Page 26 of Until He Scores

“Pope,” July stated, wiggling her brows. “For like, ever.”

Ireland dusted off her hands then ran her tongue across her teeth. This cheerful demented expression filled her features, and I could see now why she got along with July and the others so well. She was like them, just written in a different font. “Good for you, Thierry. Now, how do we make this Pope person yours? July? Got a plan?”

“I might,” July answered.

I wanted no part of their shenanigans.

“That’s my cue to walk away before I get into trouble because you did something crazy,” I said, finishing off my third bottle of beer. Guess I was Uber-ing back to the house tonight.

“Awwwwe,” July pouted. “Wes won’t get mad at you.”

I snorted in disbelief. “We both know Wes would have my ass.”

“He has a point,” Ireland said. “So, who is Pope? Show me.”

Before I could tell July to leave well enough alone, again, she pointed to Pope, who stood across the space, beer in hand,leaning against the bar. He reminded me of Sam Elliot inRoad House, only darker and broodier. His elbows were braced against the polished teak and his legs were crossed at the ankle. The knowing glint in his gaze as he stared at me, had me falling so deep into those obsidian eyes of his, I had to look away. Couldn’t they see how he affected me?

I ate up every inch of his exposed tattooed flesh, curious how far that ink went across his body. His black hair hung in his face, forcing him to peek through the silky strands. When he licked his bottom lip, his tongue bumped the piercing at the corner of his mouth, and I saw a hint of metal in his mouth and swiped my tongue across it when he kissed me at Flame.

I wondered what the piercing would feel like on my dick when he sucked me off and that was when I knew I was sunk. Pope had me wrapped around his little finger. No matter how much I wanted to deny this... Whatever it was, I couldn’t quit him anymore than I could quit hockey.

Fuck me.

Chapter 10

Thierry

“Oh yeah,” Ireland murmured. “You’ve got it bad for him, don’t you?”

I snapped my head in her direction, fumbling for the right thing to say. I wouldn’t allow my secrets to be used against me, ever. This obsession of mine needed to be sealed up tight and tucked away, never to be spoken about or ever seen again. “Nope. Is he eye candy? Sure. But do I want him? No. He’s just not my type.”

“Strike one,” Ireland said, looking me dead in the eyes. “I’m a bullshit detector. I can smell it and hear it a mile away. You, sir, are kidding no one.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Hunter, come here.”

My gaze followed hers as a mountain of a man crossed to where we were standing. All the spit in my mouth dried up. Electricity arced across my flesh, sending a thrill down my spine.Hello, daddy.Who knew real Vikings were hotter than the ones on TV?I cut my gaze to where Pope lounged. He wasn’t as bulky as Hunter, nor did he have the hulking presence of the man standing next to Ireland, but a menacing quality filled his frame and storm clouds brewed in his dark eyes.

Pope sat up and took notice. Was he jealous?

“What’s up?” Hunter shoved his hands into his pockets.

“You know Pope the best.” She motioned between herself, me, and Hunter. I wouldn’t correct her. I figured she’d double down if I had. “Right?”

“I mean, I guess you could say that.” His brows furrowed. “Are you thinking of getting more work done?”

She shook her head. “Meet Thierry. He’s got a thing for Pope. Is he seeing anyone?”

Hunter’s light green eyes widened. “Oh. I don’t think he’s seeing anyone. We’re not friends like that. We talk more about the kids. The shop. You know.”

Pope had kids?

Figured.

“And that’s my cue to walk away from this conversation,” I said, “again. I appreciate you trying to help, but don’t.” I winced at my tone, hating how much I sounded like a dick.

“That’s strike two,” Ireland grumbled. “This town is full of dicks who need to get laid and lose some of the starch in their britches.”

“Look,” I said, pivoting to face Ireland. “I don’t know you and you don’t know me. All I’m asking for is a little sanity right now. July likes to push things too far.”

“Hey!”she said. “That’s not fair.”

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