“He lives here alone?” Sutton asks, scanning the place the way I did.
Neither of us has been here before. This may be the first holidayparty Addie and Josie have been invited to, but they’ve known Camden most of their lives.
“Yup. He’s a perpetual bachelor,” Josie explains. “I don’t think I’ve ever known him to have a girlfriend.”
Addie shakes her head. “Not everyone needs to get married. Some people love their careers and are content doing what they want.”
I shrug. I don’t disagree with Addie’s sentiment at all, but I don’t for a second believe that’s what she wants out of life. She may not have ever had a boyfriend—not that I’m aware of, at least—but I don’t think it’s because she doesn’t want one. It has more to do with her profession, I think. She’s a freaking badass professional hockey goalie. Not many men can date a woman so tough and established and not feel threatened by her success. And next season, she’ll hang up her skates and step into her new role of coach in the NHL. I doubt that will make it any easier. The only men confident enough are the players themselves, but the rule follower would never.
“You’re correct. Not everyone has to date, but Savannah does,” Josie points out.
While getting ready this afternoon, we told Addie and Sutton about our idea for the new series of articles. I was a little worried that Sutton would be offended. Instead, she’s thrilled at the prospect of proving me wrong. She thinks that the right man won’t be scared off by the ridiculous tactics I intend to use. Hell, she’s convinced that the wrong ones won’t even dump me. Says it’s because my boobs are so amazing.
She’s out of her mind. No one’s boobs are that amazing. Not even these babies.
Tonight, they’re barely hidden beneath the scandalous dress Sienna personally picked out for me. It’s one of her own designs. A short crushed-velvet dress in a deep emerald green. The sleeves are long, and the neckline plunges so low my belly button is nearly visible. I paired it with golden heels I found in theJoliecloset. The outfit is worth more than half a year’s salary, so I intend to enjoy the hell out of it.
“Okay,” Addie says, her face scrunched up, “but no dating any of my family members.”
I roll my eyes. “You just removed half the names from the roster.”
She giggles. “No coaching staff either.”
“Of course not. They’re all married. Happily. I’ve never seen a group of men so smitten with their wives.”
Addie breaks into a warm smile. “They’re all obsessed, though I’d say Uncle Aiden is the most unhinged about it.”
“Who wouldn’t be obsessed with Lennox?” Josie points out.
And yeah, she’s right. Lennox is gorgeous and the life of any party.
“And you can’t date Bray,” Josie says.
I pout. “You’re ruining all my fun.”
She scowls. “Please. I’m not ruining any fun on that front. Brayden is the least fun guy on the team. All serious and focused. He probably won’t even see your boobs tonight, and they’re in everyone’s face.”
I give my chest a little shimmy. “They’re even sparkly.”
Addie giggles. “You are a shimmering goddess.”
“Okay, so no brothers, married uncles, or anyone whose last name is Langfield. Does that leave anyone I can test out my dating prowess on tonight?”
The door to the limo opens, and the driver holds out a hand. He helps Addie out first, and we all follow. As we head toward the house, Addie lists the men who’ll be in attendance.
“There’s our center, Bobby Dean.” She nods at a man in a navy velvet suit that shows off his ridiculously large thighs and is cut at his ankle. He’s got dark brown hair, and with cheekbones like that? Damn, he could be a model. When he sees us, his face lights up and he gives one of his signature smirks. The kind that could incinerate a girl’s panties. Not this girl, though, since I’m not wearing any.
“He’s twenty-seven and single, and honestly, I really like him,” she adds.
I scrutinize her for a moment, noting the way she stares at him like she’s seeing him for the first time. Her light brown hair is pulled back in a messy updo, curled wisps framing her face. With the gold dress that hugs all her curves and red lipstick, she’s a fucking knockout. Tonight, every player is gonna wish she wasn’t set to be their newest coach. “Oh, and there’s Maksim Loob, our defenseman.”
“Magnum,” Josie mutters, holding her hands out in front of her anddragging them farther apart. “We all can surmise how he got that nickname.”
Sutton snorts. “Oh my god. You’re awful.”
I lick my lips, studying the Russian as he slaps Bobby’s hand and the two of them hug in greeting. His light brown hair is pulled back in a messy bun, low on his head. The scar across his cheek, and even the chipped tooth, make him look ruggedly handsome.
“There’s my personal favorite.” Sutton points to a man unfolding himself from the driver’s seat of a white Corvette. “Royal Bombardier.”
