Page 208 of The Charlie Method

Beside me, Charlie looks a little tense. She glances around, clutching my hand tightly. I give her a reassuring smile, leaning close so only she can hear me.

“You look amazing, you know that? Like, jaw-droppingly hot.”

She blushes, eyes flicking up at me, then Beckett, who’s on her other side. He grins at her, nodding in agreement. “Larsen’s right. I’d be eye-fucking you if I didn’t already know you were with us.”

“Stop, you guys,” she whispers, a shy grin tugging at her lips.

I can tell she’s nervous, but the compliments are working. She holds her head a little higher.

Beckett and I exchange a quick look, and I know we’re on the same page. Tonight isn’t just a random party at Colson’s house—it’s our first time stepping out together, the three of us, letting people know what we have with Charlie.

I know she’s afraid of how people will react. Not gonna lie—I’m nervous too. The back of my neck itches and I resist the urge to scratch it.

Just then, someone calls my name, and I turn to see Case striding toward us. Trager hears him and ambles over too, greeting me with a clap on the arm.

“Yo,” Trager says. “I got a beef with your stupid dad.”

I snort. “Join the club.”

“What the hell was that hockey segment? They didn’t use my interview! They usedPope’sdumbass frozen-on-the-spot interview and not mine? What the fuck.”

“I had zero involvement in it.” I shrug at him. “Take it up with Coach. Maybe he knows.”

Trager is about to respond when he notices Charlie sandwiched between us. He openly checks her out, and I don’t blame him. She looks damn cute tonight. Short skirt, tall boots, and a black top under her signature cropped cashmere sweater.

“Is this your girl?” Trager asks me.

“Yes,” I say, at the same time Beckett drawls, “Yup.”

Case doesn’t bother hiding his grin. He knows about this arrangement already. I told him weeks ago. But this is the first time the rest of the team is hearing about it.

Trager looks between me and Beckett, visibly confused. “Wait. Who—?”

“This is Charlie,” I say, keeping my tone casual. “She’s with both of us.”

Our teammate’s jaw drops. Then he grins and says, “Nice.”

“Wait, I don’t get it,” Patrick Armstrong says, and I realize he and Nazem have been eavesdropping on us. He steps closer, frowning at me. “How is she with both of you?”

“She just is,” Beckett says, his arm looping around Charlie’s waist protectively.

Patrick’s eyes narrow, bouncing between me, Beckett, and Charlie like he’s just stumbled into some alternate universe. He sips his beer, then purses his lips, scrutinizing Charlie. “Uh…and that, like…works for you?”

She hesitates, cheeks flushing. “I mean…yes,” she replies. “It works for us.”

Poor Kansas Kid looks like he’s trying to do mental gymnastics, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Hold on,” Patrick says, raising his hand like he’s still trying to process this. “So, if she’s your girlfriend…or yours…then, like…who buys her flowers and stuff?”

I put on a super solemn expression. “Both of us.”

The two underclassmen glance between us again, skeptical. “You’re messing with us,” Patrick finally says. “You don’t have the same girlfriend.”

“No, they do.” Charlie surprises us both, lifting her chin confidently as she looks at our teammates. “And they’re both great boyfriends.”

“I’m sorry, you’re telling me you’re datingboththese losers?” a new voice says, and I roll my eyes as Shane strides over with Diana at his side.

Charlie’s face fills with relief at the sight of Diana. “Oh my God. Estrogen. Thank you. I need you.”

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