Page 52 of A Whole New Trick

“Oh. Uh, no.” Morgan answers warily.

We both know where this is going.

“Wonderful. We should sit together.” The husband and wife smile at one another, then turn to Morgan and me. We have no choice but to smile back.

“Of course,” I reply.

“That sounds fun,” Morgan says with forced enthusiasm. The McQueens don’t pick up on it.

“Great. Let’s find four seats before they fill up.” Mr. McQueen holds out his arm. His wife slips her hand through and beckons for us to follow.

Morgan takes my outstretched hand with pursed lips. “I’m sorry about this.”

“Don’t be.” I squeeze her fingers gently. “I’m curious to hear more about what Morgan Caldwell was like growing up.”

She groans good-naturedly in response. We trail after the chatty couple with polite, albeit reluctant, smiles.

Yet another romantic moment has been derailed, but I don’t let it get to me. If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: Morgan and I will have our moment.

And when we do, it’s going to be unforgettable.

17

MORGAN

“Why didn’tyou tell me who your dad is?” Dane murmurs in my ear to avoid being heard by the McQueens.

The husband and wife are discussing which hockey players they want to speak with before the night ends. They’ve followed the sport their whole lives, and being here tonight is a dream come true for them.

Mr. McQueen grew up with my dad. They played hockey at the same university, but Mr. McQueen wasn’t a starter. When school ended, he returned to their hometown and started coaching kids’ leagues. His wife is a big-shot hedge fund manager. The couple visited my family at least once a year while I was growing up. I view them as a pseudo-aunt and uncle.

My face is innocent as I take a sip of water from the crystal glass in front of me. “What do you mean?”

Dane narrows his baby blues. “Don’t play with me, Caldwell. You know exactly what I mean.”

His growly voice sends tingles to my toes. I’m not sure what’s happening to me. I turn into a puddle of lust at every little thing Dane does. I want to kiss him—bad. I’ve never desired someone like this.

I was with Aaron for years, but I’ve never lusted after him the way I lust after Dane. I never daydreamed about licking Aaron’s washboard abs or taking his cock in my mouth to watch him come undone for me.

Jesus, Morgan.

I will my blood to cool. I’m at a fancy event. I can’t have lewd thoughts tumbling around my head, making me hot and bothered.

“Wait.” Dane straightens. “Does this mean you’re Canadian? Are you only with me to get a marriage visa? Is that why you agreed to fake date me in the first place?”

“Oh my god.” I slap his shoulder. “You’re an idiot.”

“That’s not a no.”

“No.” I roll my eyes. “I’m not Canadian. And even if I were, I would have zero interest in tricking you into marriage to get a visa. I don’t know if you’ve ever been, but Canada is a nice country.”

Dane’s lips twitch. He starts to say something, but we’re interrupted.

“Danie? Is that you?” A feminine voice that sounds too high-pitched to be authentic says behind us.

I rotate in my seat and see a busty blonde in a pale pink gown approaching our table. Her hips sway, and her eyes are locked on the man beside me.

I glance at Dane, and my eyes widen as I take in his darkening expression. I’ve never seen him look so angry. Not even when I would make rude remarks or thinly veiled insults did Dane look anything but calm and collected. He’s usually so open and approachable. But now, his demeanor screams for this woman to keep her distance. She doesn’t.

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