Page 120 of The Blame Game

“Think I could borrow the keys sometime?” Audra said as Dom escorted her into the lobby, nodding at someone he vaguely recognized from the organization but couldn’t put a name to. The man eyed Audra up and down, then shot him a surprised look.

Dom snorted at Audra’s comment, trying to ignore the guy as they got into the line for coat check. “Not a chance.”

“Well, I had to give it a shot,” she said with a resigned sigh.

Kate appeared at his elbow. “Finally. I was starting to think you weren’t coming, Dom.”

Audra glanced over. “So sorry. But don’t blame him. I’m the one who made him late.”

Audra didn’t sound sorry though and there was a distinct purr to her tone as she slid closer to Dom, wrapping her fingers around his bicep.

An amused expression crossed Kate’s face before it smoothed out into something more neutral. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your date, Dominic?”

Smirking, he made introductions and they chatted politely while Dom glanced around the five-star hotel. The lobby was beautiful and opulent, with soaring ceilings and an enormous chandelier. Massive bouquets of fresh flowers were strategically arranged and people in fancy dress mingled with hotel patrons at the nearby bar.

As they reached the front of the coat check line, Kate touched Dom’s arm. “Excuse me. I need to speak to someone. Please head straight up to the ballroom when you’re done here and don’t forget, we’ll be doing a team photo shortly—before guests start arriving.”

“Noted,” Dom said.

After their coats were taken care of, Dom held out his arm to Audra. “Shall we?”

They rode the elevator up several floors and followed the signs to the ballroom where the event was being held. Most of the team and SAPs were assembled near the bar and Dom wasn’t surprised to get several double takes and surprised expressions when he strolled up with Audra.

Shit, he should have warned them.

“Gentlemen, this is my date, Audra Morgan,” he said, looking the guys who knew about his sexuality in the eye and hoping they’d understand the unspoken message.

Dustin recovered first. “Audra. Nice to meet you. I’m Dustin Fowler.”

Everyone went around, introducing themselves, and Dom wasn’t surprised to find that Audra was charming and engaging, subtly flirtatious with all of them while still directing most of her attention to Dom.

“So how’d you meet?” Colton asked. “Dom never brings dates to these events. We were starting to think he was such a loser he couldn’t find one.”

Dom laughed, though there was a small twinge at the chirp. He hadn’t exactly had his best season, had he? He felt like a loser these days, to be honest.

Audra laughed. “No, don’t say that! He’s very charming. I met him through my best friend, Sawyer Barnett. He’s been Dom’s stylist for years.”

Right, they were going with Sawyer tonight. Christ, if Dom or Dustin or Matty didn’t slip up at some point and call him Shea it was going to be a miracle.

“I’m going to get a drink,” Dom said. “Would you like anything, Audra?”

“Champagne cocktail, please.”

“Done.”

Before Dom could turn away, Birdie said, “Oh, I love your dress, Audra. That’s stunning.”

“Thanks. I work as a stylist too and I always enjoy events where I’m the one who actually gets to dress up!”

Charlie let out a gasp. “Oh my God, is that an Alexander McQueen knuckle clutch?”

Dom didn’t have a clue what that was but Audra lifted her small purse to be examined. It had what looked like very fancy brass knuckles attached to the clasp.

He laughed. “What on earth?”

Audra beamed. “Well, McQueen’s one of my favorite designers and it felt appropriate to wear to a hockey event, no?”

Charlie let out a little squeal. “Oh my God, I love you already! Let me introduce you to everyone.”

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