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

by Chelsea Curto

“Who are you dating right now anyway?” Connor asks. “You haven’t mentioned anyone in a while.” I shrug. “Because I’m not dating anyone.” “Uh oh. Did our resident romantic turn into a cynic?” Riley sighs. “Dammit. You were my only hope for believing in love, Hayes.” “I’m not a cynic. I just…” I shrug. “I don’t know. I’ll get back out there, but for now it’s nice to enjoy what’s happening around me.” “You love to date,” Maverick says, and I shrug again. I don’t say the things I’m thinking: how I’m always worried I’m too much. Too over the top, like women in the past have called me. That the therapy I’ve been doing since my mom’s death is working, but I still feel like I’m this ball of emotion who loves people too fiercely, who cares too deeply, who wonders if my brain might be hardwired wrong. Too soft for an athlete, an ex called me. You’re mature, but I want someone who’s a little wilder, another said. Maybe I am losing hope. Maybe every day I become less of a romantic.

NOO MY BABY