Romancing the Grump (Appies, #4)

by Jenny Proctor

Parker told me about Nathan wanting to show Dominik how to be an Appie, but I’m curious to hear more from the guys themselves. “What are they?” I ask. “Can you tell me?” Alec nods at Van, like he’s giving him permission to elaborate. “Clearly, the ones pertaining to dating are the most relevant for me,” Van says, motioning up and down his body like his person is more than enough evidence as to why, “since I’m so much better at it than the rest of the team.” Alec rolls his eyes, but honestly, I can’t help but smile. I’m not sure how Van manages to be both full of himself and utterly and completely charming at the same time, but he’s adorable, and he’s totally pulling it off. “Just tell her the rules, man,” Nathan grumbles from beside me. “Number one. We always respect women,” Van says. “All women. Whether we’re dating them or not. Being Appies means we’re role models, not just athletes. We take that seriously.” All the guys at the table nod along as Van speaks, and my heart swells the tiniest bit. “For me,” Van continues, “that means I’m always up-front about what I’m looking for, and I don’t date multiple women at once.” “Okay. I like these rules. What else?” I ask. “Your teammates are your brothers,” Alec says. “Even the ones you don’t like.” Tucker coughs into his hand, the cough sounding an awful lot like the name Dominik, and his teammates laugh. “No fights off the ice,” Nathan says. “And no unnecessary fights on the ice,” Alec adds in his captain voice, leveling Natha...