Page 1 of Play Dirty

Chapter1

Marty

“…you may now kiss the bride.”

Ugh.

I fucking hate weddings.

I’d even hated my own.

Being here today to see the head coach of the professional hockey team I play for—the L.A. Phantoms—marry his girlfriend really isn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it’s painful when you’re in the middle of an ugly divorce.

Well, the divorce isn’t so ugly.

It’s the custody battle that’s killing me.

But I’ll be damned if I let her take my kids across the country where I’ll be relegated to seeing them for a couple of weeks in the summer.

Not. Happening.

Coach Vanek and Autumn are still kissing, making a big show of it as he dips her back, and everyone is cheering and carrying on.

Fuck.

I need to muster up some semblance of interest.

A glimmer of fucks.

Even if I have none to give.

We all stand up as the happy couple walks down the aisle toward the front of the room, and I let the crowd carry me forward. At least the wedding and reception are in the same hotel, and we’re just walking from one room to another, where drinks are waiting.

I really need one.

I walk straight to the bar, order a double shot of Blanton’s and down it. The bourbon burns its way down my throat, but it feels good.

I order another, ask the bartender to pop an ice cube in it, and then wander over to my table. To my surprise, there’s someone already there, looking about as unhappy as I feel.

“Hey, Stevie.” I sink down next to the beautiful model I’ve met on a few occasions, and she gives me a wry smile.

“You look more miserable than me,” she says, absently lifting a champagne flute to her lips.

“Not really a fan of weddings,” I reply.

“I used to be,” she murmurs, looking away.

“Funny how things change,” I agree, taking a sip from my glass.

“They look so happy,” she says softly, staring over to where Coach Vanek and Autumn are now walking around greeting their guests.

They do look happy.

Were Brenna and I ever that happy?

I want to say yes, but I’m honestly not sure anymore.

“Marty!” Coach approaches us and holds out his hand.

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