Page 55 of I Blame the Club

“Ten! Nine! Eight!”

The crowd chants the countdown as Wes passes Millard the ball, the flash of panic on the rookie’s face making me groan.

“Four! Three!”

Adrenalin pumps through my body as I watch Millard turn and throw the ball towards the net, the awkward angle making it drop low just as the Dino goalie lunges for it. The ball bounces into the net as the buzzer sounds, ending the game with a goal.

We won.

Nico

I am ready to letloose.

Lifting the tray high above my head, I weave through the crowded bar stools and tables to reach the exuberant group occupying the back half of the hotel bar. What started as a team celebration quickly morphed into an open invitation when Wes insisted his girlfriend, sister, Cody, and Stella were allowed to join.

I spot a few Calgary players lingering near the edge of the group, their collared shirts a vast contrast to the casual wear the rest of our team is sporting.

“Tequila coming in hot!”

Everyone cheers as I place the tray on the table and the shots disappear immediately. Quickly grabbing the last two, I wander over to my co-captain, who looks like he’s having the time of his life nuzzling the fuck out of his girlfriend’s neck.

“You know there’s a bed back at the hotel.” Grinning, I make myself comfortable on the barstool across from them.

Trip blushes, “We're probably going to head out soon.”

Wes lifts his head and gives me a dimpled grin, “We're leaving now.”

“If you’re abandoning me, I’m keeping the tequila.” Tossing back a shot, I hold up the other one in salute, “Get out of here, lovebirds. Cody and Stella left to fuck hours ago.”

Trip’s cheeks redden while Wes laughs, “I’m surprised Mo wasn’t right behind them. He’s been talking up that brunette all evening.”

Discomfort settles on me as I whip around, scanning the bar for Mo’s distinguishable build.

“Now, this I have to see.”

Wes clears his throat, “Red tank top next to the pool table.”

Turning my head, it takes less than ten seconds for me to zero in on the perpetrator. The woman's low-cut tank top makes her breasts look ginormous as they bulge against the cheap material of her top. She’s rocking bright red lipstick and jeans so tight I’m surprised she was able to get them on in the first place.

She’s a total babe but I hate her.

Turning my attention to the alpha lurking in the corner, I sigh with content. Now there’s a man who knows how to dress for a night out.

Blue polo shirt. Cashmere dress pants. Muscles outlined at every corner.

He’s my personal charcuterie board.

“Lace made it back to the hotel okay.” Interrupting my spiralling thoughts, Wes glances at his phone and quickly types out a response.

“She should have come out tonight. We could have found her a boy to play with.”

I’m so busy checking out the man I’d very much like to play with that I almost miss the frown flickering across Wes’ face.

“I don’t think she’s ready for that.”

I sigh, turning to look at him, “You don’t always have to be her big brother, you know. Sometimes you can just be her friend. She needs more friends right now.”

“I know.” He sighs, raking a hand through his hair, “But it’s not something I can just turn off. My job as an older brother is to protect her.”

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