Rival Darling: A Charming YA Wholesome Romance Featuring Rival Hockey Players, Fake Dating, and Unexpected Love (The Darling Devils Book 1)

by Alexandra Moody

“But you have a good night, Sunshine. I hope I proved to you not all hockey players are pigs.”

“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?”

“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. “Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

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

“There was that time you fell off a treadmill?” “And you just stood there and laughed. Truly a terrible friend.”

Lollll

“It is pretty impressive that he can bench press over four hundred pounds,” Owen added with a sarcastic smirk. “Bullshit,” Matt laughed. “That one definitely isn’t true. Reed can barely lift his own arm.”

Ahahahaha

“See?” Paige continued, turning her phone around to show us. She’d taken a picture of us smiling at one another, and, I had to admit, we looked surprisingly like a couple. Reed’s eyes were soft as he gazed at me, and my own almost sparkled. Was that really how I looked when I stared at Reed? “I’m sorry about Paige,” Reed said. “She’s worse than the paparazzi.” “Hey,” Paige complained. “Someone had to capture the moment . . .” “Well, I’m very unimpressed,” Reed said before lowering his voice and grinning. “Send it to me.”

She rolled her eyes. “Well, I especially liked the grand finale.” “Oh yeah?” “Mm, I was very impressed how you slid onto your knees before blowing me a kiss.”

“You know, I heard a very interesting rumor about you today,” she said, pulling back to look at me. “Really? I didn’t realize there were any left.” “Oh, I’m sure there are plenty more that remain unanswered.” She laughed. “But this one I’m extremely curious about.” “Okay . . .” I probably should have been worried, but she was still smiling up at me. It was hard to believe she might be about to ask me something uncomfortable when she looked at me that way. “Well, I heard a rumor you might like me.” “Interesting.” I grinned before pulling her close to me and, in one swift move, dipping her low to the ground. I was sure we were attracting far too much attention from the students dancing around us. But right now, I felt too light to care. I leaned in close and whispered in her ear, “That one, I’m afraid, is true.”