Three Pucking Wedding Dates (Hockey Harems #1)

34. Reid

34

REID

I walk into the lobby, wearing nothing more than my swimming trunks, sandals, and a T-shirt. My eyes scan the area, searching for one person in particular.

A familiar figure catches my attention near the far corner of the room, engrossed in a book while sitting on a plush couch. I plop down beside Theo, causing him to jump slightly and frown at the sudden intrusion.

“What’s your problem?” I raise an eyebrow at him.

“Avery hasn’t given me a moment of peace lately.” He blows out a breath.

“Speaking of Avery,” I begin, causing Theo to look up from his book. “There’s nothing between you two? You sure seem chummy.” I smirk.

Theo narrows his eyes for a moment before answering. “Not even in her dreams.”

“I guess you wouldn’t consider it.” I laugh. “When you’re sleeping with someone else.”

His frown deepens, and he asks, “What are you talking about?”

“Oakley,” I say simply. “This morning, she was in bed with you.”

To my surprise, Theo doesn’t bat an eyelash. Instead, he continues reading his book, as if the revelation holds no significance whatsoever. “So?” he asks nonchalantly, his eyes still glued to the page. “We’ve all slept with her at some point. Why is it a big deal?”

I can’t help but feel a bit taken aback by his lack of reaction. “So it was just sex?”

I watch Theo’s unreadable expression as he continues to read his book, and I can’t resist the urge to tease him. “You know, Theo,” I say with a playful smirk, “your lack of reaction kind of makes me think you’ve got some deeper feelings for Oakley.”

Theo doesn’t look up from his book, but I notice the subtle tightening of his jaw. It’s not much, but it’s enough to tell me I’m getting under his skin.

“Am I right?” I press on, my grin growing wider. “Is there something more going on between you two?”

Theo remains silent, his eyes firmly glued to the page. His stoicism only fuels my curiosity, making me wonder if there really is a hidden side to his relationship with Oakley. But before I can push him further, I hear Gray’s voice calling out our names.

“Reid! Theo!” Gray strides toward us, his warm brown eyes filled with genuine concern. As he approaches, Theo closes his book abruptly and shoots me a warning glance.

“Whatever you’re thinking, Reid, don’t say a word to Gray,” he murmurs under his breath.

“Hey, guys,” Gray says with his usual gentle smile, completely oblivious to our previous conversation. “What’s going on? Everything alright?”

“Everything’s fine,” I reply quickly, trying to suppress my lingering curiosity about Theo and Oakley. “Just chatting.”

“Good to hear.” Gray nods, his gaze shifting between the two of us. “So, what were you guys talking about?”

“Nothing important,” Theo interjects, his tone sterner than usual. He’s clearly eager to move on from the topic of Oakley, and I begrudgingly decide to let it go—for now, at least.

I can practically feel the tension in the air as Gray meets our gazes. “So, where are Oakley and the girls?” he asks, his voice warm but laced with a hint of curiosity.

“Brunch,” I reply nonchalantly, trying to maintain a casual tone. “They’ll be back later if you want to meet up with them.”

Gray nods thoughtfully, his eyes briefly flickering toward Theo as if searching for any signs of discomfort. But Theo remains impassive, carefully masking any emotions that might betray his feelings for Oakley.

“Hey, I was thinking we should hit the beach today,” I suggest, eager to dispel the awkward atmosphere. “The weather’s perfect, and you know how stunning the Honolulu beaches can be.” I flash a cheeky grin at my brothers, hoping to lift their spirits and entice them into joining me.

Gray chuckles, his expression brightening. “That does sound nice. It’s been a while since we’ve all spent time together like that.”

“Exactly,” I agree enthusiastically, turning toward Theo. “What do you say, man? Are you in?”

“No thanks,” he answers quickly.

“Come on, Theo,” I persist, trying not to sound too pushy. “It’s just a day at the beach. What do you have to lose?”

He sighs and runs a hand through his dark hair, clearly torn between wanting to join us and maintaining his brooding persona. His piercing blue eyes lock onto mine as if challenging me to keep pushing him. “Alright, fine. I’ll go change and meet you guys at the beach. But only if it’ll shut you up.” He gives me a pointed glare, but I know he’s only half-serious.

“Deal,” I reply, grinning from ear to ear. As Theo turns to leave, I catch Gray’s eye and perceive the curiosity lingering there.

“Reid,” Gray says, his voice calm and measured, “he seems to be in an unusually good mood today.”

My smile widens involuntarily, and I feel my cheeks flush slightly. It’s because of Oakley , I think to myself.

But I don’t dare share that information with Gray, unsure of how he’d react. Instead, I shrug nonchalantly. “What can I say? Must be the Hawaiian sunshine.”

Gray chuckles softly, shaking his head. “Whatever it is, I’m glad to see him so happy.”

“Me too.”