Page 5 of Love You Already

As I walk into the bar, the room radiates with a level of community that reminds me of the team right before we step out on the ice. There's laughter and conversation all around me. It's like a healing balm to my anger, though there's still enough here to continue my quest for alcohol.

“Whiskey. Best you've got.” A hipster looking guy with a handlebar mustache nods at my demand for a drink once I manage to find an opening along the oak wood top. Even that's got a vintage feel to it. The wood is stained with chipped pieces and burn marks. Peanuts and a drink appear in front of me before I have too long to examine the place. I slip the guy my card, then focus on balancing the liquid with something to entertain me.

Not a single TV sits inside the place. It's like they don't want the outside world to see them. I can appreciate the sentiment at the moment.

Since no one has yet to yell out my name or demand a picture, I can assume this place isn't a normal hangout for hockey fans. Lucky me. I'll have to tip the driver extra later for such a good find.

My gaze wanders around the room as I lean against the bar on one elbow. I'm not particularly looking for anything tonight since my anger is at an all-time high, but I'm also not foolish enough to pass up a beautiful woman if I see one.

As soon as the thought hits me, my focus lands on a knockout. I mean literally. Knock me the fuck out right now because she can't be real. I'm dreaming. This woman is everything a man dreams of and then some. Between the gorgeous smile on her face and the way she holds herself with ease, I'm a goner.

Then she turns, giving me a view of her ass. I have to bite my fist to hold back the growl rising in my throat.

All I can think is some caveman bullshit. Claim. Mind. Breed.

What the hell is that nonsense? I'm not that guy. I'm a love them and leave them type, though I never break hearts. I want them to remember me as a nice experience they once had for a wild night, not some jerk who took advantage of them.

But this woman is different. I want her for more than a night. I don't have to be with her to know one wouldn't be enough.

Before I can talk myself out of it or think of the repercussions it could bring, I'm pushing away from the bar to approach the saucy brunette who'd captured my eye.

Ready or not, gorgeous, here I come.

CHAPTER 3

WHO SAID I LIKED GENTLEMAN?

Rose

“Don't look now but a super-hot guy is heading your way,” Bridgett whispers from her spot leaning against the wall. We've been waiting for ten minutes for a pool table to open up, yet no one seems in a rush to finish their games. Typical bar behavior.

I can't wait to revamp Sips. There's going to be a table reserved just for when I want to play or when my family comes in.

“What?” I ask as I turn my head to look.

She pinches the exposed area of my thigh where the pleat of the skirt spreads apart. I jump at the pain, then scowl at my sister.

“I told you not to look.” Her words are said through clenched teeth as she keeps a somewhat deranged smile on her face.

Rolling my eyes, I rub the spot on my thigh as I discreetly take a peek to see what she's talking about. When tall, dark, and handsome comes into view, I realize maybe I shouldn't have looked. He's way too hot to be approaching us. I mean, unless he wants Bridgett. That would totally make sense. My sister is like a magnet for ultra-hot guys so that has to be it.

“Ladies.” His voice is a smooth drawl, cascading over my skin like a pair of gifted hands searching for the best spots to tease. “How are you doing this evening?”

Bridgett nudges me with her knee as she answers, “We're good. Just out celebrating and such.”

I lift my head to give her a wide-eyed look of panic. She knows not to mention what I do when men are around. They always get butt hurt about a girl being on the circuit. Even though I'm retiring, I'm sure I'll get an earful anytime the “what do you do?” conversation comes up until I officially finish getting Sips ready.

“Celebrating? Can I ask what for?” He has manners. I'll give the guy that.

Points for hottie: 2.

He already got a point for being hot. Try to keep up.

Bridgett nods as she points at me. “This one just retired from her career. She's already got something new lined up, and we're here tonight to end one era as a new one begins.”

It's only then that I finally look at the mystery man. For some reason, I have the desire to see what he thinks of the news. Will he have more questions? Or is he going to chalk it up as unimportant?

The second our eyes connect; I feel a blaze of heat move through me. Holy hell. That's a heatwave.

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