Page 268 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

“That’s cool. I get it.” I drain my drink and check the time.

Ten minutes.

“I’ve called a car, so I’m gonna …”

“Can I walk you out?”

He shakes his head. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I could do with some fresh air,” I say as I push from the bar and walk across the room, Darcy at my side.

As I move closer, Nash looks up.

His expression is completely blank. I have no idea if he knows I bought him a drink, and if he does, whether he’s happy or pissed off about it.

I quickly avert my eyes and focus on where I’m going.

In only a few minutes, the cool outside air rushes over my cheeks. There’s already a car loitering at the curb.

“Uh…thanks for…” Darcy looks over my shoulder. “Shit. I’m sorry. We were having a good time and⁠—”

“It’s fine. Don’t worry.”

“Maybe we can organize something for the next time you’re in town?”

“Yeah, of course.”

Before I know what’s happening, Darcy wraps his hand around the back of my neck and slams his lips against mine.

It’s the fastest kiss of my life. No sooner has it started than it’s over, leaving me wanting more.

“Sorry, it’s a few minutes early. Better than nothing, though, right?”

It would be rude as hell to say no after he’s just given me a kiss, so I reluctantly nod and watch as he climbs into the back of the car and disappears.

With a heavy sigh, I turn around and walk back into the hotel that’s hosting tonight’s party.

There are only a couple of minutes to go, and anticipation fills the air. I just wish I could feel it. Everything in my world right now feels gray. Even dancing with Darcy didn’t really brighten it all that much. Not in the way I’d hoped.

I’m halfway toward the doors that will lead me back to where everyone is getting ready for the big countdown when someone emerges.

My footsteps slow as a large frame moves toward me.

My gaze drops all the way to his feet, before making my way back up, appreciating how his pants hug his thick thighs, nip him in at the waist, and then his shirt enhances his wide chest and muscular upper arms. And then you get to the brooding face with his square jaw, slightly crooked nose, and piercing green eyes. It’s one pretty picture that I will more than happily lock away as spank bank material for later.

I fight to suck in my next breath, because while I’m openly checking him out, his eyes are locked on mine. The deep forest green draws me into his orbit.

He moves closer until the woodsy scent of his cologne floods my senses.

My heart beats wildly in my chest as I wait for what he’s going to do next.

“You ordered me a drink,” he states. It’s not a question.

“You looked like you needed it.”

“Is that the only reason?” he taunts, although there isn’t an ounce of amusement in his expression. It’s just as hard and as closed as ever.

“Ten,” someone shouts from the room behind us.