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“I can’t believe you just said that,” I tell him before finally biting the sausage in half. His eyes widen as he watches me, his gaze locked on my lips.

“I can’t believe I made you laugh.”

His eyes find mine again, and along with the desire darkening them, I find accomplishment.

“I laugh,” I argue. He lifts a brow. “Sometimes.”

“I hate to break it to you, but last year, you won a poll on X for the grumpiest hockey player of the season.”

“I know. I have the trophy pride of place above my fireplace.”

“Really?”

“No.”

He smiles at me, and something flutters in my chest—something I should probably be fighting, but I don’t have the power to do so.

“So, what do you say?”

He picks up a samosa and bites off one corner.

“I’m free after this.”

“Is that right?” he asks, his eyes darkening even more. I can only hope that to anyone who happens to be glancing this way that it doesn’t look like he’s blatantly eye-fucking me.

“Yup. Free as a bird. What about you? Any wild plans?”

“Well, I did have a date but…I reckon I could get out of it.”

“A date.” I blanch. “N-no, don’t cancel on anyone for me.”

“It was with a shitty reality TV show that I’m a little bit addicted to.”

“Oh, right. Well, I guess you can cancel on that.”

“If you’re really lucky, we could watch it together. It’s a British dating show. You’d love it. The men are hot as hell, and their accents…they’re to die for.”

“I think I prefer LA accents, if I’m being honest.”

His cheeks heat. “Good to know.”

“I’d offer to give you a ride, but I brought Rovvy and his girlfriend with me, and I don’t think they’ll appreciate if I ditch them. Plus⁠—”

“It’s risky,” he finishes for me.

“Yeah. That.” I pull my cell from my pocket and check the time. “Mine at eight?”

“Yeah, that can happen,” he agrees. “I’m gonna need you to send me your address, though.”

“Is that your way of asking for my number?”

“Might be. Is it gonna work?”

I quickly glance around before handing him my cell, the screen already showing a new contact page.

He quickly types his details in before passing it back.

“I’ll send you my address,” I confirm.