The Sweet Talker (Boston Hawks Hockey #1) - Gina Azzi Page 0,79
impossible not to notice her. She’s gorgeous. Perfect. Every man’s fantasy come to life but so much more than that. She’s funny and witty. Playful and engaging. And…here.
I narrow my eyes. Why the hell is she here? How many people do I have to disappoint today by being the asshole who got tossed in rehab for a second time, practically ruining my NHL career?
Claire drops her eyes to the ground and I look away.
“You look good, East.” My brother clasps his hand on my shoulder before pulling me into a man hug. “Happy you’re home.”
“Thanks, Noah.” I smack my brother’s back before turning to his girl who I haven’t seen in ages. I mean, I saw her a handful of months ago but I haven’t really spoken to her in years. “Hey Indy.”
She smiles softly, wrapping her arms around my waist. “Good to see you, Easton.”
I wrap my arm around her and don’t miss the way my brother’s eyes widen, filled with happiness at seeing me get along with his girl. His pregnant girl who I know he wants to make his wifey. Damn, seeing Noah be so open with his emotions hits me with a pang. He’s healing, moving on from our parents’ bullshit, while I’m here, still struggling like always.
Indy slips away and begins to shrug into her coat, my brother quick to help her.
Austin shakes my hand and bangs his fist against my shoulder, grinning at me. “Team’s missed you.”
I nod and chuckle, the feeling in my chest giving way to a blaze of panic.
The team? Do they even want me back after how everything went down? Aren’t they going to keep the new guy Sims playing in my position? At least Sims is reliable, dependable; he fucking shows up.
“No pressure but we’d love to have you back at practice whenever you’re ready.”
I nod, clearing my throat. “Hell yeah, man. Can’t wait to get back on the ice.” It’s the truth; I really can’t wait to get back on the ice. But it’s not the full truth. Because then I’d have to admit that I’m petrified to get back on the ice in front of thousands of people and listen to all their jeers and taunts and fuck, my stomach feels slick, I don’t know if I’m ready for that.
I turn my attention to Claire. She offers me a small wave and an unsteady smile. It pisses me off the second I see it because there’s nothing unsure about Claire. The girl straight up oozes confidence, calls people out on their bullshit, and never seems off balance, or hesitant, the way she is right now. “What are you doing here?” I ask.
She stiffens at my tone and I hear the inhale she sucks in. Her eyes narrow and a thrill shoots through me. There she is. “Came to see you.”
“Why?” I shoulder my bag again.
She crosses her arms, staring at me. “Because I’m not a dick.” She pushes past me and I snicker, keeping my back to her.
If only Claire knew how much she gets under my skin. If she had any idea how much I feel for her, how much I crave her, she wouldn’t understand why I’ve spent years of my life keeping her at arm’s length.
It’s for the best.
Claire is my best friend’s little sister.
She’s larger than life, outgoing, and authentic.
The last thing she needs is an alcoholic who keeps falling off the wagon.
After all, it’s only a matter of time ‘til I’m back here. With so many people on my list to let down and disappoint, I’m not in the mood to add another.
Definitely not Claire Merrick.
Want more Easton and Claire? Find out what happens when Claire becomes Easton’s new roommate and blurs all the lines in The Risk Taker, releasing March 1! Preorder Now!
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Hi there!
Thank you so much for reading The Sweet Talker! I hope you loved Noah and Indy’s story. I’d love to know your thoughts so please consider leaving a review. If you adored Noah, you won’t want to miss Easton’s story. The Risk Taker is now available for preorder.
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Keep turning the pages to check out my other books and read a snippet of Broken Lies, an angsty Hollywood Romance.