Down and Dirty (Hot Jocks #5)(29)
“You don’t have to, you know? I’m a big girl. I can handle it.”
“I know that. I like that you’re a strong woman, believe me. It’s one of the things that attracted me to you, and something I definitely want in a partner.”
I chew on my lower lip, weighing his words.
“I travel a lot during the year when the season starts. So a relationship with someone needy or codependent would never work for me. I want an equal. A strong woman who’s going to miss me, sure, but who can take care of herself when I’m away. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to take care of you too, Aubree. I do. Let me.”
“I’ll try.” The words feel tight in my throat.
God, where did this man come from? I’ve been on my own for so long, telling myself I don’t need anyone else. But now he’s here, so strong and solid, and he smells so good, and there’s just something about him—his words, his soothing presence—that I can’t deny.
He’s growing on me.
Like a suspicious mole.
10
* * *
Asking for a Friend
Landon
“What are we drinking tonight, boys?” Justin asks as I settle into the back corner of the booth, which, as everyone knows is the absolute worst seat, and the reason it’s been reserved for me as the rookie on the team. Whoever occupies it is completely out of luck if he needs to get out to, say, use the restroom or make a private phone call, since he’d have to climb over four hockey players to do so.
“I’m down with whatever,” I say.
I’m out with the guys from my team tonight. While they still like to give me a hard time about being the rookie, I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve formed. Teddy, Owen, and Asher helped me move into my new apartment last month, and when it was my birthday, the entire crew took me out and got me good and drunk. So if it makes them feel better to stick me in the corner, I’ll deal with it.
When the bright-eyed, bubbly server swings by—a young woman with an Australian accent whose nametag reads RACHEL—we order a couple of pitchers of beer. She lingers at our table for a few moments too long, her gaze jumping from the blue of my eyes, to Justin’s broody smirk, then over to Teddy’s mischievous grin. It seems the sight of us has rendered her momentarily speechless.
She does a double-take, her eyes making another greedy pass. As she takes in Asher’s blond hair and easy smile, her lips part. Then her gaze drifts to Owen’s broad chest, and she makes a small helpless noise of surprise.
I’ve seen this type of reaction before when we’re all out together—women have checked us out, sure—but there’s usually a hint of subtlety to it. This poor girl’s eyes look like they’re going to pop out of her head, and she doesn’t seem even remotely capable of carrying out her job duties. She’s still staring at Owen’s bulky arms, which are now crossed in front of his chest.
I’ve seen him command this type of female attention before—many times, in fact—but this is the first time I’ve seen it bother him. Maybe it’s because he’s engaged to be married soon, or maybe because he just really wants a beer. Either way, his smile has faded.
I clear my throat, pulling her attention over to me again. “He’s taken, sweetheart,” I murmur gently.
Her face falls, and she stammers out an apology. “So sorry. I was staring, wasn’t I? I’ll be right back with those pitchers.” She hustles away with a flourish, and the guys around me chuckle.
“Speaking of being taken,” Justin says, raising his eyebrows and looking in my direction. “You still off the market, Covey, or did you and Aubree get that shit taken care of?”
“Uh, we’re still married, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Owen scoffs, laughing. “Dude, but why? Surely there were easier ways to get into her panties than putting a ring on it.”
Teddy chuckles into his fist.
“Yeah, what’s the story?” Asher asks, his brows pushed together as he studies me. “How complicated is the annulment process? You don’t have to go back to the great state of Nevada, do you?”
I’m not sure how much to share with them. On one hand, it’s private, my personal business with Aubree, and I don’t particularly feel like airing it. But on the other hand, these guys are my bros, the only family I have in this city, and they’re bound to find out sooner or later anyway.
“Spill it, rookie,” Justin says, eyeing me from across the table.
I shift uncomfortably. “I might want to, I don’t know, see where this goes between me and Aubree.”
“Wait. Hold the fuck up. What are you saying?” Owen asks, shaking his head in disbelief. “You’re going to stay married?”
“I don’t know, but yeah. I guess what I’m saying is before I agree to a divorce, shouldn’t I at least date my wife?”
After these words leave my mouth, there’s nothing but silence—dead-to-the-world, no-one’s-even-breathing silence. And, yeah, I know what I’ve just told them is a little crazy. But with the slack-jawed, wide-eyed looks the guys are giving me, you’d think I just told them I’m an alien on a deep space mission sent to anally probe them.