We weave our way through bodies toward the bar to order some drinks, and I spot a few familiar faces across the bar.
Hunter told us Niko is the one who recommended this place because it’s on the outskirts of town where the team isn’t spotted or bombarded as much. After tonight’s win, I’m not surprised to see some of the Bobcats here celebrating.
Lincoln turns to us and has to raise his voice a bit over the noise. “Why don’t you guys go to try and find a spot. Away from the team.” He says the last bit louder than the rest, emphasizing the fact that he doesn’t want to mingle with his players tonight.
“Yes, sir.” I salute Lincoln, causing him to roll his eyes. I love ruffling his feathers.
I hold onto the back of Hunter’s shirt as he leads the way to the other side of the bar, just off the side of the stage where karaoke is happening. A small group of people vacate a table just as we stop to assess the situation. As soon as they leave, we all take a seat.
“You and Lincoln going to bless us with round two tonight?” I nod toward the stage where a girl singing a terrible rendition of “Man, I Feel Like a Woman” is just finishing up. She may not sound great but she’s having the time of her life. Good for her.
Ellie shoots me a death glare. “Don’t even think about it.”
I puff out my bottom lip at her. “Boo. You’re no fun. I think karaoke is over at midnight anyway.”
Right on cue, the DJ announces that the next performance will be the last one of the night. “For our grand finale, we have Jefferson and Mack Attack singing ‘Friends in Low Places.’”
No. Freaking. Way.
I’m still getting to know the team, but it’s hard to forget those two. Kyle Jefferson is the Bobcats’ newest rookie. Come to think of it, I’m pretty sure he’s not even old enough to be at the bar. Aidan Mackenzie or “Mack” as the team calls him, is the goalie, and let’s just say, he’s quite the character. He’s goofy and weird and everything you’d expect from a goalie.
“So much for staying under the radar,” Lincoln deadpans, setting our drinks on the table.
We all turn to watch the two goofballs walk up on stage. I take a sip of my vodka cran and spit it everywhere when I see what they’re wearing.
Jefferson has some ridiculous looking black mustache that does not match his sandy blond hair whatsoever. On his head is an ugly brown fedora that’s way too small for his head. Mack has on a red curly-haired wig that I’m pretty sure used to belong to a clown costume. He’s also wearing extremely large round-rimmed glasses. They both look absolutely ridiculous.
“This one goes out to our new favorite yoga instructor. You know who you are.”
Oh. My. God.
Going out with the guys after a game is usually hit or miss for me these days. If I had a nanny for Sophia I might go out a little more often, but I hate being out all night, away from her. Besides, she needs at least one stable and reliable parent in her life.
But I am so glad I came out tonight. Not only did I get to watch two of my favorite knuckleheads make fools of themselves on stage singing karaoke, but I also got to see Sadie laugh like nobody was watching during their performance.
Except I was definitely watching.
I find my eyes wandering every couple of minutes to where she sits with my coaches. I am so damn intrigued by her. Sadie is a beautiful woman and the air around her is intoxicating. It’s as if everyone in her orbit lights up in her presence. But it’s not just that. It’s the way I felt watching her with Sophia that keeps me so curious. I wonder if she has a history of working with kids? Hell, maybe she even has one. I don’t know enough about her yet but I’d love to know more. There’s just something about her. I’m drawn to her. But I don’t have the time or energy to lust after anyone right now.
Mack’s in the middle of telling a story about the prank he pulled on our Russian defenseman when I see Ellie and Lincoln stand from their table and head toward the exit. My gaze immediately moves back to their table, scanning to see if Sadie is going to follow them.
Connor kicks me under the high-top table we’re sitting at and nails me in the shin.
“Ow! What was that for, dick?” I take a sip of my beer but keep one eye across the room.
Connor glances behind him then back to me. “It’s getting kinda creepy. The staring.”
This asshole has barely said two words tonight, andnowhe decides to talk? I wind up and kick him in the shin, much harder than what he did to me. I think I’m more pissed at myself for getting caught staring after a woman I barely know, but he doesn’t need to know that.
He cusses under his breath and starts talking shit, but I’m not listening anymore. Sadie and Hunter have made their way to the dance floor, and my eyes are glued to the tiny brunette who moves her hips with the beat. I can’t take my eyes off her.
Jefferson walks over to me and wraps his arm around my shoulders. “You know, Cap. You could just ask her to dance.”
For fuck’s sake. Even the rookie has something to say now? I pretend I have no idea what he’s talking about.
“Who?”
Everyone around me, including my asshole best friend, snickers. Like they’re all in on some fucking joke.
