Page 13 of The Wingman

He shrugs me off. “Details.”

“Hayden.”

He meets my eyes, and the corner of his mouth slides up in a boyish grin. “Darcy.” I open my mouth to protest, but he cuts me off. “I like having you as a roommate. You like living there, right?”

“Of course.” He’s a hell of a lot tidier than Kit, and he does all his own laundry. I use the main bathroom, and he has his own attached to his bedroom, so we’re not fighting over the shower. I like coming home after work to see him when he’s in town and not playing a game. “It feels like we’re back in university, living in dorms.”

“Good.” He leans in and lowers his voice. “So stop arguing.”

I laugh, and my heart squeezes with affection for this guy. No matter how famous he gets, regardless of how much money he makes or his status as one of the best players in the league, he’s kind.

“Any changes you want to make to the place,” he adds, “I’m fine with.”

“Anychanges?” I narrow my eyes, trying not to smile and give away the surprise I have waiting for him when we get home. “So if I wanted to hang a giant disco ball in the middle of the living room and paint the floors neon orange, you’d be cool with that?”

He grins. “Sounds fun.”

“You’re just the most agreeable guy in the world, aren’t you? Or maybe you just really want me to get laid.”

Mid-sip of his drink, he coughs. Once he recovers, he nods at my phone. “What’s number three?”

“Rule number three,” I read. “Look like a player, not a square. Show those ladies you’re here for a good time, not a long time. You don’t want anyone thinking you’re husband material, so your hairstyle, clothing, and car should reflect your true player nature. Peacocking will give your game a boost of rocket fuel, lubricating conversation.” I grimace. “Gross.” My expression changes as the words sink in, and I look down at my wool sweater. A sweater identical to the one I wore the other night but in a different color.

This sweater is warm and durable. It looks nice with jeans, but I can also pair it with low heels and wear it to the office. The price was reasonable. For an item of clothing, it’s as responsible as it gets, and yet I don’tloveit. It’s fine. I don’t get excited about wearing it, and I don’t think it looks that good on me.

In university, I used to wear aThe Northern Swordt-shirt all the time. That’s how Hayden and I met—he recognized it, and we started talking before class.

Why don’t I wear stuff like that anymore?

Isn’t it a little, uh, loud?Kit asked once when I brought home a new bright orange dress. Something about the vibranttangerine color had made me so happy.You really want to stick out like that?

I make a face at Hayden. “I look like marriage material.”

“Come on,” Hayden says, giving me a look of disbelief.

“It’s true.” I gesture at myself. “I look responsible, like I always do my taxes on time and get oil changes when I’m supposed to and take a vitamin D supplement.”

He arches an eyebrow, eyes twinkling. “You do all those things.”

“Exactly.” I flap my hand at him and he laughs. “Don’t you see? I need to dress and look like someone youdon’tbring home to mom. That’s what rule number three is trying to say.You’re here for a good time, not a long time.”

“Wait.” Rory leans forward with a curious grin. “What are you reading?”

“It’s a list on how to be a player.” I hold up my phone. “I found it on the internet.” Everyone pauses their conversation to listen in, confused. “Hayden’s my new wingman.”

There’s a long beat of silence at the table before Hazel’s lips part in surprise, eyes lit up with interest. “Really?”

My cheeks feel warm, but I force myself to sit up straighter. “Yep. I just got out of an eight-year relationship and I’m not going to waste another second.”

Hazel and Pippa exchange another one of those weighted glances. Rory looks at Hayden, and there’s something inhiseyes that I can’t read either. Jamie just stares at Pippa like she’s a snack he wants to eat.

“What?” I look from one face to another, worry rising in my throat. “You think it’s dumb. You think it’s a bad idea.”

“No!” Pippa perks up. “You just got out of a long relationship and you deserve to have fun. And Hayden’s the perfect person for this.”

Hazel wiggles her eyebrows at Hayden. “Exactly. You two get alongverywell.”

Hayden looks away before he gestures at my list. “You don’t need to change your appearance, Darce.”

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