Page 56 of Lucky Shot
“Does the rest of your team look like this?” I ask.
“Like what?” Danny asks.
I open my mouth but then close it when I can’t figure out how to politely ask them to rate the hot factor of the rest of their teammates.
“Never mind,” I mumble.
They all look to me expectantly.
Mike finally breaks the silence. “What do you say, darling? Want to be my good luck charm? I haven’t won a hand all night.”
“Dad,” Nick says in a pained tone. “I seriously doubt she wants to spend her Saturday night playing cards with us.”
Mike scoffs. “Why not? I’m great company.”
“Same,” Travis agrees, grinning.
“Does that mean you don’t want me to play?” I ask him. I can’t read him and frankly, I’m tired of guessing.
“Of course he does,” Aidan says. “Right, Dad?”
Nick’s jaw ticks as he nods slowly. He lifts Aidan and stands, then walks over to the corner to grab another chair. He sets it between him and Penn. He grunts what might be an invitation.
Part of me would like to tell him to shove that chair up his grumpy ass, but then I think how much fun it’ll be to annoy him all night.
I set the cleaner and rag down on a side table next to a giant sectional that looks as if it could easily seat twelve. Interesting choice for a man who seems to only like a handful of people. The whole downstairs space has a real man cave vibe. Big screen TV, leather furniture, framed memorabilia on the wall, plus the poker table in the center.
Aidan moves to the couch with his guitar as I take my seat. I smile at the giant named Penn to my left.
“I’m Ruby,” I say to him, realizing I hadn’t introduced myself.
He tips his chin at me. I can’t decide if he’s shy or anti-social. “I know.”
I wince. “Uh oh. What’d you hear?”
A smile tips up both sides of his mouth. “Nothing bad. Just that you’re interviewing Nick for a book you’re writing.”
“I am,” I confirm.
“Are you a hockey player too?” I ask, even though he’s wearing a shirt that suggests so.
He nods.
“Penn is our goalie,” Nick tells me, then adds, “You can play with me.”
“Oh, interesting,” I say to the less grumpy man beside me. It’s a real standoff between these two but with Penn, at least I don’t feel like it’s aimed at me. “I love your gear.”
Everyone goes quiet, then Mike breaks the silence with a chuckle. “Now that’s a compliment he doesn’t hear every day.”
The tips of my ears get hot as the rest of the guys join in laughing.
I glance at Penn, realizing I may have just insulted him or inadvertently hit on him. “Sorry. I’m still learning the sport.”
“Nah.” Penn gives me another smile. “The gear is cool, right?”
I nod with relief that he doesn’t seem bothered by my lack of hockey knowledge. “Accessories were always my favorite part of sports.”
Mike shuffles the cards and deals them. Nick nods for me to pick his up, so I do.
