Page 56 of Scotch on the Rocks

That honour belonged to the too good-looking Jamie Stewart. I’d always liked the lad, but damn if I didn’t want to wipe the smile off his face.

I’d been distracted from the first blow of the whistle. It was the first game back of the season and not only was I out of shape and ill-prepared, but I’d gone and invited Juniper. Despite the crap she’d spewed about having a date, she’d actually shown up as if dressed for one.

Chunky black heeled boots, just thick enough not to sinkinto the soft earth of the village green. Bare legs disappearing beneath a calf-length coat that gave the impression of nothing beneath. She looked as if she’d stepped out of a very vivid dream I’d had last night. One that involved me on my knees and those heels buried in my back.

Apparently, Jamie felt the same, because the second the wee prick had been substituted off the field, he’d made a beeline for her. What followed had been an unsettling amount of laughter on Juniper’s end.What the fuck was he saying to her? Knock knock jokes? I’d known him all his life and he’d never made me laugh like that.

And you’ve never madeherlaugh like that.

One eye on them, I’d thrown myself into the game, diving into tackles I’d usually be wise enough to avoid. Paying so little attention that when Juniper drew up her coat sleeve and Jamie’s fingers drifted over the delicate tattoo on her inner wrist – a small swallow in flight – a roaring filled my head and I’d run nose first into Malcolm’s elbow.

There’d been no telltale crunch of bones breaking. And with only five minutes left on the clock, I’d sidestepped Mal’s flapping hands accompanied by a string of cursed apologies and thrown myself back into the fray, scoring a final goal before the whistle blew. I wish I could say I hadn’t been hoping to impress the wee demon on the sidelines, but I’m man enough to admit my weaknesses.

Pressing one nostril closed, I released a sharp breath, trying to clear the blood as teammates clapped me on the back and strode for the changing rooms. Sweat ran in rivulets down my neck, but a shower would have to wait.

My brother had already reached April and Juniper’s little circle, grumbling but clearly delighted when April curled against his chest.

“I stink,” I heard him whisper as I closed in.

Her arms looped around his neck. “That’s a pity. Now we both need a shower.”

Usually seeing my shy brother’s face light up felt like a warm hand curled around my heart. But right then, their happiness only entrenched the sting of loneliness settling into my bones.

“Good game, captain.” Jamie grinned boyishly, his attention drifting from Juniper long enough to notice my approach.

Fuck off, Jamie.

“Thanks.” I kept my voice cool when I felt anything but fuckingcool. I wanted to push him face first into the mud. I settled for inserting myself between them. The sharp end of my elbow might have been involved, but who could be certain?

In my periphery, Mal and April glanced at me and then each other. April’s pointed expression very much saying,Told you so.I didn’t give a fuck. The in-love busybodies could think what they liked, especially when Juniper looked at me and cupped her hands over her mouth. “Oh my god. What happened?”

Wonderful. I’d taken my brother’s very solid elbow to the face, and she hadn’t even noticed.

I cleared out my nostril again. “It’s nothing.”

Pulling a tissue from her bag, April curled it into my palm with a wince. “Is it broken?”

“Nah,” I waved off her concern. “Nose injuries always gush like a waterfall.”

“You should get it checked out though.” Guilt made Mal’s voice sterner than I’d ever heard it. “Who’s the team’s first aider?”

“I am. I’ll take care of it at home.”

“You can’t drive home like that—” he started to argue.

“I’m first aid trained, come along.” Juniper’s tone brooked little argument, already cutting across the pitch like she walked a Paris runway instead of a mud-torn field. And like she held me by the reins, I followed.

I’d follow those legs off a fucking cliff.

“Want to rub my tummy next?” I called after her, my pace languid despite the pounding taking over my face.

“Ha!” It was in no way a real laugh, but I’d take it. “At least we’ve established who the dog is in this scenario. Do you have a first aid kit?’

“Back of the toilet door.” I gestured to the tiny outbuilding attached to the small, moss-covered structure that held two small changing rooms – one for the home team and one for the visiting team. She reached it first, opening the door wide. Noticing the parameters of the cramped cubicle, she held back for me to enter first.

Pulse shifting south of my injured nose and back to my neck where it belonged, I stepped into the dim but thankfully clean space, pulling the small kit from its hook.

Following me inside, she pressed a palm to my chest, forcing me to lean atop the low sink and spread my thighs in order for her to fit. I knew my eyes were huge in my face. Every interaction with Juniper was akin to soothing a skittish animal, you could never be certain if she would soften or strike.

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