Page 41 of Going All In

Over an hourlater, and halfway through the second period, the Strikers were up four to one, and Darcy couldn’t take her eyes off the ice. To be honest, she missed being closer to the action, like when she was in Ethan’s seats.

Jake skated to the side of Ben, ducking away from a defenseman from the other team. He looked confident and in his element. So far, he had avoided the penalty box, even when one of the players from the other team elbowed him.

Darcy had been on her feet for that, yelling at the ref, not sure who the hell had taken over her body for that minute. Jake would’ve been proud. Probably would’ve given her that trademark grin of his that made her belly feel like she’d had too much extra bubbly champagne.

“How was your Valentine’s night with Ethan?” Darcy heard Amanda ask next to her.

Amanda, Sara, and Penny had stuck by her side all night, and she was grateful. There were a few glares from the cluster of women in too tight Strikers shirts, and Darcy didn’t want to think about how many of those women Jake had hooked up with. Judging by the glares, more than one.

“So romantic. Dinner and candles and lots of chocolate,” Penny said.

“I was hoping to see a ring,” Amanda said.

“Really? You?” Penny asked.

“Are you crazy? I’m not ready for that yet,” Amanda replied. “I meant for you.”

“Don’t put ideas in my head. We’ve only been together for a year,” Penny said.

“It could happen at any time.”

“Maybe one day, but we’re good for now, so don’t stress me out.” Penny turned to Darcy. “I saw your pics with Jake on Insta. He’s totally smitten with you.”

Darcy laughed awkwardly. “Yeah, I don’t know about that, but I’m having fun. He’s a really good kisser.” She threw that last bit in to appease them.

Amanda jumped on it. “Ooh. Spill.”

“He’s the best kisser I’ve ever had, but that’s all you get for details,” Darcy said.

“Fine.” Amanda huffed. “I’ll get more out of you eventually.”

They continued chatting about their guys and the game, and by the end of the night, Darcy hoped she’d convinced them that her relationship with Jake was real.

“Well, hello, girlfriend,”Jake said when Darcy opened the door Friday night. Tonight was their group date, and he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t slightly nervous. When she’d mentioned that Penny, Amanda, and Sara had suggested a group date for this week, he was apprehensive, but they could do this.

“Hello, to you too,” she said, shaking her head and laughing.

She looked hot tonight. Fitted jeans hugged the curves he’d thought about tracing with his tongue, and her sweater nipped in at the waist. He tugged her into his arms, giving her a boyfriendy hug.

You know. Just in case Ally was home. Not that Ally didn’t know the truth. Jake just wanted to tug Darcy into his arms.

This was not the plan.

“Um, yeah, hi,” she said against his chest, and he swore she took in a deep breath. How were the lines getting blurred this quickly?

She pushed out of his embrace. “We should go. Don’t want to be late. Oh, let me grab my coat. Did you want something to drink first?”

He stared at her and she laughed, but it was more of a weird giggle.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, sorry. I blame the exhaustion. Work, studying, TAing, and watching your games is catching up to me, I think. So, ready to go?” she asked, blowing off whatever the hell her reaction really was.

“Yep. Are you ready for this?” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek because he couldn’t resist.

“Jake…” she drew out.

“What?” He pulled back and caught her gaze. “Just kissing my girlfriend. For practice, of course. There will be a lot of eyes on us tonight.”

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