Page 15 of Shots Fired

“You know, it’s possible she puts a lot of the work your way because she has faith in you and sees your potential in the industry. She was the one who hired you and gave you the chance, no?”

I guess it’s hard to argue with Jenna’s logic—Janine did interview and offer me the position atGlide. “Yep, you’re right; she did.”

I turn to the bar and lift a hand toward the barman. The next round for my girls is on me. His attention obtained, I focus back on Jenna.

“But I can’t see myself staying in fashion editing. Not that there’s anything wrong with it. But I do have other plans.”

They all look between them.

“Like what?” Collins asks, bringing a mojito to her mouth and pausing. “With a brain like yours, I expect you to say rocket science.”

I snort a laugh and ask the barman for a repeat of the last order. “No, I like maths to be more of a hobby. I have aspirations for my own business one day. Ideally, I’d love to offer independent authors services, specifically in developmental editing.” I smile brightly. “You know how much I love to read, and my brain can’t help but dream up stories and plotlines. I think that’s my happy place, and ultimately, it’s why I chose English over maths at university.”

“It is the superior subject, hence why I avoided sports,” Kendra agrees, a small sigh leaving her lips. “There’s just something about getting lost in the pages of literature. I say go for it. Follow your dreams, Darce.”

“That’s how I feel about bikes. I go to another part of my brain when I’m around them, riding, fixing, even detailing,” Collins adds. “I couldn’t imagine doing a job I hated. I feel really lucky to have found my passion.”

The drinks are placed on the bar next to us, and I begin handing them around.

“Speaking of getting lucky …” I nod my head at Jenna and then at a group of twenty-something guys, all professionals and dressed in suits. “As the only other singleton in our group, what’s your opinion on the hotties at two o’clock?”

Kendra tips her head over her shoulder.

“Don’t fucking look!” I swat her on the arm. “We need to play it nice and cool.”

I can’t be sure if the particularly handsome guy in the group spotted Kendra looking or heard my outburst, but when he glances over and smiles at me, I instinctively offer one in return.

“Oh, you are so in there.” Jenna dips her head at me, flicking her eyes to Mr. Handsome.

“You think?” I ask, likely a little too enthusiastically.

“I know so.” She nods. “I have a thing for boys with glasses and tattoos, so I’ll take him.” She subtly motions to a different guy perched at the end of the table.

Collins clears her throat, quirking a brow at Jenna. “Are you telling me you’re into my fiancé?”

A couple seconds pass before we all fall about laughing.

“Ooh, looks like Mr. Handsome is making his way over here,” Jenna croons, waggling her brows at me. “Someone’s getting dicked down tonighhhh …”

She trails off, and I track her gaze as it leads away from the dark-haired hottie and toward the entrance.

Archer.

“W-what is he doing here?” I ask, stuttering my words.

Through the sea of people crammed into this bar, his eyes lock on mine the moment the door closes behind him.

He looks dreamy—so good that I forget about the gorgeous man now only a few feet away in favor of the mildly insane Blades goalie. He’s dressed in an open-necked white shirt that reveals a platinum chain he always wears, and his dark hair is styled away from his face. And when his upper lip quirks, I’m confident his cocky smile is the reason so many women’s panties melt right off.

Kendra closes her eyes, clearing her throat. She looks like she’s about to say something when the mystery guy slides up alongside me, raising a welcoming hand at everyone.

“Hey, I’m Harry.” He turns to me, confidence flowing from him. “Can I get you a drink …” He waits for me to confirm my name.

“Jessica.” A deep voice gets there before I can.

Wait.Jessica?

All heads—including mine—dart to Archer as he hovers behind Collins and Kendra.