Page 19 of Stick By Me

Shit, he’d really been listening to the game. “Yeah, got a bruise on my elbow, but I’ll be okay.” I wrapped my arms around his waist and breathed him in, my heart warming and body melting into him. He smelled so fucking good, like cinnamon with a splash of spice and musk. Damn.

He freed me and pulled the bottom hem of his deep blue and form fitting shirt over his jeans. “Well, as you can hear, the band started already. The place is packed as usual, but I’ve got a few seats at the band wives’ table.”

“The what?” Jonah hung his mouth open.

“Oh…” With a quick smile, Leo dipped his head and brushed his hand down the back of his dark hair. “The guys in the band all have boyfriends now and they sit together at the shows. They collectively call their table the band wives’ table.” He chuckled.

“Okay.” Jonah focused on me, then tagged my shoulder. “I’ll leave you to your band wives table for now and meet up with you later.” He glanced at Leo. “I have a feeling you’re in good hands.” With a tick of his brows, he sauntered into the bar.

I knew it. They were all conspiring to set me up with Leo, even though I’d told them we were just friends. As I drew a deep inhale, I faced Leo. “So, let’s go in.”

Leo went to grab my elbow, then stopped. “Wait, which one did you hurt?”

“Uh, this one.” I held up my right arm, a grin threatening to break out over my lips.

“Okay, then.” He took my left elbow and guided me through the crowd.

“I’m a hockey player. I don’t break,” I said with a chuckle. He was making room for me through the people, bouncing to the music, like I was made of glass.

“I know, but I don’t care. It’s what I do.” With a smirk, he led me to a long booth in leather with a few tables pushed together.

There they all were, the band wives I’d met when I was here with Milo and now Ryder, Milo’s boyfriend, was one of them. As I stopped at the table, I held up my hand and waved at them all, while gazing at the second tier of seats up above us, people rocking away. It was too loud to talk to everyone from here.

They smiled and waved back at me.

Ryder broke out in a wide grin and stood up, then strolled to me, hand out. “Hey, Archer. Nice to see you again.” His long, brown bangs waved at his cheekbones and his brown eyes gazed at me.

He was a damn good-looking guy. I guessed I couldn’t fault Milo for falling for him. “Nice to see you again, too.” I shook his hand and gave him my best smile.

Leaning closer, Ryder said, “I’m sorry about the loss. It sucks. I was rooting for the Devils.”

My heart pinched. “Yeah, thanks.” Was I going to be reminded of it all night?

With a nod, Ryder patted my arm, then made his way back to his seat.

“Hey, let’s sit at the end here.” Leo pulled a chair out for me, then sat in the booth seat beside me. “What are you drinking?” He planted his elbow on the table and his cheek in his hand, his stunning brown eyes focused on me.

“Maybe something a little stronger tonight. Whiskey and coke?” My gaze fell to his lips and heat stirred low in my belly. I’d almost kissed him the last time I’d seen him, and I still wanted to now.

Leo flagged down a waitress and ordered my drink and a water for himself. “I should slow it down if I’m taking us home.”

“You don’t have to do that. I can get a ride with the guys.” I shifted in my seat, glancing at the band, the guitar players jumping and twirling and the lead singer bent over the mic, scream singing into it like his life depended on it. One of the guitar players was Leo’s younger brother. I’d barely met himwhen I was here with Milo, but I knew he was a smart ass. “They’re good.” I ticked my head toward the band.

Leo’s gaze stayed on me. “They are. I’ve seen them about a million times though.”

“So, are you sick of seeing them then?” I tilted my head, admiring the angles of his face, the way the lights flickered in his dark eyes.

The waitress dropped off my drink and I took a long pull through the straw, the honey and oak liquor mixing with the sweetness of the soda. It was strong, just what I needed after that fucking loss.

“Easy there. You almost drank half your drink down at once.” Leo hooked a brow. “Will I be pouring you into my car later?”

I chuckled. Somehow, that didn’t sound so bad, having him look after me if I had one too many. He had a way about him, like he had an innate sense of what people needed. “You might.” I sucked down another long pull of my drink, the alcohol buzzing in my head, calming the fire inside me.

Leo glanced down the table at the band wives. “Have you talked to your?—”

My phone buzzed in my pocket. “Fuck.” Right on cue. I knew who this was. I slid the phone out and looked at the screen. “He’s calling now.” I stood up. “Excuse me.” I had to get someplace quiet.

I strode out of the bar, jogging between people, and into the casino, then answered. “Hang on, Dad.” I set the phone on mute, then spied a sign for the restroom and ducked inside the door where a small lounge was set up of a short leather sofa and tufted chairs. I dropped into the sofa. “Hey.”

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