Page 71 of Pucking Revenge

Ava’s cheeks are almost as red as her hair from the champagne, and she finally seems to be perking up.

“Seb made a comment about me being a puck bunny yesterday.”

Ava and Lennox are the only people I confided in about my relationship with the asshole. Until yesterday, I’d never kept a secret from Lennox. I still don’t like the idea of not filling her in on the fake relationship business Brooks and I have going on, but I haven’t had time to discuss it with him.

Ava, on the other hand, discovered what was going on when she saw me leaving his apartment late one night and put two and two together. Thankfully she came to me first and promised to keep it to herself. Like me, she had no clue the bastard was married. When I found out, and after I ended things with him, I filled her in. Ava is as good a friend as they come, so I have no doubt that she can be discreet.

“Asshole,” Lennox mutters.

“Right. That’s not news.” I shrug and stab a strawberry with my fork. “But I want to show him that I don’t care. That his taunts don’t bother me and that I’m happy.”

“You are happy, right?” Ava asks, head tilted and scrutinizing me, like if she focuses hard enough, she’ll find the answer in my expression.

My response is easy. “Brooks is the best man I’ve ever known. I don’t miss Seb at all.”

The worry lines on Ava’s face ease, and she smiles. “He’s a great guy.”

“He is,” Lennox agrees. “Back to the cheater. We need a little something to stick it to him.” She taps her red-soled foot on the ground and hums. Then her face lights up, and she throws her head back with a cackle. “I’ve got it. We need a Bolts’ beanie. Do you have one?”

Once we’ve finished brunch, I guide the girls toward the shops, and Lennox fills us in on her plan. And, oh my God, I knew I asked the right person. As always, Lennox’s brain is downright devious.

TWENTY-FIVE

BROOKS

Beckett: I need Sara.

Gavin: No

Beckett: This isn’t up for debate. Liv has morning sickness.

Gavin: You have Hannah.

Beckett: Hannah is Hannah. I need someone to be Liv for me.

Me: Bro, that’s weird.

Beckett: Not like that.Don’t be an idiot.

Aiden: You can’t have her. I need Sara

Gavin: What the hell do you need Sara for? And why aren’t you on the damn plane? We’re leaving in five.

Me: None of you can have Sara.

Gavin: Watch out boys. Brooks was never great at sharing his toys.

Me: Sara is not up for grabs. She’s a person.

Gavin: Yeah, your person.

When I step onto the plane, I zero in on my brother and shoot him a glare. He’s settled in beside my girlfriend, fingers laced across his abdomen and one ankle crossed over the opposite knee, like he’s ready for takeoff.

“Move,” I grumble.

War, who’s a pace ahead of me, snorts. Then he continues down the aisle of the team plane.

Gavin tips his chin up, brows lifted. “Excuse me?”

---