Leo glides over with a dark look aimed mostly at Rourke. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was jealous. “Victoria,” he says with a clipped tone.
“Leo,” I reply, giving him a curt nod. “You look absolutelythrilledto be here today.”
“I am,” he says, then adds, “How’s the gum?” He’s not even attempting to play nice in front of his friends.
I narrow my eyes. “I spit it out in the bathroom trash. Everyone knows you can’t chew gum and skate.”
He lifts an eyebrow, clearly amused by this game. “I’m sure there’s more if you want to crawl through the rest of the arena.”
Rourke frowns slightly. “Wait, do you two know each other?”
“Yep,” Leo says. “Why don’t you give her some space to warm up?”
Rourke smirks. “Who made you the rink monitor?”
Leo’s jaw tightens. “Just keeping you from annoying her.”
I clear my throat, throwing Leo a pointed look. “Actually, he’s not annoying me. He’s been...” I turn to Rourke. “Friendly. Unlike some people I know.” I put just enough sweetness in my tone to get on Leo’s nerves.
When I glance up, Leo’s scowl is hard enough to drill a hole in the ice. So, hedoeshave a jealous side.
“Yeah, Leo,” Rourke says, flashing a wicked grin. “Maybe take notes for your face—you look extrascowlytoday.”
Leo’s frown deepens as he looks at me, waiting for me to back him up. After forcing me to chew old gum, he’s on his own.
I nod in agreement. “That sounds right.”
Vale lifts his eyebrows at Leo. “Didn’t think I’d see the day when you’d keep quiet after that comment.”
Leo forces a tight smile. “Just trying something new. It’s called ‘kill ’em with kindness.’” His eyes cut to mine. “I just wish it worked.”
“Well...” I glance around at the guys and give an apologetic shrug. “Sorry to leave, but I need to start practice. Thanks for the warm welcome—you guys are pretty nice.”
Rourke smiles. “Did you hear that? We totally fooled her.”
I laugh, surprised by how normal they all seem. Hockey players are supposed to be intimidating, and Leo has it in spades, but these guys are almost delightful—except for Leo, who currently looks like he’s debating knocking someone out.
Rourke leans toward me. “You should come to one of our team events sometime, see us off the ice.”
“I’d like that,” I say, avoiding Leo’s glare. “But right now, I need to let my practice partner get his hours in.”
Rourke looks at Leo. “Wait—she’s your punishment?”
Leo frowns. “Correction: community service,notpunishment.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Rourke says, then he turns to me. “Can I arrange community service with you too?”
“Knock it off.” Leo pushes Rourke away from me. “If we’re all done here, she needs the rink,” Leo snaps, before skating off toward center ice.
As the rest of the team files out, Rourke skates backward, keeping his eyes on me. He’s not even trying to hide his interest. “I meant what I said about coming to a team event. I know Sloan and Jaz like to throw a New Year’s Eve party at their place. You interested?”
“Sure,” I say with a shrug. If Leo’s going to act like I’m invisible, I might as well make friends with someone else. It’s bad enough to be single over the holidays, but it’s even worse when you know your ex isn’t going to invite you to anything.
I glance back at Leo, who’s staring down Rourke like he wants to punch him in the neck.
“Victoria!” a voice calls from behind me. I turn to see Sloan approaching with another woman, a brunette with a warm smile. “I heard you’re practicing with Leo since your partner’s injured.”
“Who told you?”
