Rival Darling (The Darling Devils, #1)

by Alexandra Moody

puck bunnies

I even asked ChatGPT what to do, but the AI app simply answered by explaining there were

“You know, if I was your boyfriend, I’d answer your calls and I’d drive you to parties.”

This man is brave

It was hard not to feel disappointed. Even more so when he leaned in close and whispered in my ear, “But you have a good night, Sunshine. I hope I proved to you not all hockey players are pigs.”

DANGGGGGG

“I’m beginning to think you don’t like cars…” I spun to find Reed behind me. He was standing in the middle of the road with one eyebrow lifted and his jacket held out toward me. “Which is really sad because I happen to love cars.”

this man is persistantttt

“So, is there a reason we’re beating up a brand-new 2024 Ford Mustang?” “We?” “I mean, I haven’t done anything yet, but I’ve got a couple of hockey sticks in my truck if you want to do some real damage?”

YES VIOLENCE

“Just kiss her already,” Parker yelled from the car. “And on that note, I need to go pummel my brother,” Reed said with an awkward laugh.

Stop the Darling brothers are my favorite now

“But perhaps an even better revenge would be for you to move on with someone else…” “Perhaps.” Her eyes seemed to glitter in response,

“You’d worry about me? That’s so sweet.”

the QUIPS THIS MAN QUIPS

“Hope she was worth it,” Grayson muttered to me when Coach finally ran out of steam. I gave him a smile. “Totally worth it.”

“I wasn’t going to do anything.” Parkers eyebrows shot up with disbelief. “Dude, you growled at him like a mountain lion about to launch into battle.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m allowed to growl.” “Pretty sure the only time growling is allowed is in one of those dirty books Mom likes to read,” he replied.

NOOOOOOOOO STAWP

She might have sworn off hockey players, but that didn’t seem to matter to me as I watched her through the fire. I only needed her to like one hockey player: me.

Thissssssssssssssss

“Oh, and how exactly is he looking at me?” “Like if you smiled back at him, he’d leap right through those flames, pick you up, and carry you back to his cave like some barbarian.”

AHHHHHHHH

“Surely you’re not that stupid, Hoffman.” Reed said. “She shouldn’t have to spell it out…” I slowly looked up at Reed, and as he caught my gaze, his hard expression softened. “Violet’s my girlfriend.” My body relaxed into his grasp, and I was so overcome with gratitude I felt like I could kiss him. Again. “You don’t do girlfriends.” Jeremy scoffed. “I do now,” Reed replied.

AHAHAHA YASSSSSSSSS YOU TELL THAT SNOB

“It was hardly an attack, and I didn’t hear you complaining.” “Oh, I wasn’t complaining. The kiss was great. Maybe we should do it again.”

“What on earth is that?” “It’s your favorite,” I said as sweetly as I could. “A strawberry Frappuccino with whipped cream, marshmallows, and sprinkles on top.” “You know I have a reputation to uphold…” he murmured, keeping his voice low. “I thought it couldn’t get any worse.” “I guess that’s true.” He

“Well, you don’t scare me, Reed Darling.”

“Good,” he said. “You’re the last person I’d ever want to scare.”

“Violet.” His voice lowered, and a shiver went down my spine as he said my name. “Despite what everyone says, I’m not some player. There’s only one girl I care about, and she’s standing right in front of me…”

SCREAMING

“You can call me whatever you want, Sunshine. As long as you call me yours.”

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH