“But… You plan to marry Marlie? Marlie Reynolds?”
“Is there something wrong with that?”
“Buddy, you just met her last week!”
“I’m a Sinclair.” God, he hated admitting it. “When we know, we know. All of us fall in love, and that’s that. No do-overs. No dating and breaking up and getting back together. You see ‘em, and you just know.”
Jeff stared. “Does Marlie know any of this?”
“No,” Damon growled. “And if you want to keep breathing on your own, you won’t tell her.”
Jeff held up his hands in surrender. “I’m on your side.” He studied Damon. “You’re really not kidding? This isn’t some joke?” His eyes narrowed. “Did she rope you into this to screw with me?”
“She’s not here. It’s just me. The woman is gun-shy because of fuckheads like Ben. But I’m a great guy. I’m hot, I’m smart—well, ice-smart—and I’m loaded. And hey, if Marlie’s with me, you and your friends will always get into my games whenever you want.”
“Will would love that.” Jeff studied him. “What do you want from me, exactly?”
“Tips on how to win her over.”
“Damon, you can’t lie your way into a woman’s heart.”
“It’s not a lie. I love her.” He sighed. “She’s so mean. And pretty. All those freckles and those dark, I-could-kill-you-so-easily eyes.”
Jeff cackled then sobered as he saw Damon’s dopey face. “Wait. You mean that?”
“I’m a lot of things, but I’m not a liar.”
“It’s just… I don’t believe in love at first sight.”
“Trust me. I didn’t either,” Damon said glumly. “My dad’s been telling me and my sister we’d know when we know for years. Frankly, I thought he was full of shit. If you knew my mother, you’d know she probably manipulated him into loving her. Then I met Marlie and bam. Knocked me on my ass.” He thought about it. “Literally, as it happens.” In detail, he relayed to Jeff how he’d first met her.
“That sounds about right and just what she told me about how you met.” Jeff stared in awe. “So you want to marry my bestie. We’re a package deal, you know.”
“Yeah? So’s my family. I accept that she’s not perfect.”
“I… Hey!”
Damon chuckled. “Kidding, man. You’re a good guy, Jeff. Help me scoop up your best friend.”
“But you can’t move her away. She can’t leave.”
“We’ll figure things out. I can’t stay in the NHL forever. Don’t want to either. But I have to go out on top. I figure another few years of play before I leave. I can base out of Portland. I know her family and career is here. I’m good with that.”
“You are?”
“Dude, my folks live here too. And if I’m with Marlie, they’ll leave me alone and fixate on Grace.” He smiled just thinking about that.
“You scare me.”
“Thanks.”
Jeff sighed. “I’ll help you. But if you hurt her, I swear you’ll pay. Her brothers will just want to beat your ass. I’m a doctor. I know all kinds of ways to kill and maim that won’t leave a trail of evidence.”
“Threat duly noted.” Impressed, Damon studied him. “Can I just say I appreciate this tough side of you, Doc?”
“Aw, how sweet.” Jeff grinned. “Okay. So you want to know how to get to my girl. First, be yourself. She hates liars.”
“Me too.” Although, he’d been pretending to be tougher than he was. “I might have given her the impression I’m a bad-boy type. I’m really not.”
