Romancing the Grump (Appies, #4)

by Jenny Proctor

It looks like most of the team is already seated, so I move to the second row to sit down. But someone taps me on the shoulder before I can. I spin around to see Summer standing directly in front of me. “Sorry,” she says. “I just wanted to let you know I’m sitting here.” She points at a chair in the front row. A gray folder with the Appies’ blue and black logo stamped on the cover is resting on top of the seat. “Since there aren’t signs or anything, I didn’t want you to inadvertently steal my seat.” Her blue eyes blaze, and her lips lift into a smirk that sends a bolt of heat coursing through me. There’s something about her confidence, about the way she doesn’t cower. I probably shouldn’t be proud of the fact, but most people do cower. My dad taught me when I was young how to throw my weight around on the ice. I’m not the guy starting fights just to piss people off, but if someone plays dirty, I’ll remind them how much they don’t want to mess with me. Off the ice, people tend to treat me the same way, like they’re afraid I’m one wrong word away from punching someone. I’ve never gotten in a fight off the ice, but I don’t mind the reputation. It keeps people at a distance, which is generally where I want them. Summer meets my frown with a confident smile. “I deserved that,” I say. “Glad we’re on the same page,” she says. Malik stands up while Summer moves back to her seat, and I drop into a chair in between Felix and Alec. “Who are we missing?” Malik asks. “Where’s Logan?” “...