Waking up, I bolt up in my bed and snap my eyes open. What the hell is going on? Throwing my blanket off, I swing my legs over the edge of the bed and stand up. God, I hate starting mornings like this! Allowing Benson to stay at our house for a few days doesn't sound like a great idea anymore. He's not only big, like the fucking Hulk, but also incredibly loud. His laughter booms, reaching my ears as I stomp to the bathroom to hop into a quick shower and then to the closet to change my clothes. Even if they ruined my sleep, it doesn't mean I shouldn't follow my routine.

Walking out of the bedroom, I go downstairs without even checking on Michael. I'm sure he's with his dad and his beloved uncle Drake. The majority of men in this house these days kinda play on my nerves. Once I step into the living room, Smokey jumps off the couch and strolls to me, meowing in greeting. I pick him up, press him to my chest and follow the noises to the kitchen. Laughter, loud men's voices and my son's excited chattering make me roll my eyes. Why did they need to wake up so early, dammit?! It's just 9am on Saturday.

I open the door and freeze in the doorframe. Drake and Michael are sitting at the table with a plate full of pancakes in front of them. My son has one pancake in his right hand, and the other in his left hand, biting them in turns. Benson holds a cup between his hands, watching him with eyes full of mischief. "Buddy, you definitely set a goal to be like your uncle Drake."

"In your dreams," my hubs comments, wheeling around and peeling his gaze to my face. "Did we wake you up?"

"You certainly did," I say, fighting a smile that blooms on my lips. Colton wearing only shorts affects me more than anything, turning my panties into a hot wet mess. Even five years after our first meeting. Not to brag, but the title for the sexiest NHL player rightfully belongs to my hubby.

I let Smokey jump on the floor and go kiss my son's cheek. "Good morning, baby."

"Morn-whm-ming." He mumbles as I arch my eyebrow at him, counting in my head how many times I told him not to speak when his mouth is full. It's not only about good manners, but it's also for his own safety. I don't want him to choke on his food. My son finally swallows, noticing me watching him. He turns his head and flashes me a smile. "Morning Mommy."

I bend my head down and plant a loud smooch on his forehead. I love this boy to the moon and back, despite all the sleepless nights, struggles and breakdowns I had when he was a newborn. Books and movies usually present an idyllic picture of what motherhood and parenting look like, while in reality? I honestly believe our society often doesn't realize how hard it is for a woman to be a mom. It's a choice we make, so it's not about complaints, never. I just think men should be more respectful and more helpful when it comes to their wives, sisters and mothers. Colt was there for me whenever he could be, giving me emotional support or just letting me sleep while putting our son back to sleep at night. Our miscommunication in the past gave us an incredible experience, and now we're always there for each other. We talk about everything, the good and the bad. Always.

"Morning Ava." Drake exclaims, and I focus my attention on him. He's 27 years old, just like Colton. He has very noticeable stubble on his face, a slightly crooked nose because he got into a fight with a center from the Edmonton Oilers last season, and a little dimple on his right cheek. His hair is short and curly on top, and it often looks like a mess as he loves running his fingers through his hair when he speaks. He got only bigger with years, and on the ice... damn, the only person I can compare him with is Ovechkin. Drake Benson is a fucking beast, and it's better not to piss him off during a game. With a smile, he will easily send his opponent crashing into the boards... or flying over the boards, just like Ovi did. Him signing a contract for the next two seasons with the San Jose Sharks was like a dream come true for Colt. The only other player he wants to join the team is Clay, but for now, our best friend is tied to his contract with the Penguins.

"Morning Drake. I honestly can't wait for you to move in in your apartment."

"Aww, Mason, you're as nice as always." Drake guffaws, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Thompson. She's Thompson." Colt states, correcting him and Benson laughs harder, barely keeping coffee in his mouth.

"Sorry, dude, she will always be Mason to me," he mutters once he calmed down. "If you think once I live in my apartment, you're going to get rid of me, think again. I'm not going anywhere."

"Really?" Michael gazes at Drake with his deep brown eyes full of hope.

"Of course! I love playing with you, kiddo." He reaches over and ruffles my son's brown hair with his huge palm, making him giggle. "Plus I really miss my little niece..."

Drake and I lock eyes, and I furrow my brow. Layla is stubborn as a mule, preferring to struggle alone instead of agreeing to move to San Jose with her brother to be closer to him and me. She has financial support, but she definitely needs someone to be there for her. Being a single mom is no fun. "Hopefully we will be able to change your sister's mind."

"She's such a stubborn little sh-" Benson pauses, sneaking a glance at Michael who has his eyes glued to his face. Yeah, dude, you need to control your words around our kid. We spent a week last time trying to make him stop saying 'such a bitch' any time he was annoyed. It was funny the first time he repeated it after me, but when he started saying it 10 times a day, it became a problem. No one really expects kids at preschool to know swear words. "... shopper."

"Really man? Is it the best you've got?" Colt chortles loudly, grabbing my hand and pulling me to his chest. He wraps me in his arms, and I'm melting already. His warmth envelopes me, filling my heart with joy and happiness. And love. The way I love this man is overwhelming and exhilarating, nothing compares to it.

"It's not easy to find the right synonym for shit."

"Drake." Colt and I mumble at the same time, bursting out with laughter. He hides his face in his palms, while Michael looks at all of us in turns.

"What is shit?" He asks once the kitchen goes quiet, and we start cackling like the horde of crazy seagulls again. This day is going to be awesome.

🏒✨🏒✨🏒

"How do you really feel about San Jose?" I peer my eyes at Drake once he gets into my car. Colton volunteered to stay with Michael while Benson and I went to see his interior designer and visit his house.

"So far I like it." He shrugs, reclining my seat to give himself more space for his long legs. "My friends are here. The atmosphere in the team is great, and is totally how Colt described it. I'll have almost a month to get used to it before the season starts. Plus, you found an incredible place for me. It's all good."

"More so, I found the perfect interior designer for you. Everything you've seen in our house? It's her work." I tell him, turning to the left. "Like at first we didn't decorate anything. We just bought things we needed the most so it would be comfortable for us. But two years ago I realized I wanted some changes, and Colt was completely on board."

"Seems like every man in your life has no idea how to say no to you. First, Dax. Now, Colt." He wants to tease me, but he definitely has forgotten who he's talking to.

"Seems like you already forgot you had no idea how to say no to me either." I arch an eyebrow, and his smile drops.

"You and your mouth, Ava. Sometimes I think your husband is right and you DO need a spanking."

"My husband is WHAT?" It's a good thing I slowed down the car, because I am honestly seeing red. Do they really talk about this?

"Drunk and relaxed men love talking about some kinky stuff. And you, my friend, are definitely kinky." He grins at me, while I'm thinking about strangling him. And Colton. Someone is definitely going to beg a little to have a taste tonight.

"You're lucky I love Bella. Otherwise, I would be kicking you out and leaving her to deal with you on her own." I park the car near the three story townhouse and quickly jump out of the car.

"How did you find her?" Drake asks, trying to change the subject. I huff, rolling my eyes as he joins me and roams his gaze over his new house. I loved this place in Santa Clara, and it's not really far from our house either.

"She was following my Instagram. We talked a lot about the books we both read and loved, and once I posted a picture, tagging Starbucks at El Camino Real. She instantly sent me a message, telling me she's nearby and asking me what I think about meeting her for a coffee. The rest is history."

"You and your bookstagram. I still can't believe you made it your career." He murmurs, and I knit my brows together. Does he think my job is all fun? Though, his next words prove why he's my friend. "Proud of you, Ava. Honestly."

"Thank you, Drake." I pat his palm and glance sideways. Bella's car is already here, along with Drake's neighbor's. Porsche Macan and Lamborghini Aventador. I will never understand this love for sporty cars. I love my BMW X6 way too much. "Let's go. Bella is waiting for us."

We climb the stairs and I knock on the door, as my friend shifts uncomfortably near me. He's nervous and it's understandable. He hasn't seen the apartment he bought even once, just looking at the photos and videos I sent him. It needed only furnishing, and I really hope he's going to like what Bella did after they had a long talk about his preferences.

"Hey. You're early." Isabella opens the door wide, smiling at Drake and me from ear to ear. Her long brown hair is spilled over her shoulders and she has absolutely no make up. Not like she needs it though. The girl is stunning. "Come on in."

She twirls around and strolls in the living room, as Benson and I follow inside and he closes the door behind him. "Is she single?" Really? The first question is not even about your house, but about your interior designer? Men. Always so predictable it's boring.

"How much do you know about the 49ers?" I whisper as he pinches his brows together.

"It's a great team. They won the Super Bowl last season. Why?"

"Bella's husband is their quarterback, Xander Walker." I speak in a hushed voice and his eyes go wide. "Colt and Xander go to the same gym from time to time, and sometimes we hang out with each other. Michael loves playing with Isla and Ian, Xander and Bella's kids."

"I'm officially shitting my pants right now. This is not fucking reality. My friends can't be friends with football stars and their wives."

"But we are. You will get used to it." I wink at him and saunter into the living room, leaving a puffing Drake behind. He's adorable.

🏒✨🏒✨🏒

Two hours later, we're finally ready to go back home. Drake is in love with his new house, praising Bella left and right. She chose everything according to his taste and what he wanted to see in his place. It's very comfortable, cozy, spacious and very light. Seeing an open and big smile on my friend's face makes me happy for him. Some bonds are hard to break, and I'm sure there is no way Benson and I will ever stop being friends. He's family.

"When are you planning to move in?" Bella asks, fixing the hem of her flower dress.

Drake snorts, pointing a finger at me. "She would love to hear tomorrow, but I'm thinking about Friday or Saturday. I'll need to get my stuff here and I still need to buy some things for the kitchen."

"Your cupboards are stocked with everything you need." Isabella knits her brows together, tilting her head to the side. "Towels, sheets and blankets. Everything is here and ready for you to use it. You can move in whenever you want." She opens her purse and fishes keys, extending them to Drake. "These are yours. My job is done."

"Do you need anything else from me?"

"Nope, you paid everything in advance. It's all good."

"Thank you so much, Bella. This place is a banger." Drake murmurs, looking around the space.

"You're very welcome. Really glad you liked it." She glances at me, and I quirk an eyebrow in question. "How about a barbeque on Saturday?"

"Count us in." I grin and haul her to me for a brief hug. "Michael loves spending time with Isla."

"The feeling is mutual." Bella laughs heartily, and turns her head to look at Drake. "You're invited too. Xander is friends with Colt, so he will be thrilled to meet another hockey player."

"I have no idea what a hockey player and a football player have in common, but I'd be happy to come. Thank you." Drake steps to the door, opens it and ambles outside, while Bella and I chat for a few more minutes about Isla's birthday next month. Right until Drake's cursing and dog barking crosses the air, and then a woman's voice joins in.

Isabella and I gawk at each other for a second, and then both rush out of the door. The scene in front of my eyes is ridiculous at its finest. My friend stands with his arms crossed over his chest and stares daggers at a girl with a dog, a big and very beautiful doberman. I edge closer and stop by Drake's side. Wow! Talk about a gorgeous girl! She has long dark brown hair collected in two dutch braids, her emerald green eyes are narrowed and her puffy lips smacked into a pout. I drag my eyes lower, taking in her sports bra and leggings, hugging her body like a second skin. Her right hand is covered in tattoos from shoulder to wrist. She's 5'7'', maybe a bit more, but even her height is nothing in comparison to Benson. This guy is 6'5'', and this girl looks very fragile in front of him... Though it's just looks, the way she talks back to him leaves no room for doubt. She's totally his type. A bad queen energy for real.

"Cooper was just surprised! It's not my fault you decided to check out my car when I took my dog for a walk. He's defending me. Always."

"I wasn't checking out your car! I hate this pompous shit!" He spits, frowning. "I just couldn't believe anyone would want to use it every day! So I took a few steps forward to have a better look, and I didn't even touch your car! While your dog almost bit my leg off."

The girl blinks and then gives him a middle finger. "A barking dog is not the same as a biting dog, moron. Try to remember that."

"The fuck..." Drake shrieks ready to continue their argument but Bella steps in.

"Hey Eva." Isabella says, leaning forward and kissing this girl's cheek. "How are you?"

"Hey Bella." She smiles, and two cute dimples appear on her face. "Everything was great until this bull in a china shop showed up. Pompous shit, my ass. Is he going to live next door?"

"Yup." I say, stepping forward and extending my palm to her. "I'm Ava. It's very nice to meet you."

"Eva. Evangelina." We shake hands and I take a step back, while she continues staring at me. "It's really nice to meet you too. Unlike this jerk-"

"I'm not a fucking jerk! Your dog jumped on me, putting its paws on my chest. He was baring his teeth, growling and snapping at me. He didn't look or sound friendly at all! You shouldn't let him off the leash."

"Again!" Eva snaps, wrapping her hand over her dog's leash tighter. "He thought you were dangerous and wanted to protect me! I didn't expect him to hop up and run at you like he did once he saw you, that's why I wasn't able to hold him. He's a well trained dog, he knows how to behave. Unlike you."

"Unbelievable!" Drake throws hands in the air, whirls around and stomps to my car. I quickly unlock it for him and he climbs inside, slamming the door. Damn you, Benson! My car doesn't deserve your anger.

"Sorry about that. He just pissed me off to no end." Eva exhales deeply, and steps back. "I need to get going or I will be late for my meeting in an hour."

"Sure." Bella says and they hug shortly. "See you around babes."

"See you around." Then she looks at me, raking her gaze up and down. "Bye Ava."

"Bye Eva."

Evangelina wheels around with her dog and they quickly disappear from view as she starts running. Bella inches to my ear. "It will be tough for Drake to get used to Eva. She's one of those people who goes straight for the jugular when she's angry. I honestly hope they will be able to avoid each other. He's too much of a good guy, while Eva will grind him into dust, and he won't even notice it until it's too late."

"How do you know her?"

"When I was starting my business, most of my clients were athletes because of Xander's connections. And it somehow became my thing. I rarely work with people outside the sports world these days." Bella and I turn around and slowly walk to our cars. "Eva moved to Santa Clara eight months ago, and she also needed an interior designer. Her dad made a few calls and then she called me."

"Her dad?"

"Oh, he's Philly's legendary quarterback. Liam Jones. Have you heard of him?"

"No, sorry, football is not really my thing."

"Anyway, Eva is his daughter. She's a good girl, but a very tough one. Honestly."

"Sounds like Drake's type."

"Really?" Bella sneaks an incredulous look at Benson in my car. "If there is ever anything between these two, he will have his hands full with her. Though with how she talked to him? I bet he hates her already."

"Enemies to lovers are amazing, and you never know what the future holds." I say, opening the door of my car. Considering how much we talk about different tropes, authors and books, I know she will understand this remark.

"It's hard to argue with you. Send me some recs if you have anything new, okay?"

"Definitely! Bye Bella!" Bella waves her hand at me as I slide inside my car and start the engine. Drake and I sit in silence for a few minutes. Not for long.

"Who the hell does she think she is? Her dog scared the shit out of me! And then she goes and starts cursing me out as if I'm some sort of robber! Just because I fucking looked at her stupid car. Fuck, I hope I'm too busy to see her face ever again."

"Never say never, Drake. Ever."

He continues rambling, while I drive us home. He has no idea what he's talking about. Sometimes accidental situations like this are the ones that change our lives for good. Colt and I are the best example of it.