Page 17 of Tempting

Killian

Dude... wait. I’m catching up. Nix – you’re dating Kenzie?

Hendrix

Guess I’m not the last to know.

Leo

You gonna call Killer stupid too, Henny?

Hendrix

Nope. I’m smart enough not to call an MMA champ stupid.

Killian

You’re both stupid. I don’t need to kick anyone’s ass. Jules will kick it for me.

Maddox

Truth.

Callen

Make smart choices, kids.

Nixon

Yes, dad.

Callen

Ohhh... I like it when you call me daddy.

Nixon

And. I’m. Out.

I slide my jacket on and grab my wallet, a little less sure of tonight than I was before those stupid text messages. Not because I’m worried about what Easton will think. I’ve heard the stories from back in the day before he wifed up Lindy. He was way fucking worse than I’ve ever been with the puck bunnies.

What the hell can he say to me?

You’re not good enough for my sister because you’ve done the same shit I have?

This girl. This girl was legitimately my first wet dream. She was the fantasy. Now she’s the girl you bring home to mom. The only problem with that is I don’t want to bring anyone home to Mom. Not yet. Hockey isn’t like football. I’m not going to be playing into my forties like my dad did. The wear and tear on your body is different on the ice. I’ve got maybe another five to seven years where I can play at this level, and I don’t want to split that focus between a family and the team. Not even for Mac.

“You look good, brother.” Leo looks me over as I walk into the living room. Madden is on the TV, and his team is currently killing the Kings. Guess he’s got his own daddy issues. Gordie’s sleeping by his side. My dog isn’t what’s considered a sporty dog. His happy activity level is moving between nap spots. But my whole family has grown up with bulldogs. They’re loyal little assholes.

“Thanks, man.” I straighten my jacket and pocket my cellphone. I don’t know a thing about style and give even less of a shit about it, if that’s possible. Caitlin’s been basically styling me for a few years now. Even before she started working for Everly. We were roommates when I was a rookie, and she informed me I looked like a color-blind college kid instead of a professional athlete. She took my credit card, went shopping, and informed me she was my stylist. “At least Caitlin didn’t make me wear a tie.”

“Gotta give it to her... she’s good. Have fun tonight. But not too much fun. I don’t feel like having to tell Mom and Dad that Easton Hayes killed you.”

“Always got to be a shithead, don’t you, Leo?”

“Yup.” He looks back over to his game. “Just don’t fuck anything up, Nix.”

Don’t fuck it up.

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