Bennett (On the Line Book 2)(23)

I slid down from my stool at our tall table and he hugged me tightly. Even though we lived in the same city, I’d missed seeing my brother in person.

“It’s good to see you,” he said. When he pulled back from the hug, he wrapped an arm around Bennett’s shoulder.

“This is Bennett, my roommate.”

“And mentor,” Bennett cut in, smiling his cute, crooked smile.

“Like hell.” Liam gave Bennett a serious look. “This is my sister, Charlotte. Don’t get within two feet of her, or I’ll use your ball sac as a practice puck.”

I saw the flash of nervousness in Bennett’s eyes as he nodded.

“Noted,” he said.

“My brother’s being overly dramatic,” I said.

Liam considered for a second. “No, not really.”

“Guys, this is my friend, Tara,” I said, eager to change the subject.

“Tara,” Liam said, reaching out to shake her hand. “You single?”

“Yes. Yes, I most definitely am,” she said, taking a step closer to Liam.

Liam clapped Bennett on the back. “My boy here’s in the midst of a long dry spell. I’m just sayin’.”

“Aw, f*ck you, man,” Bennett muttered.

“Seriously, he swears he’s not seeing anyone, but I’m starting to think he might be playin’ for the other team,” Liam said as several made-up women in low-cut tops and high heels approached.

“Bennett?” one of the women said, nuzzling against Bennett’s chest. “I’ve witnessed his, um . . . excitement for women, Liam. Several times in one night, in fact.”

I felt my cheeks flushing. Of course, I wasn’t the first woman Bennett had picked up in a bar for sex. Technically, we picked each other up, but still . . . knowing I was just one of many bothered me. Not just knowing it, but seeing another of his conquests grazing her hand across his junk.

“Ah . . . you guys find a table already?” Bennett asked, stepping to the side.

“Yeah, we’re right here. Only four chairs, though.”

Take a hint, whores.

“We’ll pull up some chairs,” said the puck bunny who’d been hanging on Bennett.

Bennett came close to me and my heart kicked up speed from his closeness. He put a hand on my back.

“Can I get you anything, Charlotte?” he asked.

“Don’t touch her,” Liam said, his gaze going straight to Bennett’s hand. Bennett dropped it with an eye roll.

“I’m good,” I said. “But hungry. Maybe we can order some food.”

“Are you one of those pregnant women who eats nonstop?” Liam asked.

I gave him a sharp look. “You did not just say that.”

“Sorry,” he mumbled, looking sheepish.

“You’re pregnant?” one of the puck bunnies asked. “What are you doing in a bar? You shouldn’t drink if you’re pregnant.”

“I’m eating nachos and drinking water,” I said, giving her a look.

“It’s a pub,” Bennett said to the blonde who’d questioned me. “The place has a full menu and there’s no smoking.”

“Smoking?” The brunette who’d been cozied up to Bennett before slid onto his lap, laughing. “Remember when we watched that porn, Smoking Cracks? Oh my God, that was awesome.”

Bennett’s eyes closed for a second. At least he had the decency to look embarrassed. He slid the woman off of his lap and cleared his throat, meeting my eyes in a silent apology.

Two other well-dressed Flyers came up to the table and joined us. Soon everyone was engaged in their own small conversations at the table.

“How are you feeling, Charlie?” Liam asked from his seat next to me.

“Really good. The sickness has passed and the baby’s healthy.”

His gaze darkened. “What about the father? Is he around?”

“Yes. He’s been great about everything.”

“You guys seeing each other, then?”

I shook my head. “He’s been supportive, but we’re not together.”

Liam grunted in acknowledgment. “When do I get to meet this guy?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“It’s a fan-f*cking-tastic idea. Guy knocks up my sister, the least he can do is man up and meet me.”

I felt Bennett looking at us and resisted the powerful urge to look across the table at him. The brunette was still standing next to him, which nagged at me hard. Just knowing he’d been with her made me inexplicably edgy.

“So when will this someone you’re seeing be here?” I asked Liam. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

“Oh, yeah, not tonight. She’s working.”

“At this hour?”

“Yep.”

I gave him an admonishing look. “Are you seeing another stripper?”

“No.” He lowered his voice. “She works for my team, actually.”

“Oh. What’s her name?”

Liam glanced around at his teammates. “I’ll tell you about it another time.”

Beer and shots were ordered by everyone but me, and suit jackets started to come off and get hung on the back of chairs. Bennett had gone to the bathroom, and he brushed against my arm when he returned to the table. I forced myself to look impassive as I caught the tiniest bit of his leather and cologne scent. He settled back into his chair, just looking at me as everyone around us talked.