When coming through the ranks, Damon had done his time dealing with fuckery from senior players. Pro goalies threatened by his talent didn’t want to help him get better. But he’d also been mentored by some top-notch guys. He’d promised himself that when—not if—he got into the NHL as a starter, he’d give back.
Now limping into the veterinary clinic, he saw the same chick he’d seen last week when he’d brought in those kittens with Marlie.
“Hey, Maddie, is it?”
The young woman smiled at him. “Oh, Damon. Hi. Want to see Jeff?”
“If I could.”
“Go on back. He’s on a break.”
Damon walked back toward the smell of something delicious. Leftover turkey if he had to guess. The small kitchen area looked empty, no one nearby to turn off the beeping microwave. After turning off the annoying chirp, he followed the sound of male voices.
“Jeff? Dr. Morrison?” He hobbled his way toward a back laboratory to see Will caging Jeff against the counter. A compromising position if ever Damon had seen one.
The pair froze when Damon clapped. “True love. I’m such a fan.”
“Fuck it.” Will planted a huge wet one on Jeff’s mouth then stalked by him to threaten Damon, “Mess my sister over and I’ll end you. I still mean it.” He ran a finger across his throat. Then he slapped Damon on the back and smiled. “But keep coaching our team. Great job yesterday. Jeff, call me later.”
Will left, and Jeff ran a hand through his hair, looking thoroughly kissed.
And project blackmail was in play.
“You know, Jeff, I think we can help each other out.”
Jeff sighed. “What do you want? Don’t think Will and I are going to keep this from Marlie. We’re just trying to figure out how to tell her.”
Knowing how much Marlie loved her best friend and her brothers, Damon knew they’d have to tell her before she found out on her own.
“Well, I can keep quiet. For a price.”
“Seriously?”
“Tell me how to make Marlie fall in love with me.”
Jeff blinked. “Er, what?”
“Marlie. How do I get her to fall for me?”
“Isn’t she already with you?”
“Not for sex.” Damon found a chair and sat, gently straightening his knee. “Ah, that’s better. Look, Jeff, I already have the sex part nailed down. But your girl is skittish. I have to cut out after the holidays and help the team win the cup. But I’ll be back. I need to get Marlie to fall for me before that so she’ll be here when I return.”
“Wait. Let me get this straight. You want Marlie to fall in love with you?”
“Did Will scramble your brains with that kiss or what? Yes, Dr. Confused. I want your best buddy to love me long time.” He paused. “Okay, not like the song suggests. Though more sex with that beast isn’t off the table.”
“Beast? Oh, you mean Marlie.” Jeff chuckled.
“Beauty and the Beast, am I right? And I’m the beauty.” They both laughed at that, then Damon added, “I mean I need her to love me.” Like I love her.
“But why?”
“Because my future wife needs to be in love with me before we get to the altar. Duh.”
Jeff looked dumbfounded and pulled up another chair to sit with Damon. “Are you drunk?”
“Are you?”
