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

by Chelsea Curto

“He liked one of Emmy’s photos on Instagram last week, and it pissed me off. The hit was worth the two-minute timeout I got in the sin bin.”

If she wants to tell me, she’ll tell me on her terms, and that’s fine by me.

Making us dress like we’re extras on the set of fucking Bridgerton.

Madeline Galloway is special, and I’m sad she’s been led to think otherwise.

Her smile grows, and there’s an ache in my chest. The spot that’s been fractured for years feels warmer. Brighter. Like a stitch has gone through it. Like I’m being pulled back together.

And, fuck, is Hudson a man.

“Bullshit. I remember a hotel in Cleveland and sneaking into the kitchen at two in the morning because we were fucking starving.”

“We need to make him watch the ‘Juno’ positions clips and figure out which ones he likes.” Grant drops to the floor and thrusts into the rug. “Have you ever tried this one, Hud?”

“They don’t let gingers shoot the ball,”

There are a lot of men in the world, but I’m learning there’s only one Hudson Hayes.

“Yes, I did. I know her safety is important to you, and it’s important to me too.

What kind of story time are we talking? Me Probably a book with Clifford, since she’s six. G-Money Not as entertaining as the book I’m reading right now. There’s accidental cannibalism in it lol.

He’s not just a friend.

You. You’re the best mommy in the world.

“Night, Mads,” I say, wishing I could’ve found a way to make her stay.

You girls

“Yeah. But I also want to kiss you because I’ve been thinking about it for weeks.”

“You,” I say. “In every way I shouldn’t want you. In every way I can’t have you.”

A man gone, because she’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted, and once isn’t going to be enough. A million fucking times won’t be enough.

I have a crush on Hudson Hayes.

“I really need to get better about learning these hockey terms.” I look down at my glass and grin. “Especially if I keep kissing Hudson.”

“I beg your fucking pardon?”

My draw to him isn’t just lust and infatuation. It’s feelings, real and true, and I want to do so many things with him.

You’re the only one I want wearing it.”

I’m yours

“It’s called a slap shot.

We have a busy day, and I refuse to lose tonight when Sarah is watching.”

I’m falling for her. Hard.

They can look at her all they want, but she’s coming home with me.

I like her so fucking much.

Because I’m fucking falling in love with you, and I’d let you break my heart if that’s what you wanted.

I’m falling in love with Hudson. How could I not be? The man learned sign language for my daughter.

“How the fuck am I supposed to focus on hitting a goddamn puck when the man who divorced the woman I fucking love sits in the stands without getting a piece of my fucking mind? He left them because his daughter is deaf. Do you know how horrible he is?”

I haven’t been sad since meeting you, though.

“You’re exactly where you should be.”

He doesn’t know about the envelope Lucy is grabbing from her desk drawer. He’s clueless about the adoption papers she begged me to file so Hudson could legally be her dad.

“This is the easiest answer of my life.”