“I’m not helping you pick up guys,” Jamie said, frowning.
“Why not?” Liam paused by their grouping at that moment.
“Because…” Jamie floundered. “Because…”
“Because it’s slutty?” Mila challenged him. “It’s okay for men to do it, but not women?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Prove me wrong, then.”
“This is stupid,” he muttered.
“What do you think, Danny?” Liam asked.
Arden watched the eye contact between Danny and Liam. Danny appeared relaxed, dressed in faded jeans and fitted shirt, one ankle resting on the opposite knee. Liam on the other hand was tense and twitchy, his expression grim.
“Well, since you asked me,” Danny drawled, “I think everyone needs to recognize that female sexuality exists, and women do get pleasure from sex.”
“Yes!” Mila pumped a fist in the air. “Thank you, Danny.”
“I also think we need to create a different definition of masculinity.” He met Liam’s eyes and held his gaze. Arden was pretty sure she saw sparks. “Masculine traits are typically defined by violence and brute strength. Masculinity should include being caring and nurturing as well as courageous and strong.”
“That’s not what we were talking about,” Liam muttered. “I have to get back to work.” He disappeared.
Danny sipped his drink, wearing an amused smile.
Arden glanced at Tyler and they exchanged a look of what the hell was that?
“I’m glad you said that, Danny,” Mila announced. “See, Jamie? Women can have hookups too.”
“Fine.” Jamie lifted his chin. “You’re on.”
“Great! Let’s go out Thursday night.”
“Fine.”
“Fine.”
“I better get back to work.” Arden leaned down and kissed Tyler’s cheek. “I’ll see you at home.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “We’ll celebrate your promotion.”
He made a rough noise in his throat. “Can’t wait.” He turned his face so their mouths met in a brief kiss. “Meanwhile, don’t flirt with the customers.”
She stood, grinning. “That’s how I make my tips.”
He shook his head, smiling, knowing she was teasing him. “Maybe I’ll just sit here the rest of the evening and wait for you.”
She shrugged. “That’s fine.”
He couldn’t be there every night, but it didn’t bother her anymore when he came to walk her home. She thought it was sweet. She knew she could look after herself, but having someone who cared enough to do that was lovely. She did things for Tyler too, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t look after himself. It just meant they cared about each other.
She was “just” a waitress at Shenanigans, but she loved her job, and she loved Liam and Sorcha. She had some new clients in her catering business, and she hoped she could grow the business. Maybe she didn’t know exactly where her life was going, but that was okay. Goals were good. Working toward her goals was good. But even if she wasn’t sure what her goals were, love didn’t have to interfere with figuring that out. Love was part of the journey. And she and Tyler were on the journey together.
Other Books by Kelly Jamieson
Heller Brothers Hockey
Faceoff
One Man Advantage
Hat Trick
Offside
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Power Series
Power Struggle
Taming Tara
Power Shift
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Rule of Three Series
Rule of Three
Rhythm of Three
Reward of Three
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San Amaro Singles
With Strings Attached
How to Love
Slammed
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Windy City Kink
Sweet Obsession
All Messed Up
Playing Dirty
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Brew Crew
Limited Time Offer
No Obligation Required
Aces Hockey
Major Misconduct
Off Limits
Icing
Top Shelf
Back Check
Slap Shot
Playing Hurt
Big Stick
Game On
* * *
Last Shot
Body Shot
Hot Shot
Long Shot
* * *
Bayard Hockey
Shut Out
Cross Check
* * *
Wynn Hockey
Play to Win
In It To Win It
Win Big
For the Win
* * *
Stand Alone
Three of Hearts
Dancing in the Rain
Love Me
Love Me More
Friends with Benefits
2 Hot 2 Handle
Lost and Found
One Wicked Night
Sweet Deal
Hot Ride
Crazy Ever After
All I Want for Christmas
Sexpresso Night
Irish Sex Fairy
Conference Call
Rigger
You Really Got Me
How Sweet It Is
Screwed
Firecracker
About the Author
Kelly Jamieson is a best-selling author of over fifty romance novels and novellas. Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex”, “sweet and satisfying” and “blisteringly sexy.” She likes coffee (black), wine (mostly white), shoes (high heels) and hockey!
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Sign up for updates about her new books and what’s coming up, follow her on Twitter @KellyJamieson or on Facebook, visit her website at www.kellyjamieson.com or contact her at info@kellyjamieson.com