“He’s a nice bonus. And yeah, I know this is fast, and I really didn’t intend to do it in quite this way, but I love you.”
He cupped my cheek. “How convenient, because I’m totally in love with you, too.”
I stretched up to kiss him, brushing my lips against his. I hadn’t planned to confess my feelings—hell, I hadn’t fully realized I was in love with him until Roger couldn’t shut up—but the moment felt surprisingly right.
“Oh please. You’re not in love with him. He’s a goalie, and you clearly have a type, that’s all.”
Roger’s voice grated on my last nerve and I spun to face him, poking him in the chest. “Don’t you dare taint this, you jerk. Gabe is amazing, a freaking walking green flag, and I had no clue he was a goalie when I kissed him.”
“Enough, Roger. This has gone on for long enough. Just walk away,” Gabe said evenly, his hand on my hip.
I swore I heard someone say “burn” behind us.
“Don’t tell me what to do, Tucks.” Roger leaned closer to Gabe, and I wouldn’t have faulted Gabe if he decked the piece of shit, but I already knew that punching my ex wasn’t Gabe’s style. He stayed calm. God knows, Roger was itching to have his face rearranged, but I didn’t want Gabe to end up suspended for hitting another player off the ice.
I lowered my voice and moved in closer to Roger. “Just walk away. The longer you draw this out, the more of a dick you’re going to appear. Not that it isn’t accurate.”
He bristled.
“We have an audience. Wouldn’t want your fans to know what a true asshole you are, right? I have no problem telling them if you don’t just go away and leave me alone.”
His eyes narrowed.
“Roger, move on,” a man said, coming up behind him.
“Fuck off, Tony,” he said.
“As your agent, I would suggest you leave before this turns into a media shitstorm, and from what I’ve seen so far, you will not come out as the better guy. Remember, we have contract negotiations coming up this season.” Then he nodded to me. “Ms. Albans, hope your father is doing well.”
I tried hard not to roll my eyes again. Looking back now, there was no doubt in my mind that this guy had probably encouraged Roger to date me because of my dad. It was super gross.
“Fine, I can be the bigger person,” Roger said, raising his voice as he stepped back. “I had real feelings for you, Dani.”
I held back my scoff. He was full of shit, but if he had to save face to get out of my face, I didn’t care. Of course, I had a sense his image was going to take a hit after this bullshit anyway, and I was all for it. Served the asshole right.
Then he dropped his head like he was heartbroken and walked away, Tony trailing behind him. It was quite the performance. I spotted more than one woman in the crowd approach him.
Good luck with that.
Hopefully, any woman who was interested in him would do her homework first. There was no way tonight’s scene wouldn’t end up online, if it hadn’t already.
I glanced up to see our waitress and a woman with the bearing of a manager coming toward us, concern in their eyes. Dammit, I loved this place and now I wasn’t going to be able to come here again.
Fucking Roger.
“Is everything okay?” The other woman asked. “I’m Bonnie, the manager.”
“Umm, yes. Sorry about that scene.” My emotions were barely in check. I just had to remain cool and collected until I could get out of here. But I wanted dessert.
Her expression softened. “No, don’t even worry about it. He looked like he needed someone to put him in his place. Can I get you anything? Cocky men are the worst, if you don’t mind me saying.”
My laugh was harsh. “No kidding. And we should probably just get the check?”
“Of course. I’ll bring it right over,” Bonnie said, and both women walked away.
Ugh. What were the two of them saying? I hated the thought that I might become gossip fodder and that I probably had to stop coming here. The food was so good.
There were still some people looking over at me, and I tried not to bristle at the looks of pity coming from a few of them. Luckily, most were quick to look away when I made eye contact.
