Page 10 of The Penalty Box

Where is she?I look around, trying to spot the familiar blond head in the crowd of people filling Andrew Hill’s living-turned-party-room but see nothing. I was slightly disappointed when I didn’t see Evie waiting for me after the game, but when I texted her, she told me Jessy made her go back home so they could get ready for the party, yet they still aren’t here.

Two girls come to the bar, close enough that I can hear their giggling as they whisper something to one another. Giving one final sweep to the room, I sigh and force a smile on my lips before I turn to them. I go through motions as I make their drink and then I finally slide it over the bar to them.

When I turn around, I find no other than Jeanette Sanders leaning against the other side of the bar. They might call her the Ice Queen, but there’s nothing icy about her to me. On the contrary, she’s extremely hot.

“What can I get you, beautiful?” I ask as I slowly move toward her, my grin growing bigger.

“Oh, it’s gonna be like that?” She laughs, shaking her head at me.

“Don’t know what’cha talking about.” I scratch the nape of my neck, trying to play it cool. It’s not the first time I’m in a company of a pretty girl, but Jeanette is in a league of her own.

“Pleaseee,” she drawls, rolling her eyes playfully. “Throwing compliments and nibbling at that lip playfully. How many hearts have you broken tonight?”

Her husky laugh makes my skin prickle in awareness.

Holly shit, is she flirting with me?I feel my palms sweat as the lump forms in my throat.It sure as hell looks like it.

Keep it cool, man.I remind myself as I stop in front of her.

“I’d never do that. I’m one of the good guys.”

Jeanette leans forward, pursing her lips, and my throat goes dry. “Mhmm…”

I gulp down, shaking my head, which seems to make her smile widen. “So…” Jeanette waves her hand in the air. I look at her for a moment, confused, until it hits me.

“Liam.”

“Liam.” She nods and gives me a sheepish smile. “Do you know how to mix fancy drinks or do you simply pour whatever gets in your hand first?”

“Thought you’d never ask.” I wink at her and take a step back, but don’t break our eye contact. I don’t know what all the fuss is about this girl, but she isn’t only gorgeous, she’s also fun to be around.

“Jeanette,” she says like I don’t know. At this point, I think the whole Greyford knows about the Sanders twins. “My name’s Jeanette.”

“Jeanette,” I say, tasting her name on my tongue. “Got it.”

Turning around, I grab all I need to prepare her a drink. I can feel her eyes on me, so I put on a little show. Only when I’m done do I turn around and offer her a Solo cup with her drink.

“I’d put it in a fancy glass, but I think we’re safer if we stick to these.”

Jeanette arches her brow as she looks at my hand wrapped around the plastic. “Mind if I take that, or did you make it for yourself?”

“Come and get it,” I taunt, my grin widening.

Jeanette leans forward, her smile growing bigger. Her cool fingers brush against mine as she reaches for her drink, making me shiver.

I’m about to open my mouth to tease her about it when an irritated voice asks, “What the hell do you think you’re doing, Rookie?”

My eyes snap over Jeanette’s shoulder, seeing a very pissed Andrew looking at me over Jeanette’s stiff shoulders. You know the saying if looks could kill? Well, let me assure you it’sverytrue.

I let go of the cup, and Jeanette brings it to her lips, taking a sip before turning around to face my teammate.

Andrew makes a point of glaring at me for a moment longer, making sure I got the message loud and clear.

Thankfully, Jeanette demands his attention. “Need something, playboy? A bottle you can drown your arrogant, rich ass in? Or maybe you’re just looking for a condom so your dick doesn’t fall off once you dip it in one of your pretty, foolish girls?”

Andrew takes a step closer, getting into her personal space. His glare is now turned toward her, but she doesn’t back down. That girl must have a spine of steel if she’s getting toe-to-toe with pissed off Hill. He’s a pain in the ass to deal with on a good day.

“Jeannette,” Andrew growls at her through clenched teeth.

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