Page 6 of Playing the Pucking Game
“Parker,” she warns, amusement twitching at her lips. “Did you dump your drink on Linc’s head?”
“He kissed me,” I blurt.
“W-what?”
“At midnight. The ball dropped, and he thought…god, why is he such a fucking idiot.”
“He kissed you, and to thank him, you dumped your Jack and Coke all over him?”
“What else was I supposed to do?” I ask, not seeing the issue here.
“Uh…I don’t know. Kiss him back?”
I balk. “There is not a chance you’ll ever catch me kissing Lincoln Storm,” I state firmly, my hand on my hip for good measure.
She stares at me, her eyes bouncing between mine before she asks, “Do you want to bet?”
2
LINCOLN
My hair and shirt are dry by the time I watch Parker march across the huge room the team owner booked for tonight’s party.
I was expecting her to disappear when Casey, Kodie, and Sutton left. But she surprised me by hanging back and continuing dancing with Reese and a few of the other wives and girlfriends.
“We should head out,” Killer says beside me.
The single guys and I planned to head to a club and continue the party.
I was buzzing for it earlier in the night, but now…not so much. I can’t put my finger on why, but I fear it might have something to do with the redhead currently making her way to the exit.
Invite her, a little voice says in my head.
A laugh bubbles up at the thought. I haven’t spoken to her since she was about five seconds away from causing me physical harm earlier.
I shouldn’t do it. I shouldn’t rile her up any more than she already is, but I can’t help it.
The sight of her eyes flaring with irritation, knowing that I’m getting a reaction out of her, is just too much to deny.
Sadly, Casey dragged her away earlier before I could discover what ideas were playing out in that pretty little head of hers.
Dragging my hand down my face, my skin still slightly sticky from the drink that ran down it earlier, I make a rash decision.
“I’m gonna call it a night,” I tell the guys. “See you at practice.” I push to my feet and march away before anyone has a chance to question me.
I’m never first to leave the party, especially on a night with as much to celebrate as New Year’s.
I follow Parker out, keeping my distance so she doesn’t realize who’s behind her.
When she gets into the elevator, I hit the stairs.
The two drinks I allowed myself earlier in the night have long worn off. I can’t say the same for Parker, though. I’ve watched her movements on the dance floor become more and more erratic.
She’s wasted and is apparently going to go stumbling out onto the street where she could be picked up by anyone.
Yeah…I don’t think so.
The elevator is still descending when I hit the ground floor, my heart racing with exertion.
