Page 107 of Hearts on the Line

“Really? Who’s the lucky guy?”

“Are you flirting with me, Ethan Murphy?”

“Always, Sloane Arden.”

I grin back. “Some handsome chef. He’s gonna open a restaurant soon.” Then I hold my hand up in a staged whisper. “I heard it’s gonna be pretty good.”

He snickers. “Lucky guy.”

“Don’t I know it.”

He only pulls me closer as Jack struts on stage and Annie heads to the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. As you know, our family restaurant suffered a devastating fire last month. In an effort to help those businesses surrounding us that were damaged during the fire, the Merritt Point Activities Committee has graciously agreed to me spearheading a charity date auction today. So, ladies and gentleman, this is your chance. I know you’ve been excited. It’s time to bring out my brother. Who will win a date with my brother, Jack Murphy?”

The crowd goes wild, and I spot almost three rows of puck bunnies jumping up and down with his jersey number painted on their cheeks.

Jack waves at the crowd, amping them up.

“That’s why he made the big time, and not me,” Ethan whispers.

“Your turn is coming. Just wait.”

It must be the right thing to say, because Ethan kisses me, and for a minute, I forget my name. He reaches for my hand, kisses the back of it, and then yells something so obscene at the stage that my cheeks blush.

Annie starts bickering with Jack on stage, partially covering the microphone with her hand. “All right, all right. You’re just nervous,” she says.

The crowd chuckles.

“Let the bidding start. He’s your favorite power forward for the Boston Breakers, a total charmer, and I’ve been told his dimples make anyone with a pulse fall at his feet. Who’s going to take home my decidedly handsome but troublesome brother?”