Page 17 of The Pucking Date
“I’m happy to do it when the team’s in town,” I add. “It’s a change of pace.”
When I glance toward the water, I notice Jessica looking. Just a flicker before she turns away.
Melissa puts a hand to her chest. “We’re thrilled.” She wrangles Jake and herds the kids toward an umbrella setup nearby.
I shake my head, watching them settle. Then my gaze shifts to Jessica again. I’m not being subtle about it either.
“She’s going to catch you staring.” Dmitri grins like the smug bastard he is. “And then—boom. You combust. Like a cheap Soviet toaster. Or one of those tragic fools in Dostoevsky. Too many feelings. Not enough brain.”
“I’m not staring,” I lie, shifting in the sand.
Wesley follows my gaze and lets out a low whistle. “Fuck. Me. Who’s that?”
“Jessica Novak,” Nate says, way too smug. “Head of PR. Boss energy for days.”
“Hot,” Wes mutters, clearly impressed. “Like…dangerously hot.”
I slowly glance at him.
Liam O’Connor drops onto the sand beside me, beer in hand, sunglasses pushed into his hair. “Jesus. You morons drooling over the Novak girls again?”
Dmitri shrugs. “Not me, Captain. Immune.”
“Speak for yourself,” Nate grumbles.
Liam sips his beer. “Yeah, well, I am speaking for you. Let Sophie catch you looking sideways, and I’ll bury you in the dunes.”
Nate scoffs, grinning. “No worries, Captain, no danger here.”
“This show’s hard to watch,” Wes groans.
Liam swings his head toward him. “Especially you, rookie. That one’s mine.” He jerks his chin toward Sophie. “Look at her like that again, and I’ll break your stick.”
Wes blinks. “Jesus. I didn’t know she was?—”
“You do now.”
Wes nods quickly. “Noted. Very noted.”
“And just so you’re clear,” Dmitri cuts in, grinning, “Jessica’s off limits too.”
Wes frowns. “What? Why? Who’s the asshole?”
Nate sighs audibly. “Let’s just say Finn called dibs a long time ago.”
“Dibs?” Wes blinks. “Are you guys seriously out here claiming all the hot women on Fire Island like it’s a fucking fantasy draft?”
“Yes,” Liam, Nate, and Dmitri say in unison.
Wes throws his hands up. “Unbelievable. Did I miss the part where we were handed a roster?”
“Yeah.” Liam grins, flipping him off. “You were late to the meeting.”
“Find your own pretty girl, rookie,” Dmitri deadpans, patting him on the head. “This beach is big enough for your heartbreak.”
Wes groans and flops onto his towel. “This team is toxic.”
“You’re just horny and unranked,” Nate quips.
