Page 95 of The Wingman

“I’m not taking it, of course.”

“Why not?” He leans on the boards, focused on me, and my stomach dips. His attention is so intoxicating.

“I just…” I don’t want to bring up the past again. “I don’t think it’s right for me.”

Hayden’s lips part like he wants to argue, but Alexei skates to a stop beside us.

“Darcy.” He dips his chin in greeting, and I relax at the interruption.

“Hi.” I give him a quick smile.

“Alright, ready to go. Thanks for waiting,” Georgia says at my side before her gaze lands on Alexei. “Oh. You again.”

He arches a scarred eyebrow at her. “Is there a reason I wouldn’t be attending a regularly scheduled practice?”

She lifts a casual shoulder. “I figured you need more rest than the other players.”

The look he shoots her is downright icy before he turns his attention to me. “I’d like to talk to Darcy in private for a moment.”

At his side, Hayden’s nostrils flare. I don’t think I’ve ever seen thathappen. “Why?”

Alexei holds his gaze, and there’s a weird tension between them. “There’s something I want to ask her.”

Hayden’s jaw tightens. “I don’t see why you can’t ask her in front of me.”

The guys stare at each other for what feels like an eternity. Georgia and I exchange a bemused glance.

“Fine.” Alexei turns to me, and while I wouldn’t call his expression a smile, it does soften, like he’s making an effort not to intimidate me. He clears his throat. “Darcy, I think we should go out.”

There’s a stretch of tense silence, and for the second time today, I wonder if I heard right. Georgia lets out a sharp bark of laughter while Hayden glares daggers at Alexei.

“On a date?” I repeat.

“On a date,” Alexei confirms, keeping his gaze on my face.

My lips part in surprise, and I stare up at him.

I’ve always liked Alexei. On the ice, he’s fiercely protective of his teammates, but I’ve never seen an ounce of that male aggression outside of hockey. His demeanor is quiet, watchful, and strong, like a giant fir tree. Beneath his towering exterior and the hard lines of his face, I know he’s actually kind, quiet, and loyal to his friends.

I might have told Georgia that Alexei was hot in a scary way, but I don’t have romantic feelings for him. I glance at Hayden, but his tight expression gives me nothing.

Again, I think about what we did the other night and how good it felt to wake up with him.

Never get attached,the player rules say. I think I’m starting to, but I don’t want Hayden to know that.

Besides, practicing with other people is the logical next step. I can’t just go on dates with my wingman forever. That’ll only end badly.

“I’m not looking for anything serious,” I tell Alexei, meeting his eyes.

“Neither am I.”

Georgia mutters something at my side that I can’t hear, and Hayden is still as a statue, watching us.

“Okay.” I nod at Alexei. “Let’s go on a date.”

Hayden stiffens and his gaze whips to me. “You don’t have to go out with him if you don’t want to.”

“I know.” I give him a reassuring smile to show him I don’t feel threatened or intimidated by Alexei. “I’m looking forward to it.”

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