CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE
Shane
“Can you pull the asparagus out of the oven?” I direct Snow.
“Yeah.” She squeezes by me as I mix the gravy.
We all sat in the hot tub, relaxing and having a great time. Maybe some petting. But Snow and I left Afton and London to come down and get dinner ready.
Should I be jealous? I don’t feel that way.
“I put the cheese on them,” Snow informs me, and I nod.
“Pull out the salad and set it on the table and then the gravy will be ready,” I tell her.
She does that and makes sure everything is straight.
“Something smells good,” London says from the doorway.
“It always smells good in here.” Snow smiles.
“I’m sure it does with so much beauty,” Afton says, cocking a grin.
“Oh, God, the pickup lines.” I can’t help the amusement from showing on my face and give up.
“You used that one before?” Afton snorts.
“No, but many like it. I was a player back in the day. It’s how I have two girls: Ever and Timber.”
“You haven’t met them yet,” Snow says. “Timber owns the veterinarian clinic in town.”
“She took over for the old man that used to be our vet,” London adds. “He gifted it to her.”
“Sit, dish out your salad and veggies.” I gesture to the table. “Roast will be done in a bit. So, what do you do for a living, Afton?”
“I’m a hockey player,” he answers.
“What?” I’m surprised I haven’t heard of him.
“Really?” Snow’s interest seems piqued.
“I never said anything before. I played in college. And in a few farm teams. I was just recently signed to the Las Vegas team.”
London’s face falls.
“That’s cool.” Snow tries to save the day.
“I’m in talks to transfer,” Afton amends.
“You are?” I ask, arching a brow in question.
“Yeah. When London said he lived here permanently, I wanted to be closer. As friends, if nothing else.”
“What if you wanted more?” I ask.
“It would be up to you,” he says, glancing up and meeting my gaze.
I nod.