Page 44 of The Final Draft

The Renegades have a rare day off in New York. They play New Jersey tomorrow, so a quick morning practice and then the city is theirs. I’m spending the day with Chance, and Harper is spending the day with Lawson. We’re all having dinner later this evening. Resisting her will be a near impossible feat for me tonight, but I’ll show restraint in front of her brother. She gets to control the narrative about us, and that includes telling him.

I know the second Chance arrives because my apartment immediately fills with chaos and love. It follows him wherever he goes. He’s the most lovable guy you’ll ever meet unless it’s on the ice. Then all bets are off. But on solid ground, a total cinnamon roll kinda guy. He’s a contradiction, like Harper. He’s soft and gooey on the inside, but a bearded, gruff six-foot-three, broad-shouldered man on the outside. Maybe I’m a contradiction magnet?

“Hola, hombre!”

I turn to find my best friend behind me. He puts his long arms around me and picks me up, squeezing so hard my back cracks. I laugh at his greeting because that’s the only correct response when Chance enters the room. His belief and trust in me launched my business. His friendship makes me a better man. I miss my best friend, and after my emotional roller coaster last night, I’m grateful he’s here.

“Still not bilingual.” He puts me down, and I grip his bicep. “It’s good to see you, buddy.”

We settle in with junk food and catch up on life. Next thing we know, it’s time to head to the restaurant.

“I can’t wait to see Harps,” Chance says. “It’s been awhile. She’s a really great girl.”

“Uh, yeah. I know.” I wince a little, ready for Chance to bust my balls. There’s no way I can hide my attraction to her from him. He knows me better than anyone on this planet.

“Yeah, I guess you do. Hey, I meant to tell you Lawsy invited Burns tonight since he and Harper live together now. Have you met him?” Chance is chatting away as we walk down the sidewalk to the restaurant. It’s faster to walk during this time of day, and it’s only a few blocks away.

“We’ve met.” Fuck. I still don’t know what’s going on with him, but the way she kissed me gives me hope she’s into me and not him. She said she was a traditional-relationship girl, so I’m clinging to that. Well, Priscilla said that. Same thing, right? “What’s the deal with them?” I try to sound casual, but Chance stops and looks at me. I school my face to look unaffected regardless of his answer.

He gives me his suspicious eye, shrugs, and continues walking. “You know Burns played with Lawson in Atlanta. Hell, Harper practically grew up with the team since Lawsy was both her guardian and team captain. I’m sure the lines blurred a lot,but he did the best he could. Harper’s known Burnsy for years, so with the trade and all, it made sense.”

Still not giving the answer I’m looking for, but her upbringing around a hockey team reinforces her comfort with the Havoc players.

We make it to the restaurant, and the rest of our party is already here. They’re tucked away in a large, round booth, giving us a little privacy. Harper is absolutely stunning, sitting between Zac and Lawson.

I shake hands with Lawson and sit next to him, leaving Chance by Zac. I have Harper directly in my line of vision. Exactly how I want it. The waiter is there to take our drink orders. “I’ll have an Old Fashioned. Harper. Champagne?”

She nervously laughs, her cheeks flushed as she glares at me. “No, thank you. Water is fine tonight.” I enjoy teasing her. Zac puts his arm around the back of the booth, but I notice he’s not touching her. He’s fucking with me, too. The three of us are playing games, and Lawson and Chance are unwitting observers.

We order dinner and I’m disappointed Harper sticks to the menu. The conversation focuses on hockey and the game last night. Even though they play for opposing teams, they’re still friends.

“Be honest. Who were you cheering for last night?” I enjoy watching her squirm.

All eyes shift to Harper, and she considers my question. “Well, I’m always team Cartwright, no matter what. But I’d hate to lose Noodle, so I’m a big Havoc fan now.”

“CJ, I can’t believe you like Noodle more than me.” Zac pouts.

“I like Noodle more than most people, so don’t take it personally,” she quips.

Chance laughs, and for once, it irritates me.

“Is that anyway to treat your roommate?” Lawson chides. Roommate? Yes! Roommates. Dog walker. Not boyfriend.

“He’s tough. He can take it,” she says playfully. I reminisce about our kisses last night, and my jealousy eases. She’s comfortable with him. He was Lawson’s teammate. It’s an unspoken rule you don’t mess with a teammate’s sister. Until you do. Zac Burns is more like a brother to her. But her teasing has kept me on my toes. I’ve enjoyed the chase, but I’m ready to catch her now.

“How’s the NYU writing program going?” Chance asks.

I look at him in disbelief. How does he know about my writing? Oh, he’s asking Harper. Everyone knows about her writing, except me. She hasn’t really shared it with me, but that’s one stone I can’t throw since I haven’t shared it with her either.

“I’m working under a deadline, so that’s additional pressure, but it’s good,” Harper replies. “Almost fun.” My head snaps to meet her gaze. She drops her eyes and studies the dessert menu.

“I think it’s badass,” Zac adds. “I can’t believe she’s writing a book about me.” She elbows him in the ribs. “Hey, that hurt.”

“It’s not about you,” she mumbles.

“It’s about a handsome hockey player who’s great in bed. Of course it’s about me,” he laughs. At this comment, Chance throws an elbow his way. “Hey, that really hurt.”

“Goalies are only untouchable on the ice,” Chance says. This time, Lawson laughs.

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