Page 21 of Shots Fired

Darcy’s party is exactly how I expected—full of pastels, free-flowing prosecco, and enough snacks to feed a small town.

“Hey,” I say to Kendra as she offers to take my jacket and hang it with the others.

Her side-eye isn’t entirely welcoming. “Hey, yourself.”

“Everything okay?” I ask, stretching my hands above my head. The lat pulldowns Coach set this morning have me aching like a bitch.

“Yeah, I’m good,” she answers quickly, tipping her chin behind her. “The guys are back there and already hoovering up the food. I thought soccer players ate a lot, but we have nothing on hockey players.”

My stomach growls at the promise of food.

“Is the birthday girl here yet?” I ask, knowing she is. I spotted Darcy the second I walked through the door.

“Don’t kid a kidder.” Kendra raises a brow at me.

I huff out a soft laugh and make for Sawyer and Jack standing in the living area when Kendra’s palm wraps around my upper arm.

“Don’t fuck around with her, Archer. She just had her heart broken and doesn’t need another asshole.”

Kendra isn’t petite; her height suits her position as center back perfectly. Still, my tall frame towers over her. I know she’s only looking out for her friend; I’d be the same with Jack or Sawyer. However, her assumption still cuts me.

“I’m not planning on fucking her about,” I confirm, voice a touch sharp.

She murmurs something to herself before looking up at me, a question in her brown eyes. “Earlier today, Jack told me you’re seeing a girl from Dallas. Is that true? Because a couple of weeks ago, you were drooling over Darcy.”

This fucking lie gets deeper and deeper, but I can’t deny it now. “Yeah, it is.” I push a hand through my hair. “But like I told him, it’s not serious.”

My eyes find Darcy’s back as she heads over to the snack table, refilling a bowl of Bugles—something she once told me she’d become addicted to since moving stateside.

Her short pink skirt bounces light from the glitter ball Jack and Kendra must’ve had temporarily installed, and the tight, off-shoulder black top she’s wearing accentuates her perfect, shapely figure. My mouth waters at the thought of how soft she’d feel in my hands. Even though I can’t see her face, she looks beautiful.

Kendra releases my arm, and I throw her a quick smile, making my way to Sawyer, who waves a hand in my direction. In his other hand, he holds out a cold beer to me, and I happily take it from him and pop the cap, trying to work out at what point would be a good time to tell everyone that Abbie is, in fact, my made-up girlfriend.

“First friendly game next week. How are we all feeling about it?” Sawyer looks between me and Jack.

Ever the confident center, Jack shrugs casually. “The Flames had a tough season and are carrying a few injuries going into this one. I’m confident we can take them now and again in the regular season.”

Sawyer chuckles, beer raised to his lips. He pauses before taking a sip. “I think I’ve got a couple more seasons in me, and then I’ll be looking to call it a day. I’m aching like a bitch from this morning, and recovery isn’t getting any easier.”

“You say that,” I say, still tracking Darcy’s every movement despite standing right in front of her brother.Jesus, I’ve got some gall. “But I’m, what, eight years younger than you and feel like I’ve had a head-on collision with a bus?”

“What’s this about buses?” Darcy slots in between her brother and Sawyer, eyes flicking to mine for a split second.

She looks fucking breathtaking, her hair styled in waves that reach the small of her back. As she sets her eyes on me, her cheeks flush, and I can’t help but recall the last time we spoke and I told her she deserved a man who could give her what she wanted.

“Nothing, Darce. Archer here was moaning about how old he feels, whereas Sawyer was pointing out how ancient he actually is and that he’s considering his retirement options,” Jack jokes, pulling a grumble from his captain.

She snorts softly, taking a sip of prosecco. She’s wearing a white gold bracelet I don’t recognize, and immediately, I’m hit with another wave of Darcy-induced jealousy.

Is that a birthday gift, and if so, who from? I wonder if she used the Saint Laurent bag I got her tonight. It was a bold—and probably incredibly stupid—idea to buy and send it to her office. But, hey, I know where she works, and I know she likes tote bags. I’d buy her a thousand more if she were mine.

“Well, I guess you have a wedding to plan and family life to prioritize now. Gotta hang those skates up at some point.” Darcy nods at Sawyer and winks.

He grins, immediately finding Collins on the other side of the room, talking with Kendra and Jenna.

“I’m married, and I don’t feel a day older for it,” Jack pipes up. “In fact, I …”

Darcy raises a hand. “If this is going to be one of your inappropriate sex jokes to make me cringe, just know you’ve already succeeded. We get it—you’re in love and got the girl.”