Page 17 of Risking the Pucking Defense

“Hey, mind if I join you? All the couples are…coupling,” Hailee says, thumbing over her shoulder toward the slow-dancing happening behind her.

“Apparently, this has been dubbed the single table. If you’re not taken?”

“Ah, I found my people,” Hailee jokes. “But I need a drink first.”

I scramble to my feet. “I’ll go. What would you like?”

“Oh no, that’s not⁠—”

“I owe you,” I blurt. I do, after everything she did for me earlier.

She nods once, accepting my offer without further argument.

“A glass of prosecco would be great. Thank you, Hayden.” Tingles race down my spine at her use of my name. I hardly ever hear it at the arena. I’m either Monroe, Marilyn, or Rookie. Hearing it just…well, it hits differently. And I like it a lot more than I should.

I leave Hailee with Darcy and rush toward the bar.

By the time I get back with a prosecco and a beer in hand, Darcy is walking away.

“Something you said?” I tease.

“Jared called him over,” Hailee explains, and when I look over, I find Darcy approaching the table allocated to the medical staff.

“So you’re stuck with me then. Lucky you.”

“I could never be stuck with you, Hayden,” she says, making those tingles return. And it only gets worse when her fingers brush mine as she takes the glass.

Her eyes lift to mine, and my stupid brain takes me to a place it should never go.

Did she feel that, too?

“Thank you,” she breathes, lifting the glass to her lips—her full, pink-stained lips—before taking a sip.

“Y-you’re welcome,” I stutter like a fool.

“It’s been a good evening, huh?”

“Yeah,” I agree. “I’m glad someone convinced me to come down. I’d have regretted it if I’d stayed hidden.”

“Sounds like someone is very wise. You should definitely keep them around. You know, for emergencies.”

“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. I bet she’s good in a crisis.”

“Too fucking true,” Hailee says with a laugh. “Although things have been a little quieter recently. Rett settling down has done wonders for my work-life balance.”

“Just wait for the new rookies and trades. I’m sure they’ll bring some entertainment with them.”

“Entertainment. Sure,” she teases. “Hopefully, everyone will be too busy with everything I have planned to be pulling stupid shit.”

“There’s always time, Hailee. Always.”

“Ain’t that the truth. What is it they say? Never work with kids, animals, or professional athletes.”

I chuckle before spotting Rett leading Bea outside. I jerk my chin in their direction. “Where are they going?” I ask.

Hailee groans. “It’s Rett. It could be anywhere.”

We fall quiet, our eyes scanning our surroundings before we find each other again.