Page 17 of Mine to Take

What a dick.

That thought is further solidified when the girl who’d attacked him at the arena wraps her arms around his neck and smothers him in sloppy kisses. My gaze slices back to his girlfriend, waiting to see how this scene will unfold.

Will she go after the chick sucking River’s face?

It certainly wouldn’t be the first catfight I’ve witnessed.

Most of the girlfriends understand that they need to be on high alert and beat the groupies off with a stick.

It comes with the territory of dating a hockey player.

Puck bunnies, on the other hand?

They don’t mind sliding into bed with someone else’s man.

And they certainly don’t mind sharing them either.

When distaste flashes across blondie’s face and she swivels away from the mauling still taking place, I realize she’s not a girlfriend after all.

Huh.

I wouldn’t have pegged her for a groupie.

Guess I was wrong.

My muscles tense when one of River’s teammates sidles up to her. A hesitant smile quirks her lips as she tucks a stray lock of golden hair behind her ear.

Fuck.

Even her ears are adorable.

When the guy grins and steps closer, invading her personal space, I take an unconscious step in their direction. I recognize the hungry expression written across his face. It’s one that says he’s looking to get lucky.

Before I can take another step, River breaks away from the girl and scowls at his teammate before pulling blondie closer. He gets in the player’s face, pointing to her again and saying something. The other guy gives her a sidelong glance before shaking his head and taking a giant step in retreat, as if he can’t get away fast enough.

If I didn’t realize it before, I do now—River Thompson is a grade-A dick.

He says something to the blonde before resuming his make out session with the girl, who looks as if she’s trying to swallow him whole.

I’m curious as to what this chick’s next move will be.

If I were her, I’d haul off and deck him.

Maybe a few times.

Instead, she presses her lips together and heads for the exit at the back of the bar.

It’s not a conscious decision on my part to take off after her.

It just happens.

6

Willow

When will I learn?

I knew tagging along with my brother tonight was a mistake. If I’d been smart, I would have listened to my intuition. Instead of interrupting River, I shoot him a text on the way to the exit and let him know that I’m heading home.

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