"Fine. They're hot. Happy? But I will deny I ever said that."
This makes him smile. "Lighten up. It's a party." I glare at him. "I think you need a beer to loosen up."
We head to the kitchen. But I can still feel her, even across the room. This is going to be a long fucking season.
13
JOELLE
Iwalk away from Emmett before I do something stupid like slap him. Or kiss him. Or both. My pulse is racing. I can't believe the guy I've been thinking about all these months is right here in this room with me. I grab my wine and drain it. Then pour myself another and down half of that too.
"Whoa, easy there," Collette says. Appearing beside me. "Are you okay? You're throwing those wines back like it's water."
"I'm fine." I try to wave her concern away.
"You don't look fine." She raises a brow at me and moves closer. "Are you anxious?" She whispers the last part.
I'm not a social butterfly like her and these kinds of situations stress me out. I shake my head. She studies me. "Did someone say something? One of the guys? I'll kick them in the balls if they said anything inappropriate." If only she knew.
"No. The guys have been great." Except for one guy.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. It's just the jet lag making me weird."
She gives me a look.
"Weirder than I normally am," I joke.
This makes her smile.
"I'm going to go to the bathroom, splash my face, and wake myself up."
"Okay. But if any of the boys give you shit, tell me. I'll handle them," she tells me. I love her for wanting to protect me.
I place my wine glass down and head away from the room, away from him, taking the hallway toward my bedroom and closing the door behind me. I take a couple of deep breaths as I walk to my ensuite and stop in front of the mirror to take myself in. I hadn't gone to much effort tonight because it was just a house party, jeans, a white tee, minimal jewelry and makeup. I’d pulled my chestnut hair up into a high pony. If I'd known I was going to run into the guy from London, I would have .... Would have what? Made an effort? Impressed him?
Fucking Emmett Black.
The man who made me come three times in one night.
Fuck him.
Fuck him for being a hockey player.
Fuck him for being my brother's teammate.
And fuck him for being my neighbor.
I pull out my phone and call the only person who will understand.
Polly.
She answers on the third ring. "Hey, babe, how's the big apple?"
"Terrible." I try to hold in my tears.
"Oh no, what's happened?"
