Page 72 of Puck Lust

He doesn’t get here as much since Sin City’s tour schedule has been pretty hectic, and someone must have leaked his location because they’re all ready to pounce on the guy.

“How’s it going with the new team?” He looks down to tune one of the guitar strings. “Feeling at home yet?”

“Things are good. Rough start but it’s gotten easier. I think we’re gelling.”

“So, you mean you’re actually learning how to be a team player?” Brixton looks up with a smirk. “Never thought I’d see the day you didn’t hog the limelight.”

The hairs on the back of my neck spring up and annoyancejabs me hard in the gut. “You know, I came over here to say hi and be a nice person. Why do you have to be such a dick?”

Brixton chuckles. “So sensitive. If I didn’t bust your balls, then I wouldn’t care.”

“Maybe I’d like that better,” I grumble.

“No, you’d be pissed off if I ignored you. You’ve got too much ego.”

Jesus, why is everyone picking at my ego these days? Is it really that big?

Uh, scratch that.

I already know the answer.

My eyes flicker toward the door again and from the flashes, I know Carter is here before I see him walk through inside.

His eyes shift left and right, face pretty pale. I wave to him and he walks over to us.

“Hey, everything okay?” I ask. “You’ve got a weird look.”

He shrugs but keeps his distance.

I furrow my brows.

Strange.

“What’s with all the photographers?” He peeks behind him, eyes narrowed as he stares at the group on the sidewalk peering into the windows.

“Eh, it’s because this guy decided to show up today,” I say, pointing my thumb at Brixton. “Guess his publicist made a few calls.”

Brixton looks around to make sure no kids are around then flips me off. “Come on, Jack, we all know it was you who made the call on behalf of your big ass ego.”

That gets a smile out of Carter.

“How’s it going, Brixton?” he says.

“Good, good. Just tuning up for my next lesson. I was telling Jacko that you guys have been looking solid lately. You think you’ve got a shot at the championship?”

Carter’s smile widens. “Hell, yeah. More than a shot, pun intended.”

“Hopefully, Sam and I can make it to a home game one of the nights I’m in town. See you guys live in action. We can grab dinner or something afterward.”

“Yeah, that’d be great.”

James, one of the kids Brixton works with, walks over, a shy smile on his face.

“J-man,” Brixton says. “Come on over. I’ve got some cool stuff for us to work on today.”

“See you later, B,” I say as Carter and I walk toward the rink. I put my hand on his shoulders and he immediately tenses.

He stops and turns to look at me. “Do you usually make plans to hang out with Brixton and Sam?”

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