Destiny on Ice (Boys of Winter #1)(76)

Brent comes over to where we’re talking, having lost Jock in the crowd. I can’t take my eyes off him. You’d think we’d been apart for days, as opposed to five minutes. Oh hell, what can I say? Brent is stunningly handsome in the sleek black suit he chose to wear tonight, leaving me simultaneously in awe of and in lust with him.

But my libido is put on hold when I see he’s frowning. “Uh-oh, what’s wrong now?”

He sighs as he throws an apologetic glance at Lainey. “I have some bad news. Benny just sent a text. He’s decided to stay home tonight.”

Lainey is clearly disappointed, but takes it well. “Maybe we can meet another time,” she says.

“Yeah, maybe.” I sigh.

Brent opens his mouth to no doubt chime in with something reassuring, but just then Nolan, clad in a dark suit of his own, one that makes him look like a spy or a secret agent, comes over and puts his slimy arms around me and Brent.

He’s a little drunk and his words are slightly slurred, especially when he says, “Which one of you lovebirds is going to introduce me to this gorgeous creature hanging out with you tonight?”

He then nods to my sister.

Yes, my sister, who instead of being offended like she damn well should be, starts lapping up Nolan’s pervy attention like a thirsty bitch in heat. The two of them can’t hide their lust when they start undressing each other with their eyes.

Ugh.

“Not me,” I announce as I hip-check Nolan away from me and into Brent.

He laughs. “Damn, Oliver, maybe we should get Aubrey on the roster.”

Brent laughs right along with his friend. “I told you, Solvenson, don’t mess with my girl. She’s back, and she’s feistier than ever. She’ll lay you out in a minute.”

“Clearly,” Nolan mutters.

Brent then does the honor and introduces Lainey to Nolan.

Lainey, eyes dreamily focused on Nolan, says to him in her most sultry tone, “For the record, Nolan, you can mess with me anytime you want. And you might like the way I lay you out.”

What the ever-loving…?

Brent and I gape at each other, and then at my deranged sister. Nolan, loving it, slips away from us and goes to stand next to her, where they engage in flirty conversation.

“How much champagne did she have?” Brent murmurs to me.

“I don’t know, but apparently enough that she’s totally channeling her inner puck bunny.”

“Who knew she had one?” he remarks.

“Not me. She usually hates sports.”

“Like someone else I know.”

“What? I love sports.”

He gives me a look, and I quickly amend, “Well, I love hockey.”

“You didn’t at first.”

“Yeah, and that’s a tragedy. I didn’t know what I was missing.”

Draping his arm around me, he says softly, “I’d like to think I’ve been a part of the reason for your change of heart.”

“Part of the reason?” I peer up at him, hoping he sees the love in my eyes. “More like pretty much the whole reason. You’re a good hockey ambassador, Brent Oliver.”

We share a quick peck, but then I notice Nolan is successfully charming Lainey.

When he makes her laugh, I elbow Brent and say, “Seriously, we need to stop this from happening.”

I do not want Nolan and my sister hooking up. I hate him, and I love her. This has the makings of an epic disaster.

But before Brent and I can intercede, Nolan and Lainey stroll away from us. I overhear him asking if she’d like a refill on her champagne. Damn charmer. I also don’t miss the way his hand is resting low on the small of her back, which is totally exposed in the short, shimmery gold lamé dress she has on.

“He better not sleep with her,” I warn Brent.

“Why are you griping to me?” he retorts. “They’re two consenting adults.”

“I guess you’re right,” I grudgingly concede.

Brent then has the balls to say to me, “Word is Nolan has a way with the ladies. If they do hook up tonight Lainey might end up having the time of her—”

I smack his arm. “What the hell, Brent? Whose side are you on, anyway?”

Leaning down to kiss me, and thus placate me, he says, “Yours, babe. I will always be on your side.”

I make out with him for a few minutes because, well, he’s freaking Brent Oliver. And we’re in love. But then I come to my senses and pull back. “Brent, seriously, can you try and save my sister from your hockey-whore friend?”

Sighing, he steps back and says, “Let me see if I can get him alone for a minute and talk to him.”

“Be sure to warn him that I’ll castrate him if he hurts Lainey.”

Brent mutters, “Damn, Aubrey, that’s a little harsh. Remind me never to piss you off.”

“Aw…” I go to him and slide my arms up around his neck. And then I whisper, “Don’t worry. I’d never, ever, ever harm that part of you.”

Grinding that part of him against me, he murmurs, “No, I have a feeling you wouldn’t. You like what I do to you with it way too much.”

I grind right the hell back, and he gets hard instantly. “Yes, sir,” I breathe out. “I sure do.”