Page 102 of Uniquely in Love

“Where’s Mav?” I looked around the room, but didn’t see his brother. Rhodes was sitting on the couch, though I couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes drifted over to Coach’s daughter every so often.

“Think he’s flirting with Monroe again,” Brooks said, rolling his eyes.

His brother had been flirting with our Assistant Coach ever since she’d been taken over the role, though she kept turning him down. It was amusing for the rest of us, to say the least. The administration would never allow it, but I had to give it to him. He was bound and determined.

I laughed. “That sounds like your brother.” He was a giantflirt. Had been as long as I’d known him. “One day some girl is going to make him fall on his ass, mark my words.”

“Probably.” Reid cracked open his own beer, though I knew he preferred something stronger. “All the mighty succumb, eventually.”

“What about you, Mack? Anyone special in your life?”

“Nope. No time for the lasses.” He tapped his head. “Gotta keep everything fresh up here. Stay sharp. How else can I be the top goalie in the league?”

Brooks chuckled, adjusting his sleeves and then pulling on his puffy vest. “It’s okay. Leaves more for the rest of us.”

I scrunched up my nose. “Speak for yourself.” I’d never been interested in bunnies or any of the girls that were hanging around on the off chance they could sleep with a pro-hockey player. Not that I’d ever been attracted to them, anyway. The only girl who seemed to get my dick hard was currently across the room in a bright pink barbie outfit, and damn if that wasn’t just the way I liked it.

“Don’t worry. I know you’re off the market.” My partner nudged me in the arm with his elbow. “I knew from the moment you introduced us to her that you weren’t ever going to look at anyone else.”

He was right. Even though I hated that I was so easy to read. “She’s the only one for me, man.” I admitted.

Brooks made a little whipped motion with his hand and a sound. “Harps, it’s been nice knowing you.”

I rolled my eyes. “Nothing’s going to change, you jerk.” I shoved at his shoulder. “Also, does anyone think Rhodes looks extra grumpy tonight? I swear, he’s been scowling ever since he got here.”

“Oh, yeah.” Reid agreed. “Plus, he can’t take his eyes off of Soph. I think Coach would kill him if he went there.”

Grimacing, I tried not to imagine the look on Coach’s face if someone actually dared to lay a finger on his daughter. It was one of his biggest rules, especially since Sophia wasalways hanging around the team lately. “No one’s dumb enough for that.”

I couldn’t imagine what I’d do if I hadn’t been allowed to be with Ellie. I’d asked her parents’ permission before we ever started dating, and he’d made sure my intentions were good. And they were. I’d cared about Ellie in a way that went beyond words.

She was my sunshine, and I was happy to have my world orbit around her.

As if summoned by my thoughts, my beautiful barbie sauntered up to me, tilting her cowgirl hat back.

“Hi,” she murmured, winding an arm around my waist.

“Hey, Skater Girl.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Having fun?” Ellie nodded, her eyes bright. “Good.” I squeezed her hip.

“I’m gonna grab a drink,” she said, pulling back. “Don’t have too much fun, boys.”

I watched her sashay away, watching the way her hips swayed with the motion, and when I turned back to the guys, I knew they’d all just seen me staring at her ass. I just shrugged.

Stefan joined us, his face paint a little smudged around his lips. I grinned. I suspected that his wife’s makeup was equally messed up. “Hey, Cap. Having a good time?”

He ran his fingers through his dark hair. “I told Lo the face paint was a bad idea. Can’t even kiss my damn wife without everyone teasing me about it.”

“Hey, at least you aren’t wearing fringe, like this cowboy here,” Maverick said, throwing an arm around me.

“Look who finally decided to join us,” Reid snorted. “Did you strike out?”

Mav crossed his arms over his chest. “No.”

“Sure.” Brooks rolled his eyes.

Our captain turned to me. “Harps. I’ve known you a long time, man, but I gotta say, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so happy. I thinkshe’s good for you.”

I was pretty sure my ears were red—the Scandinavian and Irish heritage from both of my parents certainly hadn’t given me a complexion that could hide my embarrassment. I also burned like a lobster in the sun, so hockey was definitely the best sport I could have chosen.

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