Page 56 of Face Off

“Yeah.” It wasn’t like I had a long list of people to call on in times like this.

“Well, I think Mikey could use your company,” he said, without a hint of teasing.

“Yeah, the guys were giving him a hard time back there,” Joey agreed. “They said even the eighteen-year-old rookie has a date.”

I laughed.

Mitch continued. “He’s never been one to show up to something like this alone. He usually has a line of women waiting for his call, so it’s kind of strange he would show up without a date.” Mitch seemed to be trying to tell me something.

Joey nodded along. “He could probably use some saving right about now.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” I winked at them and headed in the direction they pointed.

I appreciated them turning things around to look like I was helping Mikey, even though we were both in the same, single situation.

“We’ve got you.” Mitch put his free hand on my shoulder and led us through the crowd.

I spotted a group of the guys and nearly tripped in my heels. Mikey was at the center, wearing a cut-off shirt and the skinniest jeans on the planet, not leaving a single muscle or curve off display.

His arms.

Oh, man. Those should not be allowed to just casually go uncovered in public. I was unwell.

I could stare at the perfectly defined lines all day. He was like a walking, talking diagram of every muscle in the human body.

And his legs. Power. Strength. I was salivating.

Holly Evans, pull yourself together!

I was a grown woman gawking at him like he was my favorite member of a boy band.

His eyes landed on me, and I smiled and waved, pretending I’d only just spotted him in the crowd.

He pushed through the group and stopped in front of me. “You look amazing.” His eyes trailed over me. “I like the rocker-chick Holly.”

I was pretty sure I had enough makeup on to hide my blush, but I glanced away just in case.

“Hey, Mitch.” Mikey eyed the couple.

“Hi, guys, this is Joey.” He paused for a breath. “My boyfriend.”

I expected hesitation or an awkward moment of silence, but Mikey didn’t miss a beat. “Hey, nice to meet you. I saw you at the boxing gym, right?”

Joey nodded. “I’ve been training there for a while.”

Parker eyed him up and down. “Can you take him?”

Mitch laughed. “Yes, he’s got the speed I’ll never have.”

Joey grinned and put his arm around Mitch’s shoulders. “But I can’t take one step in skates without falling on my face.”

“We all have our strengths,” Lance teased.

“Have you guys eaten yet? I’m starving,” Parker asked, and soon, they were walking away together, Joey accepted without a second thought. The sight made my chest swell. Mitch had nothing to worry about. His team loved him and wanted him to be happy, no matter what.

“Are you on your own tonight?” Mikey leaned in close to me.

I jumped, not realizing he had stayed. “Yup.”