Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Anonymous host:
“That’s right, folks. Jacob, Shawn, and Hayes Drayton, our beloved Icebreaker triplets, are skating circles around more than just their opponents these days. Rumor has it there’s someone who’s caught their collective attention, and the question on everyone’s mind is: who’s this lucky, or unlucky, lady?”
[She grabs a piping bag filled with buttercream and starts frosting the first cake layer, her voice light but teasing.]
Anonymous host:
“Now, I’m not one for stirring the pot unless it’s filled with batter or frosting but it’s hard to ignore the buzz. Three brothers, one woman, and a whole lot of speculation. Is she a hockey fan? A classmate? Or just someone who knows how to handle the chaos that is the Draytons?
Turns out Riley Johnstone is all of the above.”
[She smooths the frosting, then grabs the next cake layer and sets it on top.]
Anonymous host:
“And speaking of chaos, let’s not forget the Icebreakers’ recent variable results. Which brings us to today’s real question: are the Drayton brothers losing their edge? And how much of that has to do with a certain someone distracting them off the ice? Now, I’m not saying love, or whatever this is, can ruin a game, but let’s be honest: focus is everything in hockey. And when your mind is off the ice, it’s only a matter of time before the puck is, too.”
[Cut to her finishing the frosting, adding dramatic swirls and peaks.]
Anonymous host:
“Which brings me to today’s bake: The Distraction Cake. Layers of rich chocolate, fluffy vanilla, and a swirl of caramel in between—because who doesn’t love a little drama? It’s sweet, messy, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight, just like someone else we know.”
[She grabs a jar of edible glitter and sprinkles it over the cake with a flourish.]
Anonymous host:
“So, what’s the verdict? Are the Draytons just in a rough patch, or is their off-ice drama spilling onto the rink? Will Riley Johnstone be the icing on the Drayton’s season, or their ultimate distraction. Either way, one thing’s for sure: whether it’s hockey or frosting, distractions can either derail you… or make things a whole lot more interesting.”
[She cuts a slice of the cake, revealing the swirled layers inside, and takes a spoonful]
Anonymous host:
“Sweet, chaotic, and a little unpredictable, just the way I like it. Until next time, keep your passes crisp, your frosting smooth, and remember: a little distraction isn’t always a bad thing. Just make sure it’s worth it.”
[The video fades out with the cake on display, the Icing the Cake logo appearing in the corner.]
Comments:
@SkatesAndSweets:
“‘Focus is everything in hockey.’ PREACH. I think Shawn’s been distracted for weeks!”
@ButterAndBiscuit:
“I’m here for the frosting tips but staying for the Drayton drama. Any girl who thinks taking three men to bed is a good idea needs her head checking.”
@StickAndBake:
“Distraction Cake should be the official dessert of messy love triangles… or quadruples (is that even a thing?).”
@SugarRush:
“‘A little distraction isn’t always a bad thing.’ Girl, you’re dropping wisdom disguised as buttercream.”
@hockeyprincess256
“Riley’s just out for what she can get from three pro hockey players. The girl is a selfish, gold-digging bitch. What the hell is she letting them do to her to keep all of them interested?”
36
SHAWN
It’s been one of those days where nothing’s right. Practice was garbage, my pads felt like lead, and Coach chewed my ass for letting two goals slip past me. If that wasn’t enough, the whispers around campus haven’t died down. I swear people’s side-eyes are louder than their damn words. It’s hard to understand the judgment when most people on this campus are bed-hopping every weekend. They forget I know what they did this summer, winter, spring, and fall!
Is it really so shocking for one woman to have three lovers? Poly relationships aren’t unheard of. Maybe it’s the brotherly aspect that has everyone’s brains combusting.
Whatever.
I don’t give a flying fuck as long as Riley’s okay.
But what tips me over the edge is this damn Icing the Cake channel. Malik sent me a link to the latest episode, and it’s gone too far.
The anonymous hockey gossip channel has been taking shots at me and my brothers for months, and usually, I don’t give a crap about what people say about me, particularly if it’s funny. But when it’s Riley in the crosshairs, and people are throwing around derogatory words, it’s hard to let it slide.
I’m sprawled on the couch, watching the newest video, waiting for Hayes and Jacob to return with takeout. The host’s voice is pitched low and scratchy, like they’re disguising it with a filter, so it’s extra husky and sultry.
“Today on Icing the Cake, we’re tackling the real question everyone’s asking: are the Drayton brothers losing their edge? And how much of that has to do with a certain someone distracting them off the ice?”
I grit my teeth, dragging a hand through my hair. My blood pressure spikes the longer I listen to this bullshit. The host goes on to dissect our relationship, asking personal questions that are none of her fucking business. She finishes off with ‘will Riley Johnstone be the icing on the Drayton’s season, or their ultimate distraction?’