Slap Shot (D.C. Stars, #3)

by Chelsea Curto

“Those kinds of things.” I make a show of glancing around. “I don’t see any of that here. Do you?” “No. Not… not currently. I don’t want to assume anything, but I figured it would be best to set those expectations now.” “Fair enough.” I lean back and rest my ankle on my thigh. “Full disclosure: I’ve never been the guy who likes random hookups. I’ve never had a one-night stand, and I don’t sleep with a woman unless she means something to me.” “Never?” “Never. I like relationships. Meaningful conversations. Getting to know a person before I take off their clothes. I swear that’s not a line I’m using,” I add, and it’s my turn to blush. I didn’t expect to be having this conversation in my kitchen. “Why?” “Blame my parents.” I rub my thumb over my bottom lip and laugh. “My dad met my mom when they were seventeen, and he was a goner from the moment he laid eyes on her. She wanted the chase, though, because she knew he was going to be it for her, too. But she was adamant he work for it, so they didn’t date until they were nineteen. They got married that same year and never looked back.” “So, you’re a romantic.” “Are you not?” “No.” Madeline shakes her head. “Not at all. I think it’s all kind of bullshit. Nothing lasts forever.”