Page 15 of Can't Always Get What You Want

Objectively.

Like any normal woman would do.

“I mean—” I scramble to recover, waving my hands like that’ll somehow erase the words hanging between us. “You take up a lot of space. Physically.”

His lips twitch, amusement flickering across his face, but he doesn’t let me off the hook. “You checking me out?”

“No,” I lie instantly, grateful yet again for Ranger Mike and his impeccable timing as he places a monstrosity of a beverage down in front of us. Giant goblet. Two orange straws sticking out. Pineapple chunks loaded onto a skewer. And a palm leaf. “I just noticed.”

His smirk grows, full of something smug and teasing, and I hate that it sends an embarrassing flutter through my chest.

“Thanks.”

I roll my eyes, reaching for the drink just to give my hands something to do, pulling out the palm leaf so I can get my face close enough to sip from it. “You must really love yourself.”

He grins. “Somebody’s got to.”

His tone gives me pause.Somebody’s got to?What does that mean?

I slide the drink toward him.

Watching as he takes a sip of our ridiculous neon drink, I study his jaw as it flexes, my eyes fastened to his Adam’s apple as he swallows.

Yum.

It’s stupid, but for whatever reason the words sit heavy in my chest. Luca Babineaux doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who doubts himself—not even a little. He’s always laughing, always charming, always…

Nice.

He walks into rooms like he owns them, plays hockey like it’s second nature, talks like he’s never second-guessed a single word that’s come out of his mouth.

As I open my mouth to reply, his posture straightens, eyes flicking over my shoulder toward one of the many jungle-shaped televisions mounted above the bar.

“Huh.” He nods toward the screen. “Preseason hockey recaps. Can’t believe the season’s starting soon.”

I turn, glancing at the TV.

Highlights from a recent game play in slow motion—a player from an opposing team slams into the boards, a crisp pass, a goal celebration with gloves tossed high in the air.

“You ready for it?” I ask, shifting back to him.

Luca hums, rolling his shoulders. “As ready as I can be. We’ve got a solid lineup this year, it’s gonna be a grind.”

I nod. “Gio says the same thing.” Taking a sip of our drink, my lips purse when the yellow liquid hits my tongue.

Luca snorts. “Gio says a lot of things.”

I laugh. “Fair point.”

He smirks, resting his elbow on the bar. “Speaking of, does your brother know you’re here with me right now?”

I swirl my straw through the glowing mess of our drink,pretending to think. “Mmm… definitely not. You know how he is.”

“I do know.” Luca slides our drink in his direction and takes another sip. “Beginning of every season, like clockwork, we get the‘keep your dick away from my sister’speech.”

I blink. “What?”

Luca smirks, setting the drink back between us. “Oh yeah. Your brother fucking lovesthat speech.‘I see any of you sniffing around her, and I’ll personally rearrange your face.’”

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