Hockey With Benefits

I was in bed with Cruz when my phone woke me up.

Reaching down to the floor, I grabbed it and brought it up, but Cruz’s arm was around my waist. He was spooning me from behind, and no way was I moving away.

Skylar: We’re heading back. Wade called Angela and she wanted to talk to him. How are you doing?

Me: Good. Tired. Emotional hangover.

Skylar: I can only imagine. I’m sorry about your mom. I didn’t know. We didn’t know.

Me: I know. It’s… a little weird, to be honest. I’m not used to people knowing.

Skylar: My mom suffers from chronic anxiety and depression. And he told me last night that I could tell you that Miles’ brother suffers from schizophrenia.

Me: I didn’t know that.

Skylar: It’s not something we lead with, but my mom has her good days and bad. It’s an up and down thing. Miles can tell you about his brother, but we wanted you to know that we understand.

My whole body sighed. It went from my toes to the top of my head. I even felt myself sinking lower into the mattress, getting more comfortable than I already had been. I was feeling it at a soul sorta level.

Me: Thank you for letting me know.

Skylar: No problem. Taz texted to tell me she’s getting a ride back with someone else. Her and Race. She said to let you know. You’re going back with Cruz?

Me: I think so. That’s the plan.

Skylar: We’ll see you back at the house! Safe travels.

I went through my texts after, seeing a couple from everyone. Most were sharing their support. There was one from Miles, saying the same that Skylar just shared. Then at the bottom, I clicked on it.

Gavin: Can we talk sometime? I’ve been an ass.

Me: Yeah. Let’s do a library study sesh. You can buy me coffee before.

He didn’t reply, but another just popped in before I was going to put the phone away.

Blaise: Hey—happy for you and Styles. I never knew about your mom, but it makes sense. You don’t need to text back. I just wanted to send a small note to you. Anytime you need something, know that Zeke and I will always back you up. Just saying. Have a good one, Mara.

I frowned, then got a little emotional, but I replied back.

Thank you. You too, Blaise.

Blaise: thumbs-up emoji

Cruz’s arm tightened, and he turned, rolling to his back. He brought me with him, and I squawked right as my phone fell onto his chest.

He grinned, his eyes soft from sleep and there were sleep lines still around his mouth. Picking up my phone, he murmured, “Who’s texting my woman?”

I rested my head on his chest, loving how his arm swept to brush my hair back and smooth down my back. That hand went under my panties and rested over my ass, cupping one cheek.

“Read the last text.”

He did, his thumb moving over my screen. “Well, that’s unexpected.”

I moved my head so I could see him better. “The one from Blaise?”

He shook his head, the slightest motion from right to left. “No, the one from Miller. If he’s buying you coffee, I want to go too. He can buy me coffee as well.”

I grinned.

My phone buzzed again, and Cruz’s eyes found mine. I gave him a faint nod.

He clicked on the latest text, then chuckled. “Zeke says he wants to grab lunch before we take off.”

I stretched over him, sliding one of my legs between his.

He lifted his head, his mouth finding mine, and the swirl of lust started.

I loved it. Every time. Like a warm blanket spreading through me, lined with pleasure. That was just the start-up.

A groan came from the bed next to us. “Oh, Good God! Do not start having sex. We’re in here too.”

Another thump and curse came from the floor, at the end of the bed where Barclay was on the floor. “Uh. I’ve got a situation here. Cruz, no disrespect. Mara, you might not want to look while I go to the bathroom.”

Cruz’s arm tightened around me, but his chest was shaking from laughter.

I frowned, burrowing even closer to Cruz if that was a possibility.

A second later Atwater’s laughter ripped through the room. “Morning wood!”