Gametime: A Moo U Hockey Romance by Jami Davenport (classic novels to read .txt) 📕

For a split second, her face fell, then she gave me a thousand-watt smile. “One twin is as good as the other.”

“Yeah, we’re interchangeable.”

My sarcasm flew right over her heard. She beamed even wider, leaning closer and running her long red nails down my chest. “I wouldn’t mind having a go with both of you at once if you’re into such a thing.”

“Sorry, no thanks.” I firmly set her aside and skirted past, slipping through the partially open front door. Annoyance crept through my veins at her, at my brother, at Naomi. Especially at Naomi. As unfair as my feelings might be.

Once inside, I threaded my way through the dense crowd to a table of shots and threw back a couple. Then I grabbed a beer. The alcohol warmed the pit of my stomach and gave me a nice instant buzz, taking the edge off my bad mood. I inhaled deeply, closed my eyes, and exhaled, then tried few relaxation exercises Coach had taught me along with uttering some affirmations.

I will have a good time.

I will have a good time.

I will have a good time.

I leaned against the wall and observed the crowd. Captain Jack and the wench were dancing a slow dance. Patrick’s hand crept to her ass, and Naomi pulled it back to her waist. Her expression was as annoyed as mine. I perked up. Things weren’t going so well for my brother. She was fending off his advances instead of welcoming them.

They stopped dancing, and Naomi stepped away from him, evading his attempt to put an arm around her. Patrick scowled, and they engaged in a brief conversation. After which, my brother shrugged and walked away. I smirked, enjoying this side show.

“Your smugness is showing,” Lex said as he stopped beside me.

“You think?”

“Oh, fuck yeah. She rejected him, and you enjoyed it.”

“I did. Every fucking moment,” I admitted.

“Your sibling rivalry is showing.”

“Yeah, it is.” I stared at his costume. “What are you supposed to be?”

“Coach Keller.”

“Oh, good one. You do resemble him somewhat.”

Lex blew on the whistle around his neck, drawing scowls from those nearby.

Once the ringing in my ears stopped, I shook my head and laughed, more relaxed than when I’d walked in the door. Of course, seeing my brother exit the dance floor while wondering what the fuck just happened helped immensely.

“Who are you supposed to be?” Lex asked.

I thought for a moment before answering. “I’m Patrick. What do you think?”

“Funny. Really funny. You didn’t wear a costume?”

“I’m not into dressing up for Halloween. Never did as a kid.”

“Patrick seems to go all out.”

“That’s because Naomi’s dad sent them those costumes. Besides, being the center of attention is Patrick’s jam, not mine.”

“Naomi’s dad? Does he know what that costume looks like on his daughter?”

“I doubt he paid attention. Probably had his girlfriend buy them.”

“Yeah, I can’t see him picking out costumes and shipping them. It’d be beneath him.”

“Hey, Pax.” Michael, our alternate captain, squinted at me, as if trying to figure out what my costume was. I let him fret.

Jonah and Maggie joined the group, along with Kaitlyn.

“Pax, who are you dressed as, your brother?” Kaitlyn joked.

“Wow, good guess,” I said.

“You should have a couple Barbie dolls stuck to your sides then.” Tate snorted and fist-bumped with my teammates.

“Good idea,” I said dryly, but actually, it was a good idea. Funny as hell.

Speaking of the devil.

I frowned as my brother staggered toward us. He hadn’t wasted any time after being snubbed by Naomi. A woman on each arm held him up. The guys parted to make room as he pushed his way into our circle.

Patrick gestured toward me with a beer bottle. Sensing a confrontation, I stiffened. Beside me, Lex cast a quick glance between the two of us and stood up straighter, making it clear he supported me over our team captain. The other guys in the group observed us warily.

“You played like shit last night. Good thing I was on fire.” My pirate brother was wasted drunk. Usually, he was a happy drunk, but he’d been doing shots. Sometimes hard liquor made him intolerable to be around. Unfortunately, he chose to focus his foul mood on me tonight.

“Fuck you.” I wasn’t dealing with his bullshit. I glanced around, grateful to see that only a few people outside of my group paid attention. Hopefully, they’d chalk it up to a brotherly spat and ignore us.

“Let me give you some tips, little bro, to help your game along.”

“I don’t need your tips.” I hated it when he called me little bro, and he knew it. I was younger by five minutes. Leave it to Patrick to beat me to the birth canal.

He threw back his head and laughed. Naomi squeezed her way into the group, alarm on her face. Her alarmed gaze slid from me to Patrick and back.

My brother leaned forward, swaying to and fro. He shook his finger a few inches from my face. “Tip one—pass the fucking puck to me. Quit trying to hog the limelight, because you’re failing epically.”

I wanted to clock him. “Fuck you. You aren’t the only guy capable of scoring a goal.”

“Could’ve fooled me.” Patrick snorted and beer actually came out his nose. He wiped his face on his sleeve.

“Hey, Trick.” Tate wedged himself between Patrick and me. “We need you in the kitchen for something.” A drunk Patrick was easily distracted.

“What?” He blinked a few times as if to get his bearings.

“Come on, come with me.” Tate motioned for him to follow.

Patrick half sauntered, half staggered away with the two blondes hurrying after him. He glanced over his shoulder for a parting shot. “I’m not done with you yet, bro. We have shit to discuss.”

“Whatever.” I turned my back on the now gathering crowd and slipped outside, needing some air and not wanting any further conversation with any of them. Lex dogged my heels, probably worried about me. Lex was a good guy, and I was grateful to have a friend like