In Your Wildest Dreams (Wildcat Hockey, #4)(3)

“If you don’t want to keep it, you could write your number on it and throw it back,” I suggest, raising my voice to be heard over the noise.

A faint blush paints her cheeks, and her lips pull higher. She has a great smile. Perfect full lips and dimples.

“I’ll give you my number,” some guy yells at me and the people around him laugh.

“Thanks for the offer,” I say, not taking my eyes off her. “She’s prettier though.”

She sits a little straighter, cradling the puck in both hands.

“What do you say?”

Still silent, she runs her fingers over the black disc in her hands. Her fingers are adorned in gold rings, but the important finger is empty. “I don’t think so.”

“Is that your boyfriend?” I ask and tip my head toward the guy that was sitting next to her. He’s still chatting away with someone a few rows up like the hottest girl I’ve ever seen isn’t waiting for him.

“Shouldn’t you be, I don’t know, skating around?” Her stare lifts over my head to my teammates warming up behind me.

“Can’t. I just met my future wife and I need to know if she’s single.”

I can’t hear it, but her body language tells me she laughs quietly. “Yes.”

“Yes, you’re single?”

“No. I meant, yes, that’s my boyfriend.”

Damn. But not a total bust. People break up all the time. And he’s clearly not the guy for her. If she were mine, I’d never take my eyes off her.

Her date finally looks back down at her, notices her attention has been captured and then scowls toward the ice. When he finds me standing in front of his girl, he takes a step toward her possessively. I can hardly blame him. I’d fight me for her too.

Maybe I crossed a line hitting on his girl, but I regret nothing. Skating away is physically painful, but I don’t want to cause a scene and the game is about to start. I chance one more look at her. A rush of pleasure jolts up my spine when I find her eyes on me. With one last smile, I head to the bench. Time to go to work.





“To the start of a great season!” Declan raises his glass.

“This is the year,” Leo adds as he does the same.

“To shutouts.” Tyler grins smugly.

Each one of us says something along the same lines, flying high after winning our first game, and then we slam back our drinks. The first of many to come, judging by the atmosphere tonight.

Wild’s, the closest bar to the arena and unofficial team hangout after games, is packed, and it’s still early. I had to push my way through. Luckily, they always hold a couple of tables for us on home game nights in case we stop by.

My empty glass is quickly replaced with a full one. The guys scatter off to their girlfriends and wives, a few move toward the pool tables and dartboards. I linger at the bar and glance around to see who all came out to help us celebrate.

I smile when I find a familiar face. She moves through the crowd to get to me, hand raised over her head to get my attention. Everly, my teammate Tyler Sharp’s younger sister, comes in for a hug when she finally reaches me. I get a mouthful of her blonde hair as she lunges with enthusiasm.

“Congratulations. You were on fire today.” She squeezes me hard and then pulls back, smiling proudly.

“Thanks, Little Sharpie.” I lean back against the bar. “Are you here alone?”

I look past her and search for her best friend and constant sidekick.

“No.” Her smile is apologetic as she glances over her shoulder and stands on her toes. I follow her line of sight. “Grace and her boyfriend Lane snagged us a table. You want to come say hi?”

“Nah, probably shouldn’t.”

“Lane’s cool. He won’t mind.”

It’s not Lane I’m worried about. For a short time, I considered making a move on Everly’s best friend. She’s beautiful and smart, but since she’s only twenty and still in college, I decided we were at two different places in our lives. I told her as much when she tried to kiss me at a pool party over the summer. She was embarrassed and I felt like an ass, but it was for the best. At least I hope so. The thought of going home alone tonight has me seriously questioning my choices.

“Give her my best.”

Ev nods. “I will.”

“You want something to drink? Soda? Water?”

“I’d love a glass of champagne.”

“Your brother would kick my ass.”

Her quiet laughter is barely audible over the noise. “We’re heading out soon anyway, but I wanted to say hi first.”

“I’m glad you did. How’s school?”

While she fills me in on all the classes she’s taking this semester, my attention wanes a little. I love chatting with Everly, but I’m still so wired from the game and it’s hard to focus. Out of the corner of my eye, a mane of curly blonde hair snags my attention.

I stand taller to get a better look as the crowd of people between us parts, giving me a clear shot. My pulse quickens as I confirm it’s the woman from the game. She’s near the door, arms crossed at her waist as her date towers over her, glowering as he speaks. I don’t need to hear what he’s saying to know he’s being a dick. Looks like a breakup is on the horizon even sooner than expected.