Page 3 of One Timer With A Wingman

“Take care of that hand,” he urges me.

“Thanks,” I say, but I don’t look at him.

“Have I done something to offend you?” he asks.

“Not at all,” I reply.

“I hear abutin that sentence. What is it?” he asks.

“Are you always this. . .clingy?” I ask him because I don’t have a better word and I’m overtired. I just want a shower and my bed.

“Clingy?” His green eyes widen to saucers. “I can’t believe you just called me that.”

I blow out a breath. “Sorry. I’m just exhausted. Thanks for your help with the ice.”

“Aaron, come on,” one of the guys shouts.

“One sec,” he hollers back.

“I’ve never had a girl call me clingy before,” he says to me.

“Aren’t you too cold to be having this conversation?” I retort.

“Yes, but I feel like we aren’t done here.”

“We’re definitely done,” I tell him.

Aaron laughs like I amuse him. “Have yourself a safe drive home, Briar.”

“You too,” I reply.

He closes the door, and I blast the heat.

I take off, my tires skidding along the slushy streets. Whoa, what is it with those hockey boys? No wonder Charlie lost her mind over Finn. I give my head a good shake. I’m too tired to think about a guy. Besides, I need to stay focused. Gymnastics and my degree. That’s what I need to succeed. I would never let a handsome jock derail my plans.

CHAPTERONE

Afew days before break

Aaron

We all head inside to a bar called Fair Shot. Apparently, the guys booked two lanes where we will be throwing some axes around. We divide up with Cade, Hayden, Ruby, and Briar on one lane; and me playing with Luc, Macklin, and Annie in the other.

The waiter comes around and we all order beer.

We start throwing some axes. It’s not really my cup of tea but we had to free up the house for Finn and Charlie to have their little fuckfest, so here I am.

Cade’s head whips around. “What the fuck?” he splutters. His odd reaction causes everyone to stop what they are doing and look at what Cade seems to be fixated on.

Oh shit.

Fucking Scarlett.

I told him to dump her ass a long time ago. Most of us like to get around with the girls on campus, but we are always up-front with our expectations. We’ve also been single for a long time except for our captain, Finn, who is in a committed relationship with Charlie. That’s why we are out with Charlie’s friends tonight because when the captain went and fell in love with her, he also became close with her best friends, bringing them into our little hockey family.

“Fuck, this is bad,” I mutter.

“Come.” Luc smacks my chest.

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