While my eyes are locked on her ass, she twists around.
My eyes jump, and the second I find a knowing look on her face, I bark out a laugh and hold my hands up in innocence.
She laughs at me before focusing back on where she’s going.
The urge to follow her, to invite myself into her apartment and spend the rest of the night with her burns through me. We wouldn’t even need to have sex. I think I’d be happy just to put a movie on and hang out on the couch with her.
Fuck. What has happened to me?
I drag my fingers through my hair, tugging until it stings.
She’s almost at the entrance when my cell starts buzzing in my pocket. I ignore it, wanting to see her safely inside before turning my attention to anyone else.
It rings off, but then instantly starts again.
With a groan, I stuff my hand into my pocket.
The second I see Parker’s face lighting up the screen, I hesitate. I haven’t spoken to her properly in a few days. She’s been too busy enjoying her vacation with Linc.
I glance up, and as I do, I catch Bea waving at me.
Lifting my free hand, I wave back before swiping the screen and putting my cell to my ear.
By the time I look up again, she’s gone, and I don’t realize I greet my sister with a disappointed sigh.
“Well, it’s nice to hear from you, too,” Parker teases.
“Sorry. I was distracted.”
“Tell me you’re not balls deep in a bunny.”
“Trust me, I’m not even close.”
“Good. So, how are things?” she asks. There’s birdsong and crashing waves down the line, and jealousy washes through me. I could really do with a little bit of that right now.
“Yeah, you know. Standard.”
“So I saw the other night.”
I groan as I walk back around the driver’s side of my truck. “I was just having a night out with the guys. Why is everyone making such a big deal out of it?”
“You looked pretty wasted,” my sister points out.
“Yeah, well. I don’t remember.”
“And there lies your problem. I know the end of the season didn’t go the way we all wanted, but it wasn’t meant to be. You guys made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. That’s epic, bro. And next year, you’re going to do it again, and you’ll claim it.”
My stomach twists up in knots, and my chest grows tighter and tighter at the mention of that night.
If it weren’t for me, they’d have won. I know they would.
I slump low in my seat and tip my head back.
“Yeah,” I agree, although it sounds anything but confident.
“It wasn’t your fault, Rett. The loss isn’t solely on your shoulders.”
“I know,” I lie.
