Page 43 of Faking the Goal

Too late, Sunshine.

Your cover's blown.

I head toward them, keeping the same bright smile I've been wearing for customers all night, although it gets considerably harder not to laugh when Kentaro's glare shifts from Elijah to me.

There it is.

That fucking face.

I swear this man could win the lottery and still look mildly inconvenienced by the paperwork.

"Well, well, well! If it isn't the two most handsome hockey players from Ridgewater U," I greet them, my voice all sugary and sweet. My gaze lingers on Kentaro, and my smile turns teasing. "Never thought I'd see the day when Kentaro Azuma would grace us with his presence at the Velvet Lounge. Did you lose a bet or something?"

"Something like that," the grump mumbles, shooting Elijah another death glare.

"He claims he comes for the chicken wings," Elijah says, enjoying Kentaro's discomfort far too much.

I laugh. "Our wings are pretty legendary, but usually not enough to drag Mr. Serious away from his books." I lean closer to Kentaro, my red hair slipping over one shoulder. "Unless you're secretly working on a thesis about pole dancing techniques? I can introduce you to some of the girls who could give you excellent research material."

"I just wanted some food and a quiet drink," he manages.

I almost snort.

A quiet drink? Here?

Sure, Sunshine. And I come to work every night for the soothing ambience.

There are probably hundreds of bars between Ridgewater and the Velvet Lounge where he could sit in a corner, eat wings, and brood into a beer without a single pair of naked breasts entering his peripheral vision. Yet somehow he's driven nearly an hour out here three times in less than a week.

"At a strip club?" I laugh, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Sunshine, there are at least twenty places between campus and here that would fit that bill. But I'm glad you came. It's nice to see a familiar face that isn't trying to get my number or asking me to give a private dance."

His expression changes.

It's slight, but I catch it. His jaw tightens, and something darker passes through his eyes before they're back on mine.

Huh.

I don't know what that's about.

"Anyway," I continue, "what can I get you boys? Another round? Some more wings?"

"Another beer would be great," Elijah says, while Kentaro just nods in agreement.

"Coming right up."

I give them a wink and turn toward the bar.

For the next hour, I avoid their table as much as I can. Not that it's difficult. The lounge is busy enough to keep me running between customers, and whenever I pass their booth, I pretend I don't notice Kentaro watching me.

After my break, I come through the staff door and nearly walk straight into him.

He's standing off to the side, leaning against the wall like he's been waiting for me. When he sees me, he pushes off and walks over.

I raise an eyebrow. "What are you doing here? Are you stalking me now, Sunshine?"

"I just..." He clears his throat. "Elijah and I are heading back to the hockey house."

"O...kay."