Page 37 of The Kiss Connection

I don’t have those same feelings. It’s weird, to realize I have little desire for a one-night stand. To feel like something isn’t quite normal because every other athlete loves the attention they get from the ladies.

I definitely love women. But I prefer to get to know the person, then the sparks seem to fall into place, the crush happens, the desire rises. But with Juniper, when I first saw her, it was different.

I felt something new and exciting. Maybe it was because she didn’t know who I was, that I play hockey. Of course, that was until I got to see who she really was, and what I thought was chemistry was clearly not. It had been nothing more than lust on my part.

It has been a while since I’ve bedded anyone. I blame my cock for taking over that night and causing me to chase after her.

My teammates would mock me and call me a girl, or they’d convince me it’s been too long and get back out there if they knew how long it’s been since I got laid.

I make it to the front of the bar, order another whiskey and take it back to my seat, leaving Archer on his own. I’m hoping he’ll find someone else to hang out with, other than me.

Making my way back to my table, I grab my seat. Conrad and Juniper are still dancing, but the tempo is a bit more upbeat and a few more couples have since joined them on the floor.

I have zero desire to dance tonight, but watching Conrad put his hands on her hips, her waist, I’m dying inside.

I just can’t figure out why.

I’ve never hated anyone as much as I hate Juniper.

Watching Conrad dance with her, it’s eating me up inside.

Archer grabs the seat next to me, again. He sips his beer and lets his gaze wander, following what I’m staring at, because I can’t seem to look away.

“Go dance with her.”

“Hell freezes over before I offer her a dance,” I grumble.

Archer laughs, takes a swig of his beer. “She’s a great kisser.”

One hand bunches into a fist, the other tips back the whiskey because while I was nervous about the auction tonight, right now I can’t take another minute of Archer baiting me.

“What’s gotten into you?” Archer asks, his eyes roaming over me. I put the glass down hard on the table; the muscles in my arms ripple and my jaw tenses. I’m trying not to grind my teeth, but the tension roils through me.

“You’re an asshole. You know I liked her and you kissed her.”

“You like Juniper?” Archer leans back in his chair with a grin on his face. “Knew it, brother. It’s oh so obvious.”

My gaze tightens. “Liked her. Formerly. I no longer have feelings for her. Except where I want to keep her away from my best friend. I owe it to Conrad to protect him from that treacherous bitch.”

Archer chuckles and tips his head back, swallowing another sip of beer. “You are so obviously jealous, bro. He invited her out tonight, and it’s eating you up inside.”

I shift uncomfortably at his scrutinization. “It’s not. He can date whomever he wants. Conrad is my friend. I’m not—that’s not what this is about.”

Archer puts his beer on the table, leans forward, his hands on his thighs. “Do you want to know why I kissed Juniper?”

I should say no.

But I’m curious.

Instead, I stare at Archer, silently pleading for him to tell me.

But the silence between us stretches on.

Archer smirks. “Okay, if you don’t want to know⁠—”

“You kiss every girl within a ten-mile radius,” I growl and grab his arm, not letting him so much as get up and leave me here alone during the conversation. I need him to explain himself. “Why her? Why, when you knew there were feelings⁠—”

His head tilts slightly, staring at me, as if waiting for me to catch the realization of what I’m saying aloud. “I knew you’d fight for her if you saw she was taken. You don’t get into a spat at Blue Line over a girl you don’t care about. I know you, little bro. When you fall, you fall hard. And sometimes you need a little push.”