Page 70 of North

I frown at Farren, defending the woman who clearly had eyes for both me and Atlas, her intent clear. “Didn’t it bother you she was coming on to us in front of you?”

Farren scoffs. “I couldn’t care less if she came on to Atlas, but as for you, again… I only heard an offer for a drink.”

“That she made with you standing there,” I point out, incredulous I have to state that it was inappropriate.

Atlas nods gravely. “She was looking to score with one of us, Farren. Trust me… this happens all the time.”

“Maybe so, but I find it a little distasteful that you have names for women and they’re the butt of your jokes.”

My frown deepens. “We don’t mean anything by it. And it’s an inside joke only.”

“It doesn’t sound like a joke,” she says, her eyes flashing. “It sounds like a bunch of guys ganging up on someone who probably just likes hockey.”

“Farren, come on,” I start, but she shakes her head.

“It’s fine,” she says, but her tone makes it clear it’s not.

Atlas looks between us, his grin fading. “I’m gonna grab another drink,” he mumbles, slipping away to give us space.

I reach for her hand and I don’t care if that crosses a line with her. She tries to pull away, but I hold tight. “Hey, I wasn’t trying to be mean to that woman. In fact, you saw we were both being polite. It’s just that there are people who aren’t genuine, and we’ve seen it a lot. But you’re right. That doesn’t mean we should make fun of them. I’m sorry, and I’m even more sorry it bothered you.”

She exhales, her shoulders drooping as she gives me a tepid but apologetic smile. “No, I’m sorry.” She huffs out frustration that I believe is self-directed. “I don’t know why I’m so sensitive. I clearly saw she was flirting. I just don’t like the whole ‘us versus one’ thing. It reminds me of…” She trails off, clearly lost in a memory that I’m guessing wasn’t very good. But she shakes her head and gives my hand a squeeze. “Never mind. I was being overly sensitive.”

“Again, I’m sorry,” I reply and before she can thinkto stop me, I brush my lips over hers. “I’ll do better, although I can’t speak for Atlas or the others.”

Her lips twitch into a small smile. “Okay. Fair enough.”

“Does that kiss indicate it’s safe for me to return?” Atlas asks, a fresh beer in hand.

Farren flushes slightly at the reminder and moves a few inches from me. She swirls the straw in her margarita but the smirk on her face tells me she’s fine.

“Excuse me.”

Another female voice and I brace, groaning that another puck bunny—or rather, a woman who likes hockey—is approaching us.

I glance over to a petite woman with raven-black hair and the lightest blue eyes I’ve ever seen standing near the velvet rope. Her hands are folded before her and she looks nervous. She’s very pretty but dressed what I would call sedately in a baggy cable-knit sweater, jeans and boots, a thick coat draped over her arm.

Her eyes dart between me, Atlas and Farren, and the smile she finally offers is genuinely apologetic. “I don’t mean to intrude…”

“It’s fine,” Farren says, waving her over the velvet rope. I’m guessing she’s now going to champion any woman who wants access to us, choosing to give them all the benefit of the doubt.

She approaches warily, looking around at the handfulof other players left. “I’m sorry to bother you, but… I’m looking for Penn Navarro.”

Atlas and I exchange a look. Farren’s brow furrows.

“Um… he’s not here,” Atlas says.

The woman shifts on her feet, looking frustrated. “Was he here tonight? Do you think he’ll be out after tomorrow’s game?”

Her words should be setting off stalker warning bells, but there’s something about her that screams innocence instead. “Actually, he doesn’t really hang with the team,” I say. “Can we help you with something?”

“I just… I need to talk to him. It’s important.”

“If you’re looking for an autograph or something,” Atlas drawls, indicating he’s trying to ferret out her intentions, “your best bet would be to wait by the players’ garage exit.”

“It’s not about an autograph,” she says quickly, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m a friend. From a long time ago.”

I study her carefully and a glance at Farren tells me she’s doing the same.

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