Rival Darling (The Darling Devils, #1)

by Alexandra Moody

And now I know what he’s done to my new bestie, I think maybe we should make a quick stop at his house after we drop Violet off.”

“Besides, it looks better on you than it ever has on me,” he added.

Regardless of what my brothers and I think of Hoffman, he shouldn’t have done that to you. You deserve better. Much better.”

It makes them think you’re about to break up with them.” “I am breaking up with you.”

“It’s not about the phone.” “You sure?” “You think I’d break up with you because you didn’t answer your phone a few times?” “I don’t know. You girls can get a bit irrational sometimes. Is it that time of the month?”

“You’ve got that right,” I agreed. “I’m exactly where I want to be.” The truth was, right now, I just wanted to be wherever she was.

of it even worse than he did. “But perhaps an even better revenge would be for you to move on with someone else . . .” “Perhaps.” Her eyes seemed to glitter in response, and for a second, I wondered if I should volunteer as tribute.

The question had been on my mind ever since Saturday night when Violet had suggested she’d never make the mistake of dating another hockey player again. I was really hoping she just meant Sunshine Prep hockey players.

It was hard not to flinch, and I seriously began to wonder whether my dreams of playing in the NHL were worth it.

“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,”

If you want to make Hoffman pay for what he did to Violet, and everything else, do it at our game against them in a few weeks.”

Yes, I messed up, but you’ll get over it.”

“I must not look nervous at all then,” I replied. “Those beauty queens are masters of composure.” “I never said you were a good beauty queen.” Parker smirked in response.

The way her face lit up as soon as the bonfire was mentioned pretty much left Grayson with no choice. He always did whatever he could to make Paige happy.

If this was what it felt like to kiss a devil, then send me straight to hell.

But then I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist, and I was pulled against the hard planes of Reed’s chest. I went stiff as he held me tightly to him. “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.”

“I guess I’ve finally found the kind of hockey player whose jersey I want to wear.”

I certainly didn’t regret it. When Jeremy had questioned her and insulted her and I saw the panic in her eyes, I would have done just about anything to help her. Pissing off Hoffman was just a bonus.

“No, it’s not going to be okay. Everyone thinks we’re dating.” I scratched the back of my neck. “Yeah, well, I’m sure there are worse things in life, right?” She clearly didn’t agree because her head dropped into her hands. “This is a total disaster.” “I’m trying really hard not to take that personally.”

“Being your friend isn’t reason enough?” “We’ve met three times,” she replied. “We’re acquaintances, at best.” I’d never hated a word so much in my life.

“Long enough to show Jeremy you’ve moved on but not so long you get sick of my face.” She let out an easy laugh. “I’m sure that won’t happen.”

“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.”

this conversation. “Well, you don’t scare me, Reed Darling.” “Good,” he said. “You’re the last person I’d ever want to scare.”

“So, guys, I was promised some embarrassment?” I said to Reed’s friends. Matt’s eyes lit up while Reed started to groan. “One wrong word from either of you, and you’re getting booted from the table,” he warned.

“Did you know Reed used to bring an apple for our kindergarten teacher every day?” “Aww.” I smiled in Reed’s direction. “That’s really sweet.”

“It sounds like you guys have been friends a while,” I said. “Yep, best friends since our first day of school,” Matt replied. “We both had the same Spider-Man lunchboxes, and I simply can’t ignore a sign from fate.” “How cute,” I said. “Not cute. Manly. Totally manly,”

“There were no pining looks!” “There were so pining looks. Reed is totally hot for you.” “He’s not even lukewarm for me.” “He’s a boiling kettle about to start whistling.”

“Says the guy with no standards at all,” Cammie fired at him. “I can’t help it,” Parker replied as he relaxed back into his chair. “I have a lot of love to give.”

“Look, I think we all know I’m the real knight in this family,” Parker added, making everyone groan. “Dude, you’re the one the girls need rescuing from,” Cammie said.

“What’s Violet’s favorite drink?” “You want an iced white chocolate mocha with a dash of cinnamon?” she said, letting out a soft laugh. “Sounds great.” At least this one didn’t sound like it was pink.

Unfortunately for both of us, I wasn’t ever going to get over the fact my first girlfriend had cheated on me with my oldest friend.

“She is free, and she’d be happy to come.” I laughed. “Okay, thanks, Mia.” We barely knew each other, but she was being the best wingwoman ever.

Although, it wasn’t all bad. Not when that cringeworthy pickup line had landed Violet in my arms.

“I know. Just didn’t realize that extended to girl troubles.” “Well, it’s been a while since I’ve had a chance.” “True.” “And I can see how important this one is to you.”

I hesitated. Not because I was terrified of falling on the ice but because I was terrified I was falling for him.

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

“I was hoping we could dance.” “I thought you didn’t like dancing,” she replied. “I like dancing with you.”