Page 5 of Going All In

Harty laughed. “Yeah, don’t bet on that,” he said, giving Jake a look that told him he knew exactly what Jake was thinking.

After years of playing on the same line, with a year break when Harty was traded to the Strikers before Jake, they could read each other perfectly—on and off the ice. It was both a blessing and a curse.

“Whatever, man. I’m a total catch. And harmless as a fly,” he said, shooting Darcy a grin. He caught her eyes widening before she rolled them at him. She tried to hide it, but she was definitely interested.

“Go latch on to something else, Jake,” Harty said.

Jake didn’t miss the slight steel in his friend’s voice. It shouldn’t hurt, but it did. Not that he could blame the guy for being protective of someone he most likely thought of as a little sister. Especially with Jake’s reputation.

“If you two are done, I’m going to bid on an item or two and grab another drink. Sorry for thinking you were a waiter,” she said to Jake.

Harty chuckled. “You thought he was a waiter? Bet he quickly told you that he’s a top line winger for the team.”

She giggled. She fucking giggled. And it did something to his gut that he wasn’t fully on board with.

“He says that a lot, does he?” she asked, her eyes meeting his.

“I don’t say it that much,” he mumbled.

“Every time, man. That line is getting old,” Harty said to Jake before focusing back on Darcy. “So, are you looking for something for Charles?”

“Yeah. You know how much he loves hockey. I figured he’d like something signed for his birthday,” she said.

“Charles is your boyfriend?” Jake wanted to kick himself as the words left his mouth, and Harty quirked a brow at him.

Damn, he was usually smoother than this.

“Older brother,” she said, ignoring the tension between the two men as she looked down at the bid sheets in front of a few items.

“Older brother,” he repeated, watching her trail her finger along the edge of the clipboard. How would her touch feel on his skin?

“Leave it, Jake,” Harty whispered through a tight smile.

“There you are,” Ally said, stopping next to her brother. “Hey, Jake. Darcy. Everything okay?” she asked, her gaze darting between him and her brother.

“Yep. Looking good, Ally,” Jake said, ignoring Harty’s glare. Man, the guy needed to lighten up. He wasn’t going to go after Darcy, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to go after Harty’s actual sister.

“Why thank you, Jake,” Ally said, and gave him a small curtsy. “Hey, big brother. Penny was looking for you. She mentioned something about missing you and that you promised to play roulette with her.”

“Thanks,” Harty said before leveling another glare at Jake. “Behave,” he said, then headed toward his girlfriend.

“You’re welcome,” Ally said with a smirk. She leaned into Darcy and muttered something that sounded faintly like go for it. “Well, I’m off.”

“Wait,” Darcy said, reaching for her friend’s hand. “I, uh, need a new drink. Come to the bar with me.”

“You sure?” Ally asked.

“Of course.”

Darcy turned to face him again. “It was nice meeting you, Jake. Sorry about the waiter thing.”

He watched her walk away. He had no business focusing on how her ass shifted under her dress. A dress that molded to her curves like his hands would if she’d let him.

Fucking hell.

“Who’s that?” Baz asked from out of nowhere.

“You need a bell or something. Stop sneaking up on people,” Jake muttered, and Baz let out a loud laugh.

---