Better to get this over with.
I skate to the open door, step onto the black mat, and…immediately want to commit murder.
Mostly because Sawyer is standing next to Harper. No. Not just next to. He’s close, so damned close I want to reach over, grab his shoulder, and yank him back.
Then punch him until he thinks twice about ever coming that close to her again.
Unfortunately, the amusement in his eyes when I approach tells me he would just love to see me try that.
Asshole.
“Ricky,” Smitty booms again.
I exhale then turn to face my annoying ass teammate. “Yeah?”
“What are we doing on the birthday present front?”
For a second, I don’t know what he’s talking about.
Then dread grips my insides with its talons as I do. After the other night, I’d put Shannon’s birthday party out of my mind. But I can’t deny that I’m looking forward to her dinner almost as much as I would a colonoscopy.
A necessary evil.
Then done.
“No presents,” I say. “Or flowers, if you really want to get her something.” When it looks like Smitty is going to protest further, I add, “Or a bottle of nice bourbon. She really likes bourbon.”
“Now that,” he says grinning, “I can do.”
And if she doesn’t show up then at least all the guys like it too.
We can make a toast to mark the end of me being a dumbass.
Especially since Shannon hasn’t talked to me in three days—not since she came out to find Harper and me talking. She’s repeatedly said she doesn’t want anything serious, but she was pissed and gave me the silent treatment the entire drive home.
Then immediately left.
Now radio silence.
Which brings me back to…
I’m an asshole. To her, to myself, to?—
Harper.
“No,” she says, “I’m good. I’ve been working a lot is all.”
I frown, move closer.
“You know what they say,” Sawyer drawls. “All work and no play…”
“Makes my bank account happy?” she finishes with a smirk.
I chuckle and they both glance over at me. “He’s right,” I tell her. “You do look exhausted.”
She scowls. “Wow, you hockey players sure know how to turn on the charm.”
“That’s our Ricky.” Sawyer claps me on the shoulder. “So charming.”
