“Hi.” She gives me a hug before walking inside. In a pair of leggings and an oversized Knights sweatshirt, she’s ready to cheer the guys on.
“Thanks for coming over tonight.”
“It’s been a long week. I need a girls’ night,” she says, toeing out of her shoes. “I wish Stevie could have come.”
“Too bad the game landed on bridge night for their grandmas.”
“Next time.” Harper holds up a bottle of wine. “Want a glass?”
“God, yes.”
I grab one of the waiting glasses next to my cheese board on the coffee table and pour us each a glass.
“How are you doing with everything?”
We drop down onto the sofa as the game against Boston starts.
“I’m worried.”
“About Dax?”
I nod, grabbing a cracker and pepperoni slice and popping it in my mouth. “Yes. I think this whole thing with Duncan is affecting him more than he’s letting on.”
“Have you talked to him about it?”
“I’ve tried, but I don’t think he wants me to worry.”
“Which only makes you worry more,” Harper confirms. “These men sometimes.”
“Dax is usually up-front with how he feels, but I think it’s a sticky situation.”
“Because you were once engaged to said brother.”
“Exactly.”
“I’m assuming you saw the post-game interview with Duncan?” Harper asks.
“Ugh. Could he be hamming it up any more?Having my brother come after me after he stole my fiancée?I can’t believe I ever fell for him.”
“We’ve all been taken by a pretty face,” Harper says. “I know I have.”
“What happened with that?” I ask, sipping my wine.
“Oh, I never got rid of him.” She grins back at me, laughing. “Marcus is more than a pretty face. I’m head over heels for him.”
The horn sounds and our attention turns back to the game. The guys are swarming Marcus as the Knights take an early lead.
“And a talented hockey player too.” I nudge her with my toe.
“Yeah, he’s pretty great.” She’s beaming. “Do you think Duncan is going to leave you two alone?”
“I don’t know. I can’t figure out why he’s doing this. I mean, is this why he got picked up by Detroit? They felt bad for him and he’s playing it up so they keep him on the team?”
“It’s annoying he has the game to back up the talk.” Harper winces. “I hate to say it, but he’s a good player.”
“And no matter how well Dax plays, Duncan is always overshadowing him, and I hate it. He gets a hat trick and they ask about his brother scoring four goals that night.”
“I wanted to smack that reporter,” Harper laments. “Let him have his moment. You only get one first hat trick.”
