Page 6 of The Wingman

Without him, I’d be back in Calgary, probably wallowing, not having fun at a bar.

“You’ve already done so much for me.” I give him a half smile. “I don’t want to take advantage.”

After four years away, Hayden’s the only friend I have left in Vancouver. Most of my Calgary friends were actuallyKit’s friends, and I’ve lost touch with a lot of people from university.

Hayden’s kind of all I have right now. I can’t mess that up.

“Vancouver’s a nightmare for rentals,” he says, and I sense he’s trying to keep his tone casual. “You don’t want to end upliving with some weirdo who sneaks into your room and sniffs your panties.”

A horrified laugh bubbles out of me. “Gross.”

“And if you find me in your room,” he adds with a cheeky smile, “I’m just making sure they fit.”

“Ew.” I sputter with laughter. “Don’t try on my panties. You’ll stretch them out.”

“Yeah, I will.” His eyebrows bob and he sends a pointed look down at his crotch. “In the front.”

My face is going warm, but I can feel the remnants of disappointment from my date fading away.

“Your stuff’s already at my place.” He shrugs his broad, toned shoulders. “And I love your parents, but I know you don’t want to live with them.” They live in a quiet suburb an hour from Vancouver. “You’ll have to drive back and forth every home game, and then it’ll be late, and you’ll just end up crashing at my place.”

He gives me awhatcha gonna do?look, like it’s settled.

I hide a smile. “You’re so confident I’ll be going to all your games.”

“You will.”

My stomach flips over at the cocky way he says it and at his knowing, confident smile.

Hayden always gets what he wants in life. He’s the perfect wingman, the perfect guy to teach me how to date.

“What about when you have dates over?” I toy with the paper coaster on the table. “Having a female roommate is going to cramp your style.”

This past week, he hasn’t gone out on a date or had anyone over. It’s probably a record for him.

He clears his throat, looking away. “Don’t worry about that. It’s the deal I’m offering, Darce.Take it or leave it.”

Not much choice, is there? Besides, living with Hayden over the last week has been easy and fun.

“Deal.”

His big hand surrounds mine as we shake, and a zing of electricity runs through my blood at the contact of his warm palm against mine. Our eyes meet, and my breath catches.

Whatever charisma Hayden has, I want some of it.

“This is going to be so much fun,” I tell him. “And I’m a fast learner.”

He wears a tight smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Can’t wait.”

CHAPTER 3

DARCY

Hayden and a playerfrom the opposing team slam into the boards in front of us, and the glass rattles. His gaze lifts to mine in the front row, and he shoots me a boyish, playful grin.

I grin back, shaking my head as he skates off after the puck, a little thrill in my chest.

It shouldn’t be so hot, watching my friend play hockey, especially since I’m freshly single.

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