Page 94 of Put a Rink on It

“Such a carin’ jerk.”

I giggle at her drunken assessment of her brother. She’s not wrong.

“If it’s any consolation, I didn’t tell him about your lack of sobriety.” The minute he lays eyes on her, he’ll know she’s drunk. Also, I wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to get her out of here on my own.

“Didu tell ‘im ‘bout my lack ofaman to go home wit?”

“Left that out as well. As per your instructions five minutes ago.”

Her head whips up, moving too fast for the alcohol she’s imbibed. “Ow. Ouch. Fuck. Too fast. Stupid drinks.” Her body slumps against the booth, listing toward the wall. If not, she’d be on the floor. Thank goodness for small miracles.

We tried—unsuccessfully—to find a man for Kaitlyn. The longer time that passed without so much as a nibble, the more drinks she consumed. She told me she was fine, but I shouldn’t have taken the word of a drunk girl. I should have played a better wingwoman, taking my job more seriously.

“I see Canned Kaitlyn showed up tonight.” Nero’s voice pulls me out of my head. I swing my gaze his way, and I melt at the handsome man standing there. Despite the cap on his head, the bill curved inward, hiding his features from the public, my heart stutters.

Why can’t this be real between us?

I banish the thought away to deal with at a later time.

“Champ, you’re here.” Kaitlyn groans and attempts to cover her ears at my boisterous greeting.

Nero’s eyes twinkle, but his mouth doesn’t move. “At least you’re not as wasted as she is.”

“I didn’t need to pound the shots.”

He quirks a brow. “Oh? Why not?” I wave my hand in the air. It’s less of a roving up his body and more of a chaotic gesture. “Am I supposed to understand that?”

My shoulders fall. “Yes. You. I’ve got you. I don’t need a man to take me home when I’ve got you.”

His jaw twitches indiscernibly. Had I blinked, I would have missed it. I can’t unpack the action now, not when my brain’s not firing on all cylinders. Nor can I get into it in public.

He points to my ring. “Mine,” he growls. Fuck if it doesn’t get me all hot and bothered.

Not allowing myself to show an ounce of how he makes me feel, I roll my eyes. “Yes, Neanderthal, yours.”

“Don’t forget it.” His voice grows deeper, and all I want to do is leave this bar and jump his bones. Doesn’t matter I got my fill earlier. I want him again.

All night long.

“How can she when you’re all ‘mine’?” Kaitlyn quips. “Jeez, Nero. When didu get so p’zessive?”

“Don’t mind her. She’s mad I had sex today, and she’s not getting any.”

His hands cover his ears, but he can’t hide the devious grin. “We should get Kaitlyn home. Did you settle the bill?”

“Nope.” Kaitlyn pops the p before chugging the rest of her drink. “Your treat, right, big bro?”

“I’ll pay Marina’s half, but you’re on your own, little sis.”

He retreats to the bar, and my eyes train on the way his glutes fill out his jeans. Not as sexy as gray sweatpants, but more appreciated for public consumption.

“What ‘xactly do you see in him ‘gain? ‘Cause from where I sit⁠—”

“Highly inebriated at the moment,” I interject.

She glances at her brother’s back, a longing taking over. “‘Spite his flaws, he’sh a great guy. But I don’ hafta tell ya.”

“Nero has flaws?” I joke. “Hadn’t noticed.” I help her out of the booth, struggle to help her into her coat, and lean against the table to support her weight. I don’t know how she’s steady in her three-inch booties. I’m having trouble with two-inch heels. I slip my arms into my coat.