Page 6 of Hooked On Them

The lie tasted worse than the champagne.

Chapter3

Bag of Angry Cats

Nora

Inever thought I’d get excited about wearing heels that made my feet hurt like I’d stuck them in a bag of angry cats, but something about charity events flipped a switch in my brain. Maybe it was the chance to dress up in the blue silk dress I’d splurged on last year, or the fact that I could temporarily shed the tough-coach exterior for something more feminine.

But it wasn’t just about the dress or the glamour. One of the things that made these events so special was seeing the people who benefited from them right in front of me. Hearing their stories and witnessing their excitement made everything feel more... real.

“And then I did a pirouette!” Emma, a little girl who would benefit from the community center, demonstrated, wobbling slightly. “But I can only practice in our living room, and Mom always says I’m going to break something.”

I laughed, remembering my own early days of figure skating. “I used to practice spins in my kitchen. I broke three glasses and a coffee maker before my mom banned indoor skating.”

The mention of my mom brought the familiar twinge, but Emma’s excited chatter pushed it away. The community center would have a dedicated dance studio. No more kitchen pirouettes needed.

“The St. James Foundation is doing amazing things,” Maria said, squeezing her daughter’s shoulders. “We never thought we’d see something like this in our neighborhood. The academic support will also be great now that the math is getting harder.”

I thought of Paige’s boyfriends, Ryker, Luca, and Garrett, who had turned their considerable resources toward making a difference in Ryker’s childhood neighborhood.

“Mind if I get a few shots for the foundation’s social media?”

I turned to find Carter, camera raised. His bow tie was slightly crooked in a way that somehow made his whole perfectly tailored tuxedo look effortlessly sexy. He flashed a smile that probably made panties spontaneously combust across the city.

I wanted to roll my eyes but smiled right back at him instead. When I’d first been introduced to him when I’d arrived, I’d immediately been attracted to him. He had the most expressive blue eyes and a polished look, but something about him still buzzed with barely-contained chaos.

It was the type of chaos I wanted to see, preferably in the bedroom.

After a few photos, a volunteer approached to escort the Martinez family to their table for dinner. Carter lowered his camera but didn’t step back from where he’d moved closer once we’d finished with photos.

“I have to say, that’s quite the camera.” I gestured to the professional equipment hanging around his neck. “Seems a bit excessive for event photography.”

He adjusted his camera strap in a way that made his biceps flex beneath his jacket. “I like having the right equipment for every situation. Plus, it helps me capture...” His gaze traveled down my body and back up, lingering long enough to make my pulse quicken. “...all the important details.”

“Smooth.” I took a sip of champagne to hide my smile. “Do lines like that usually work for you?”

“I don’t know.” He stepped closer, close enough that I caught the spicy notes of his cologne. “You tell me. Is it working?”

I tilted my head, pretending to consider. “Guess we’ll find out.”

He snapped a photo, his gaze lingering on me, the corner of his mouth curling into a smirk. “While I’m enjoying taking photos tonight, I have to say, some subjects make the process a lot more... enjoyable.”

“Now that was a line.” I traced my finger along the rim of my champagne glass, enjoying the slight buzz that made flirting with a gorgeous man feel even more delicious than usual.

“Guilty as charged.” His smile was devastating up close, all perfect white teeth and a tiny dimple in his right cheek that made me want to lean in and taste it. “But would it help if I told you I meant every word?”

I was considering my next move when I felt the unmistakable prickling feeling of being watched. I glanced around, locking eyes with Dominic, who was leaning against the bar across the room.

Carter followed my gaze. “Ah, I see your best friend is watching us with rapt attention.”

“Excuse me?” I forced my attention back to Carter, who was staring at me with knowing amusement.

Carter nodded his chin toward the bar. “I think he has a little crush on his coach.”

“You talked about me with him? Are you two friends?” I couldn’t keep the disgust off my face.

He shrugged. “We know each other through the elaborate web of siblings and friends.”

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