“Fucking lightweight,” he chuckles, taking a drink of his own beer.
I can’t help but watch her again. As the night has progressed, Rylee’s attention has been focused almost entirely on Tyler, Jensen’s older brother. I’ve only met Tyler a handful of times before since he’s busy with his pro-football career, but he’s a cool guy. A fucking giant, but a chill giant.
And, yeah, he’s good-looking, I guess… if 6’4” ripped Adonises with black hair and blue eyes are your thing.
Apparently, it’s Rylee’s.
For some reason, watching her throw herself at him is… annoying. Even now, she’s dragging him onto the dancefloor with her and pressing herself tight against his body.
“Come on, dude,” Wilder says, cutting into my wandering thoughts. “Let’s get some cake.”
Grateful for the distraction, I follow him to the dessert table, determined not to give Rylee another thought for the rest of the night.
CHAPTER TWO: KODIAK
ZANDER
“Congratulations, you guys,”I say. “I’m really happy for you both.”
Grace practically throws herself at me, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug.
“Thank you for being here with us,” she says, looking up at me with her bright blue eyes. Strands of her dark brown hair have fallen from her elaborate updo and are framing her pretty face, making her look like a fairy princess with her lacey white gown.
“Yeah man, seriously. We’re so glad you made it,” Jensen teases, slapping my shoulder, his green eyes twinkling with amusement… and whiskey. His dark hair is slightly mussed and he long abandoned his tux coat. Usually when he gets this sweaty, hockey is involved.
It’s close to midnight, and the party is starting to wind down. Jensen and Grace are heading into the hotel to spend the night in the honeymoon suite, and lots of the other couples are following their lead, including my teammate Owen and his girl Stacey, as well as Carson and his lady, Skyler. We’re all standing together at the edge of the dancefloor. Jensen and Grace aresaying quick goodbyes to their guests, and they hurry off once Grace finishes hugging the other girls.
“Whew, can hardly believe they’re finally married,” Carson whistles, slipping his arm around Skyler’s shoulders. He and Grace are twins, so he has the same dark hair and blue eyes as she does, but whereas she is small and adorable, he’s tall and jacked - which is good, given he’s our team’s goalie. We need a brick wall standing between the puck and our net.
“Yeah, it’s crazy,” Skyler agrees with a grin, snuggling closer to Carson’s side. “Now the married couple can go fuck each other’s brains out to consumate their blessed union.”
Yep, that’s a classic Skyler comment, right there. I feel a small pang in my chest at the sight. Skyler is a gorgeous nerd, which is right up my alley. For a hot minute, we were almost a thing, but deep down, she’d been in love with Carson since they were kids. I never stood a chance, and that’s okay, because they’re great with one another.
Stacey sighs and looks up at Owen, the newest member of our team. “We should head up to bed. Your mom took Millie up a while ago, and I want to check on her.”
Owen gives Stacey a kiss on her forehead. “You got it, baby. Night guys.”
We say goodnight as the two peel off and head toward the hotel, walking hand-in-hand.
“I love seeing those two together,” Skyler murmurs. “After everything they went through, they deserve to be happy.”
Carson and I nod in agreement.
“We should head up to bed too,” Carson says, grinning down at Skyler. “You ready?”
“Yeah,” she nods, then looks over at me. “Are you going to hang out a bit longer?”
“Yeah,” I reply with a chuckle. “I’m gonna keep an eye on Jayce and Wilder. Make sure they don’t end up so drunk they go streaking into the ocean… again.”
She gives me a soft smile. “You’re such a good guy, Zan. Good night.”
“Good night.”
I watch the two turn and make their way to the hotel, and I’m suddenly painfully aware of being alone. As happy as I am for my friends who have found love and happiness, there’s a part of me that’s a little bit… well, okay, I’ll admit it. I’m jealous. I want to have that same companionship.
Sighing, I turn back to gaze out over the dancefloor. It’s only the single people left, most likely holding out hope that they don’t have to go to bed alone tonight.
Personally, I’m not on the prowl or anything. I’ve been tired of playing the field for quite awhile now. Truth be told, I’d much rather have what Jensen, Carson, and Owen have - a solid relationship and a good woman who loves me. Instead, I’m out here making sure Wilder and Jayce don’t make total asses of themselves.
