Page 10 of Shot Taker

“Brooke, you’re unreal.” I’m embarrassed to feel tears sting the backs of my eyes.

“We’re going to have the best time. Two single girls conquering the city. They’ll make an adaptation of our exploits.”

I laugh, getting swept up in her enthusiasm. “LikeGirlsorSex and the City?”

“More likeTroy.”

4

CLAY

“Isaid no gifts,” Chloe chides as the presents pile up on the table at Mile High.

“Yeah, but you didn’t mean it,” Jay says.

Chloe swats at him, and he grins.

Birthdays aren’t worth celebrating, at least when they’re mine. Another year around the sun with my body reminding me I’m not what I used to be.

But today isn’tmybirthday, so the celebration is easier.

This week, I could use the distraction from the messy feelings that have been following me everywhere since I learned Nova was back.

The distance from here to Boston wasn’t enough to keep me from thinking of her.

Having her occupy the same city is fucking with my head.

Chloe said she was going out with friends tonight, but Miles and I are friendly, and Jay’s in that friend/ex-boyfriend zone, so by that point, the entire team was coming. So, we ambushed her at the pub.

“What the hell? I thought we were early!” Brooke walks in.

“You are early. I was abducted by a bunch of players,” Chloe says.

“Don’t pretend this isn’t your fantasy every night,” Miles says.

She tosses him a look. “If I’m going to be at the center of a harem, I’d prefer hockey players.”

Jay shudders. “They smell, Chlo.”

“Weird superstitions,” Miles adds.

“No teeth,” I volunteer.

She laughs, but my chest tightens when I see Mari and Nova come in the door behind Brooke.

Nova’s wearing leggings, black boots, and a sweater under her jacket. She’s laughing until she sees me and her smile fades.

It’s hard enough pretending to the world that I don’t care about her.

Making her believe it is another level of torture.

The booth seats eight comfortably, and there are six of us—but five are massive.

On my side, Atlas is on the inside, Miles in the middle, and me outside.

Opposite us, Mari shifts in next to Rookie, squeezing Chloe tighter between him and Jay.

“Nova, sit here. I’ll get a chair.” Miles climbs over me, leaving an empty spot in the middle of the bench.

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