Page 29 of Tripped Up

“Elsy,” Henry says, stepping forward and brushing a kiss against her cheek. “You look lovely.”

“Thanks,” she says, her cheeks pink. “You are… adequate.”

He gives her a lopsided grin. “You’re falling in love with me. Admit it.”

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s what’s happening,” Viggy says, cuffing him on the back of the head.

“Didn’t bring your TV crew?” I tease him.

The captain’s withering glare would strike fear in a lesser man, but competing on the same side of the ice every day has dulled some of its potency. “I could barely get away from them.”

“What’s this about a TV crew?” Elsy asks.

“They’re filming a reality TV show about the team,” I explain. “The producer is kind of obsessed with Viggy. It’s adorable.”

“She’s the worst,” he insists.

Elsy giggles. Some of the color is returning to her cheeks. “I’m sure she’s not that bad.”

Viggy scowls.

“What’re you guys doing here?” I change the subject.

“Your girl’s performing tonight,” Henry says, throwing his arm around my shoulders. I shove him off, and he smirks at me. “She’s part of the team, too, whether she admits it or not. We came to support her.”

“She’s not my girl,” I mutter. Though I can’t deny the warmth that spreads through me at the thought.

Wait. That’s weird. Elsy has never been and will never be mine. I made sure of that when I fucked up all those years ago.

Besides, I don’t want her to be mine. Right? Just because I enjoy antagonizing her doesn’t mean I want anything else.

If she wanted to sleep with me, sure, I’d go there again. I’d show her all the ways I’ve changed. But⁠—

Fuck.

“I need a drink.” Stalking off, I go in search of the bar. There has to be more than champagne here.

Puppy falls into step beside me. “She’s pretty,” he says.

My booming laugh echoes throughout the atrium, drawing attention from curious patrons. “She’s out of your league, man.”

“I can look. Doesn’t mean I’m going to touch.” He gives a short laugh. “Besides, Henry and Cap have already laid down the law. Last thing I want to do is mess with team dynamics by going after your girl.”

“She’s not my girl,” I say again.

“You just want her to be,” he finishes.

I glare at him. “Shut up.”

He shakes his head, amusement written on his face. “You’re so fucking obvious, bud.”

We reach the bar and I order a scotch and soda to take the edge off. So much for that whole not drinking the night before a game promise I made. I want to get Elsy a drink, too, but since she’s performing tonight, plus she’s on the heels of her panic attack, so I don’t think that’s a good idea. Not after she slammed two glasses of champagne. I order her a Coke instead.

“Don’t even think about it,” I warn Puppy when he opens his mouth. He’s only nineteen. “Coach will kill you if you get busted drinking. The newspaper’s society reporter is here tonight. I’m sure it won’t take long for them to figure out who you are.”

“I know, I know.” He orders a Coke, too.

Together, we wait for our drinks.