gauzy top that’s both professional and sexy.

I wonder how long I have to wait before I tell her she should leave clothes here for future sleepovers.

“You have really cool art.” She motions to the piece hanging from the wall. “Where did you get this?”

I move in behind her and wrap my arm around her waist. “Hanna’s the artist in the family. She calls it a hobby, but she’s incredibly talented. Has her work in a bunch of cafés in our hometown that feature local artists. Anyway, almost every painting I have is one of hers.”

Queenie turns her head and rubs her cheek on my biceps. “She has great vision. The colors are stunning.”

“She does. She’s a financial consultant, but she really loves this, so she teaches classes on the side.” I’ve been looking for a way to bring this up without being too obvious. “You paint, too, don’t you?”

She tips her chin up, her confusion evident. “How do you know that?”

“You have an easel at your place.” I noticed it the first time I was at her house, and once I peeked under a covered canvas while she was getting ready for a date. She also talked about being arty that first time we went for dinner, but she didn’t elaborate at all. It makes me think it’s something she doesn’t like to talk about.

“Oh, right. I used to do it a lot when I was in college, but not so much anymore.” She ducks out from under my arm. “You should get ready so we can head to the arena.”

I want to push, but I also don’t want to admit I’ve snooped, so I leave it alone. For now.CHAPTER 16

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Queenie

My morning is awesome. I’ve had more orgasms in the past twelve hours than I’ve probably had in an entire month collectively. I’m quite literally in the best mood ever.

And I have the most amazing boyfriend in the world. Who asked me to move in with him. I’m sure it was an accident—a knee-jerk reaction to awesome pancakes and morning BJs—but still, it’s a great start to what is going to be a fabulous day.

Kingston and I part ways when we reach the arena so he can train with the team and I can get to work. I check my phone on the way down the hall. I have messages from Stevie about getting together for another double date and a girls’ night when I have time.

I love that I’ve made such great connections with the women here. And that they’ve accepted me so openly as part of their circle. As challenging as it can be, I’m lucky that I get to travel with the team, because it means I don’t have to miss Kingston. On the flip side, it also means that I miss out on the girl time. Although I don’t plan to have this job forever, so eventually I’ll be in the same position as the rest of the hockey wives and girlfriends—if Kingston and I last, anyway.

I’m aware I’m a lot to handle. And while he seems pretty enamored with me, that could easily change. He’s the calm and I’m the storm.

My dad’s office door is still closed, which means he’s either on the phone or still in a meeting. I’m not sure exactly what the meeting is about, but I know he was pretty worked up about it last night.