Page 19 of Win Big

“Yeah,” I drawl. “When you look at shooting percentages and the risk of screening the goalie, you have to consider if it’s worth it to step in front of a point shot.”

Everly swivels her gaze back to me. “I just said that!”

I shrug. “You weren’t wrong.”

She looks like she wants to jump up off the couch and come punch me. “You were just arguing in favor of blocking shots!”

I grin and lift my beer at her. “I wasn’t arguing. You were the one who was making blocking shots about manhood. It’s not about feelings. It’s about facts.”

She glares at me. Because I’m right.

“I don’t blockeverypoint shot,” I continue. “I make the best decision I can in a split second.”

“Is saving a goal worth losing one of our best defensive players, possibly for months, due to injury?” Théo waves his beer.

“Is it?” Everly challenges.

“It depends.” Théo smirks again.

Everly sighs.

“In the dying minutes of a must-win playoff game, I’ll block that shot every time,” I say.

Théo nods.

“But in a different game, if I decide not to, it’s not because I’m a coward.” I meet her eyes. Our gazes lock and hold, and damn, heat slides down my spine. “And you don’t believe that either.”

Her lips twitch and she tosses her hair back. “Maybe not.”

Damn. Adrenaline surges through my veins, excitement fizzing inside me.

I catch the glances being exchanged among the others. What the hell is that about?

“I need more wine!” Lacey bounces up from the couch.

“Me too.” Taylor rises as well.

“I’m okay,” Everly says.

But when Théo follows the other two women to the kitchen, Everly and I are alone. We eye each other.

“Did you figure things out for the banquet?” she asks.

“I’m working on it.” I’ve already rescheduled the party. I’ll be at the banquet, but I’ll be late. I’ll let her know that... at some point. “So, princess, where’re you sleeping tonight?”

Her elegant eyebrows arch. “Princess?”

“Princess Wynn?”

Her lips thin. “Oh right. Look, I’m no princess.”

“Your dad’s the king of hockey. That makes you a princess.”

“Right.” She rolls her eyes. “And I’m sleeping here.”

“My bed’s available if you need it.”

“I don’t think I’ll get dumped for a man this time, since JP’s in Detroit.”

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