The Wingman (Vancouver Storm, #3)

by Stephanie Archer

His expression is so serious. “Your birthday.”

A laugh slips out of me. “Oh. That.”

“Yeah. That.” His eyes spark with interest. “Wha...

My birthday isn’t until April, months away. “Nothing. Playoffs start around then; I don’t want to do a big th...

“We might not make p...

I roll my eyes, thinking about his speed and agility on the ice earlier tonight. “With th...

His grin hitches a little higher. “Don’t try to distract me. We need to have a party. It’s the first year since scho...

I make a noncommittal noise. Back in university, my birthday coincided with the end of exams, and we’d have big raging parties and invite everyone we knew. Since we graduated, though,...

It’s what I love about him, that he’s so open-hearted and loving.

Sometimes I wonder, though, if he thinks he doesn’t deserve to be the star, and what it would be like if he pushed his way to the front.

I picture Hayden on the ice, going after what he wants with predatory focus. My mind switches the scenario, and he’s pursuing a woman, his gaze steady on her with that handsome, confident grin of his, caging her in with his body and making her heart beat faster. Making it clear he wants her. A shiver rolls through me, landing between my legs, and I clear my throat.

I haven’t opened them in forever, but maybe I could use them to help Hayden.

“I’ve been reading about being a player.”

He gives me a wry smile, eyes twinkling under the bar lights. “Research? You did research?”

“Of course.” I give him a duh look. “Do you...

He shakes his head, still smiling. “Okay, Andersen, w...

“She’s not my type,” I lie. “I like tall, dark hair, and curvy.” That’s the type of woman I date, but it’s not my type. My type is Darcy Andersen.

Hayden’s the biggest player you’ll ever meet, Kit told her at the party, grinning at me. He said it like it was a good thing, when really, it crushed my chances with the first girl I’d ever really connected with. She shot me a knowing grin. I can see it. He’s too good-looking to be monogamous. So much for thinking I could start fresh.

“I’m not buying it,” he says.

I hate that he’s smarter than he looks and acts, and I really hate that I’m not smart enough to fool him.

“That’s okay,” he says, walking to the showers. “I’ll be here when you’re ready for advice.”

And that’s why you’re going to teach her how to fuck other guys? Miller’s words from after practice send a fresh round of tension through me.

She looks pretty tonight, with her hair loose and a little wavy around her shoulders. She always looks pretty, though, with her small, sloped nose, high cheekbones, and heart-shaped mouth. My eyes drop to her lap. She’s wringing her hands, and protectiveness surges through me. “Hey.” My voice goes soft as I tilt my chin at her hands. “What’s the deal?” She makes an uncertain face, shrugging. “Nervous?”

“A little. I’ve never done this before.”

I resist the instinct to put my ar...

You’re gorgeous.”

Her eyebrows go up and her smile turns teasing. “I’m gorgeous?”

I didn’t mean to say that. I shrug like I say that to women every ...

“I mean,” she makes a face, “not necessarily. You’ve ne...

Because I’ve always kept a tight leash on tho...

She makes her eyes go as wide as possible, unblinking gaze boring into me, irises sparkling with suppressed laughter. “Am I seducing you, Hayden?” she whispers in a creepy voice.

Hayden’s expression shifts, looking weirdly serious. “Hey, Darce? There was something I wanted to ask you⁠—”

“Hi.” I arch an eyebrow at Hayden. “Fairy sprite cupcake?”

Georgia gives him a wry look. “You should hear the things he says about you. When we go for lunch, he’s like, Darcy this, and Darcy that⁠—”

“She’s exaggerating,” Hayden interrupts, and the tips of...

Delight spreads through me, and I bite...

I’m in awe; she’s my new icon.

“Wait.” I take a step toward him, and Alexei pauses, waiting for Hayden. “You wanted to ask me something.”

Hayden’s brows snap together, and he glances between the other two. “I’ll just ask you later, at home. It’s not important.”

“Like Hayden.” Her mouth tips up.

A new pair of shoes is like an omega-3 for your soul.” Her smile turns coy and playful. “I’m a doctor, so I know what I’m talking about.”

She thinks I’m hitting on her. She thinks I’m asking her out for real. “Because you said you were nervous to date new people right now, and you like knowing all the next steps,”

“No.” Her eyes go wide. “I haven’t changed my mind. That’s a really good idea.” She nods to herself. “We should definitely go on a date.”

He’s my best friend, and I’d never say this out loud, but Kit’s so fucking dumb for all the chances he missed with Darcy. Never taking her out on a real date? Unbelievable.

She smiles. “You just want to be the first.”

Hot, possessive feelings rocket through me, and the primal part of my brain likes the idea of being the first anything where Darcy’s concerned.

There’s a long pause between us where her brow wrinkles with adorable confusion, and I wonder if I’ve gone too far.

“Tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day.”

“Pretty,” he says, giving me a quick, tight smile, and I don’t know whether he’s talking about the earrings or me.

Under the table, his knee bounces a fast rhythm. I frown at him. “Are you okay?”