Page 35 of Stick Handled

I groan, covering my face with my hands. I don’t want to sound ungrateful or unhappy with what I’ve done or the life I’m living, but the thought of a man like Damien liking someone like me is laughable.

“He’s still Rowan’s best friend,” I protest, my voice muffled by my hands.

“Don’t you get it,” Sarah says, her voice dropping to a knowing tone. She leans back, arms crossed, still grinning. “Rowan doesn’t strike me as a man who would choose bad people for his inner circle. He’s Rowan’s best friend for a reason. So, you don’t have to worry about him being a sore loser under all the money, fame, and muscles.”

I peek at her through my fingers, smiling despite myself. I hadn’t seen it from that perspective, but it sounds… logical. Damien is Rowan-approved, which means that he can’t be that bad, can he? Last night resurfaces in my mind.

“Last night, he felt different. He was softer. Not like the Damien I’m used to seeing.”

“Soft Damien, huh?” Sarah raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “I bethedoesn’t come out to play often.”

Just then, the front door swings open, and Rowan’s voice echoes through the space. I glance over at Sarah, silently telling her to shut up, before turning my attention back to Rowan.

He’s with Damien and Ares, explaining a strategy to them as they make their way toward us. The casual, confident energy they bring with them fills the room, and I instantly feel a little self-conscious, like they can somehow sense what Sarah and I were just talking about.

“Hey, you two,” Rowan greets us with a warm smile. “We’re just here to grab some sandwiches before we head to practice.”

“Oh, there’s still a ton of stuff in the fridge,” I say as if he doesn’t already know what’s inhisfridge. I offer an awkward little wave at the men, trying to keep my eyes on Rowan and not Damien, who’s hanging back with a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He looks so casual, so nonchalant. Meanwhile, I can already feel my hands getting clammy, images of last night swimming through my mind.

I rise to my feet and follow Rowan into the kitchen. Sarah stays behind, looking at us from somewhere in the back.

“You sure you don’t want to come today?” Rowan looks at me over his shoulder as he takes stuff out of the fridge.

“We’re good.” I nod. “I need a break from the ice,” I say mindlessly.

“A break?” Rowan’s raised brow brings me to reality, and I freeze. I glance over at Damien, who seems to be having the time of his life. He’s wearing a black T-shirt, his tattoos on full display as he folds his large arms across his broad chest. He’s devastating to look at.

“Yeah, I mean,” I stammer. “Were just going to hang back and, you know…” I shrug, hoping he’ll drop it. Thankfully, he does.

I pour myself a glass of water and slide into one of the barstools as I watch Rowan make sandwiches as big as my head. Suddenly, I feel a prickling sensation at the back of my neck, my hairs standing up. I look up to see Ares staring at me, one of his dark eyebrows slightly raised higher, his blue eyes piercing through me. He glances over at Damien, never dropping his brow.

What does that look mean?Everything inside me tenses up.

“Alright,” Rowan’s voice booms, pulling me out of it “Bacon and beef for Damien.” He hands the newborn-sized sandwich to Damien. “Turkey for Ares.” He slides that one across the counter straight into Ares’ hand. “And ham and cheese for you girls.” He places a large plate with two smaller sandwiches for us before placing a quick kiss on the side of my head.

“Thank you,” I say, looking up at him, grateful for everything he does for me. Every little thing that shows he loves me.

“Thanks!” Sarah quips as she walks toward us.

“We’re heading out. Text me if you need anything.” Rowan gives my shoulder a light squeeze before grabbing his own sandwich and turning on his heel.

“Have fun!” I call out after him, trying my best to avoid Damien, who’s moved behind the counter to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. I freeze as he comes around me.

“No boys in the house while we’re out,” he says, voice low enough that only I can hear. As he brushes by me, his fingers ghost along my lower back, just a fleeting touch but enough to send a spark that makes me go still. My cheeks heat up, and I glance at him, only to find him giving me a sly wink before he follows the others to the front door.

It shuts with a soft click, and I hold my breath until I hear a car engine roar to life.

I exhale and turn back to Sarah, my heart racing, and she’s staring at me with the biggest grin.

“Oh. My. God. Avery!”

“Sarah, shut up.” I can’t hide my own smile, my heart still fluttering.

“No, seriously,” she continues, her voice full of glee. “This is happening. The smoldering looks, the sneaky touches? He’s totally into you.”

“Maybe,” I admit, barely believing it myself but feeling excitement spread through me at the thought.

“Well,” Sarah says, planting her hands on her hips, “you can bet he won’t be the only one after tonight.”

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