Page 26 of Grumpy Darling

“Don’t worry,” he said, slapping his hand on my shoulder. “He’s not taking your spot. That infamous Grayson Glare is irreplaceable.” I narrowed my eyes at him, and he laughed as though I’d proved his point.

“Just count yourself lucky they already named you captain,” I scoffed. “I think you were the only one he wasn’t barking orders at.”

“I’m sure he’ll calm down as he adjusts to the team.” Reed shrugged. “Don’t let it get to you.”

I nodded, but then realized he was still watching me closely.

“What?” I demanded.

“Oh, nothing.” He smiled. “Just that if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were jealous.”

“He’s not that good a player.”

“I’m not talking about hockey.”

Before I could respond, Reed was called over by Coach Ray, so I settled for shooting him another glare. It didn’t have the same effect when it was aimed at someone’s back though, so I turned and continued toward the locker room.

“That was a great session,” Damien said, falling into step beside me.

I gave him a brief nod, hoping if I didn’t respond he might get the message and leave me alone, but apparently, he was completely oblivious to my cold shoulder.

“I have to admit,” he continued, “I was nervous about joining another team once the season had already started, but I feel like I’ll fit right in with you guys.”

“I’m sure you will,” I replied, though the words nearly killed me. I wanted to be at least somewhat friendly, because that’s how Paige would want me to treat Damien. I just wasn’t sure I had it in me. Not when the image of her gathered in his arms kept flashing in my mind. Not when she’d mentioned she’d happily abandon the friend zone to kiss him.

“It was great seeing Paige again today,” Damien added. Maybe my brother wasn’t the only one who could read my mind. “Looks like it will be us three amigos back together again.”

Except it had never been us three amigos. There had been Paige and him, and Paige and me. Three was a crowd.

Damien kept glancing at me cautiously, as though he was eager for me to reply. Eventually, he broke the silence. “You two aren’t together, are you?”

“No.” I hoped my short response would close the matter, but it only made Damien’s face light up.

“Really?” He sounded surprised. “I thought you might—”

“Paige and I are just friends. Nothing more.” It grew harder and harder every time I had to say those words. A pain lodged in my chest whenever they left my lips, but this time it hurt just a little bit more than usual.

“Okay,” he replied with a grin. “So, is she dating anyone?”

This was the part where I was supposed to be a supportive friend. Where I was meant to be the world’s best wingman and talk Paige up. But I couldn’t seem to get the words out of my mouth. Wasn’t it enough that I hadn’t threatened the guy?

“Nope,” Parker said, joining us from behind. “She’s single.” If we were alone, I would have thumped him.

“How is that possible?” Damien asked. “She’s gotten really hot.”

Parker smirked in my direction. I wondered if he could tell that my blood was pulsing so hot with annoyance there was a distinct possibility my head might explode.

“I don’t think the right guy’s come along yet,” Parker replied. He spoke to Damien, but the mischievous glint in his eyes was directed at me.

“Hmm, well, maybe he’s just arrived.” The smug look on Damien’s face was enough to make me want to break every promise I’d made to Paige right here and now. But I wasn’t allowed to say or do anything. Paige would never forgive me if I did. So, instead, I was left quietly fuming.

“Maybe,” Parker agreed.

We entered the locker room, and Reed gave Damien a slap on the back as he caught up with us. “Great work out there, Stoney.” Was I seriously the only person who didn’t like this guy?

“Yeah,” Matt added as he went to sit across from us. “It’s like you’re one step ahead of everyone else. With you joining the ranks, no one’s going to get past our defense this season.” Apparently, Reed’s best friend wanted to be on my shit list too. Everyone sounded so excited, and I had a bad feeling Damien’s nauseating positivity was catching. It was like some kind of disease.

“Yeah, well, it’s only because I already have a great team to work with,” he said.

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