Page 62 of Mr. Charming

Decker grabs my hand. “If I’m going, so are you.” His expression threatens to out me, so I reluctantly follow.

It takes a half hour to get our skates, and I haven’t seen Tweetie since he was taking a picture with the Kale kid. Maybe he left. I hate the disappointment that sinks my stomach with that thought.

Jade joins us as we’re walking away from the rental counter. “That Maci just drives me insane. She wiggled her way into a picture with Tweetie, and I’m pretty sure her hand is on his ass.”

Decker glances at me but says nothing.

I grab my skates, and we’re coming through the tunnel when I see Maci talking to Tweetie. I swallow down that jealous green monster inside me because Decker is right, Tweetie’s single. He can take her home, or get her number, or go on a date with her. Whatever. What do I care?

“Come on,” I say.

Decker groans, following me. “Why do I feel as if this isn’t going to end well?”

“You’re the one who made the bet with Conor.” I stop and turn around. “Actually, you never even put a wager on it. You’re just doing it to say you did it.”

I circle back around and draw back because Tweetie’s right there.

He reaches out, grabbing my hips to steady me. “Sorry. I was just going to get some skates.”

“It’s okay,” I say, glaring behind me at Decker.

“You let Conor get to you, huh?” Tweetie pats Decker on the back and walks out of the tunnel, laughing.

“Why didn’t you catch me?”

Decker holds up his skates and his drink. “How? My hands are full.”

I blow out a breath and shake my head. “No wonder you’re single.”

“Let’s remember who’s doing who a favor here.”

We sit on the benches to put our skates on, Decker practically growling the entire time.

“I do appreciate you,” I say, and he glares at me.

After everyone gets laced up and heads onto the ice, Conor gets Decker set up in the net. “I’m not going to injure you, so I’ll take it easy on you.”

Decker scoffs.

All the boys huddle around and make their rules. Somehow, they’ve found a helmet and pads for Decker, but it’s not a goalie’s helmet, so there’s no visor.

“Are you sure about this?” I ask him.

“Afraid we’re going to injure your boy?” Tweetie skates around me. “You’re doing pretty good there.” His gaze falls down to my skates.

Tweetie is the one who got me skating again. I grew up skating, but after years of not doing it and living in Florida, I was really rusty. The night he got me back on the ice, we went home, and my god… after having his hands on my hips the entire time and feeling so close to him, the sex was explosive. One of our top ten highlights for sure. Which is probably why he’s bringing it up.

“It’s his choice.” I shrug.

Conor gets ready at the center line. The kids who have stayed are cheering him on. It’s clear they want any of the hockey guys to win and Decker to lose.

“Just remember that in the spring, you’re going to be at third base,” Decker calls.

“Bring it.” Conor grins at him, dropping the puck onto the ice in front of him.

“Conor, this is a little juvenile, no?” Eloise asks.

“Watch your husband, baby.” He puffs out his chest.

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