Greyson rolled his eyes. “It’s not about being unavailable. It’s about standards. I want someone who keeps me guessing. Luke wants someone who doesn’t name their succulents.”
“She had a whole windowsill garden,” Luke muttered. “One was named after me. Creepy.”
I leaned in, grin stretching wide. “So what’s the bet now? Who finds a real one first?”
Greyson met my gaze. “Real is subjective. I’m just looking for the girl who ruins me in the best way.”
Luke’s expression shifted, just for a second. Something almost wistful passed through his eyes before he masked it again with that signature cocky tilt of his mouth. “I’m looking for one who doesn’t need saving. But makes me want to try, anyway.”
Kennedy blinked. “Okay, that’s… oddly poetic.”
Greyson chuckled. “We’ve got depth. Somewhere under the sarcasm and abs.”
“Emphasis on somewhere,” Rhys muttered.
Kennedy laughed, and I kissed her temple. But part of me kept watching them—my brothers—knowing full well that when their stories hit, they’d hit hard.
Love wasn’t some slow burn for our team. It came in like a fucking storm.
And they had no idea what was coming.
I took a sip of champagne, the fizz still clinging to Kennedy’s lips in my memory, when Axel let out a low whistle and leaned forward.
“Speaking of grudges,” he said, voice dripping with mischief, “is it true we’ve got Gary’s team next week?”
A ripple of anticipation went around the table.
“Oh, it’s true,” Wyatt said, cracking his knuckles. “Coach confirmed it after the game. First time we face them since the… well, you know.”
Everyone glanced at Kennedy instinctively.
She raised her glass, completely unfazed. “Since the scandal?” she offered sweetly. “Go ahead. I’m not fragile.”
Axel looked impressed. “She’s a keeper.”
I couldn’t stop the grin spreading across my face. “Yeah, I know.”
Dominic leaned forward, his usual hard stare tinged with something bordering on entertained. “You know he’s going to be gunning for you.”
“Good,” I said. No hesitation. No blink. Just truth. “I want him to be mad. I hope he’s mad.”
Everett arched a brow. “He’s going to lose it if you score on him. Especially if she’s in the stands.”
“She will be,” I said. “On the glass.”
Greyson let out a low laugh. “Oh, man. Gary’s going to combust.”
Rhys finally spoke, voice dry and unbothered. “We should keep a medic on standby. For him, not us.”
“You gonna score first period?” Luke asked, already picturing the chaos.
I leaned back in the booth, arm slung behind Kennedy as she nestled into my side. “No,” I said. “I’m going to wait.”
Axel blinked. “Wait?”
“Yeah,” I said, gaze locked on no one and everyone. “I want him to feel it coming. Build the suspense. Let him think he might walk away clean. And then?” I tapped my glass against the table with a sharp clink. “I bury the puck and point to the box where she’s sitting.”
The guys lost it—cheers, groans, laughter overlapping.
