A few of the guys around me laughed.
Gina slapped my chest playfully. “You’re such an ass.”
Ryan shook his head with a slight grin. “Okay round of shots for my boyTroyhere for being…earnest tonight…despite all else.” He winked at me before walking over to Finn.
Ryan was one of the few players on the Blades I admired. As alternate captain, he was a good player. And kept my brother in check for most of his rookie year.
After a quick shot with the crew, I managed to slip away to see if I could find her. Was she hiding? Had she left?
I turned to head back to my spot at the end of the bar to slip another whiskey before dealing with anyone else and stopped dead in my tracks.
Harper Maxwell was in my seat. And staring right at me. A slow, confident grin formed her lips.
Nope. Not a chance, I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole.
God was she always this sexy? Or had my dick just matured since I was eighteen? The body-hugging black dress had a slight slit on one side. My eyes stretched down her toned, bare legs crossed at the ankles.
I cringed at the gnawing feeling of knowing she waited for me to approach her.
This was a whole new level of low.Have you forgotten prom night already? How you skipped out on just about everything but finals just to avoid seeing him—and everyone else again?After he dumped you for the loud brunette somewhere behind me?
I swallowed and looked away. One hour. Then Troy Hartman was making his escape.
“You’re impressive tonight.” Ryan approached me at the bar. “I don’t suppose you got Troy in your ear tonight telling you what to say?”
I glowered at him for the insulting comment. “No.”
He frowned. “Was there a postgame interview I missed?”
“Nope.”
Ryan shook his head. “You could have given the play announcement after tonight’s game.”
I took a swig of my beer and sucked my teeth before answering. “I did. Now stop babysitting me—I got this.” I shot him a ‘get off my back’ glare, but the guy didn’t flinch.
Ryan wasn’t amused nor threatened. He tapped a hand on the bar and moved on to the waiting crowd.
I turned my attention to the spot in the back where Harper was—but she was gone.
“I was going to give it another five minutes before you caved.” My heart clenched at Harper’s warm, soft voice in my ear and I turned.
One side of her mouth turned up now that she had my attention. “But thought I’d put you out of your misery and come say hello.”
She’d never smiled at me this way before. Like we’d shared some secret. Like we were old lovers. Was this the way she used to smile at Troy? I couldn’t imagine ever betraying a smile like this. But even still, there was something off about it. But at the moment, I couldn’t care enough to question it.
I couldn’t lose myself with her again, I needed to stay in control. Reminding myself, I was the confident brother tonight.
At least when it came toher.
Clearing my throat, I drew in a bored breath. “Funny I could have said the same about you, Harper.”
Her lip curved.
“I’m surprised to see you here.” My go-to with people I liked tended to be honesty. Though I’d never admit I liked her.
Ever.
She shrugged. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re not feeling this crowd so much.”
