Page 11 of Suck My Puck

“No, we’re good.”

She glances at where we’re sitting. “It’s like a backwards hat convention at your table.”

I frown and look over at the guys. They’re all wearing baseball caps backward. So am I.

“Do you not like hockey players or something?” I ask before I can stop myself. I probably shouldn’t, but I’m curious.

She sets the shot glasses on a tray along with a small bowl of lime wedges. “No. I don’t. Here you go.” She slides the tray to me.

“Can I ask why?”

She tilts her head and flashes a tight smile. “No. You can’t. That’ll be fifty bucks.”

I let out an exasperated laugh. Wow. This woman is something else.

And honestly? I kind of like it. I mean, it’s a little obnoxious that she hates hockey players for some mysterious reason. But I like how feisty she is. She’s got killer taste in music. And I like talking to her.

And those fucking dimples.

I hand her a hundred-dollar bill. “Can I at least get your name? We’re neighbors, after all.”

She turns around to grab my change. She hands me two twenties and two fives. “Bella.”

“Very pretty.”

She rolls her eyes. “Thanks.”

“Last name?”

She glares at me.

I chuckle. “Come on. You know mine. It’s only fair.”

The corner of her mouth twitches like she’s fighting a smile.

“Palermo.”

“Nice to meet you, Bella Palermo. I’ll be sure to keep it down.”

I slide the cash she just gave me across the bartop back to her and leave it as a tip before walking back over to my table.

“How did it go?” Xander asks when I sit back down and hand out the shots. “Everything good between you two now?”

“Nope. She still doesn’t like me.”

“Why are you smiling then?” Theo asks.

I shrug and chuckle. “I don’t know.”

Theo laughs and slaps my back. “Maybe you like it when sexy women are mean to you, huh? New kink officially unlocked.”

Everyone laughs. So do I. But I can’t help but wonder if maybe he’s right.

Chapter 5

Bella

Iwalk over to the far end of the coffee shop counter, beverage in hand.

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