Page 17 of The Draft

“Because we don’t know Dash, and even though he and Devin are both built like trains, I’d rather not jump in front of one for no apparent reason.”

I laughed sarcastically. “Dash wouldn’t hurt a fly. That’s why they made him a goaltender in high school. He got into the least amount of fights. Hell, he’s slow as a snail, too. That’s why his nickname is Dash. It’s ironic.”

“Neither of those things would stop him from bashing my head in with a hockey stick over you, though.”

“Pu-lease.” I waved him off. “All I want to know is what he was thinking after hauling me out of The Draft in front of everyone.”

“And why do you think we’d know the answer to that? We barely know him.”

“But you’re athletes. He’s an athlete, too. Aren’t you all wired the same?”

“Not exactly. You’d be surprised to learn that we’re all different.”

“You sure about that? Because, Dev, I can call you Dev, right? You seem to be all up in your feelings the same way Dash is.” I looked him up and down. His body was wide like a brick house, but I believed I could break through his hard exterior if I was given enough time. Devin didn’t answer me, but he did grumble in annoyance. At least I was getting somewhere.

With flat lips, he stared at me like he hoped the glare alone would make me wither into nothing and die. Okay, so I wasn’t going to get an answer out of him. I turned back to Adam, who seemed to be the people-pleaser of the football team and gave him a smile.

“I think your answer lies in the fact that you’re Cade’s sister,” Adam answered, as if that should explain everything.

“I’m more than that, though.”

“I’m sure you are. But that’s the answer you’re looking for. You’re his teammate’s sister, and you’d have to be stupid to think that your brother would be okay with you dating Dash.”

“Why? I don’t get it. Dash is Cade’s best friend. He’s kind and serious and knows where he wants to go in life. Wouldn’t he want me to end up with someone like that?”

“Wait. They’re best friends, too?” Devin’s brows rose, and when I nodded, he whistled. “That’s not good.”

Adam butted in. “As someone with a sister, I can tell you, as much as I love Devin like a brother, I would want to rip his heart out if he ever attempted to date Molly.” Adam rolled his head and looked at Devin, seemingly waiting for confirmation.

“Ditto.” A short and sweet response from Devin. Just what I expected from that brooding hunk of man meat.

“Are you telling me he views me like a sister?”

Their non-response was enough.Sister?I cringed because the word hit like a heavy stone in my stomach, making me want to vomit. Was that why he recoiled from my touch? Was he imagining Cade when I kissed him?

“What happened after Dash dragged you out of the bar?” Devin asked curiously.

I pursed my lips, wincing at the memory. Did I want to admit it to them? I guessed I had no choice at this point. I was the one who had brought them into this in the first place. Swallowing, I said, “I kissed him.”

Devin took in a sharp breath just as Adam let out a surprised, “Oh.”

“But he didn’t kiss me back.” Both guys grimaced, and Adam whistled. “I know it’s bad. I didn’t want to do it, but I couldn’t stop myself.” I raised my hands, flailing them around to explain. “His lips were just there, looking all perfect and kissable, and I’d been thinking about kissing him for the longest time. So, I just did it.”

“Yup, he’s going to get a black eye,” Devin said.

“Black eye?” I looked to Adam for confirmation, and he nodded.That’s it?“Well, that’s not so bad.”

Black eyes were a normal thing in hockey, and Cade had at least one a week, but as I looked over at the two footballers’ perfect faces, I guessed they were more sensitive souls. Probably explained why they had shorter seasons. They couldn’t handle the pressure like hockey players.

“So, you think I should talk to Cade? Because technically, I was the one that jumped Dash. I don’t want him getting a black eye for my mistake.”

“Have you talked to Cade since you kissed his best friend?” Adam asked.

“Nope.”

“What about Dash? You talk to him?”

I was squirming in my shoes now, feeling somewhat guilty. “No.” Another wince from the two of them, and I threw my arms in the air in aggravation. “What am I supposed to do? Talk to him about the kiss he didn’t want? He didn’t respond to my text, and he only ever hangs out at the hockey dorm or the rink with my brother. It’s not like there are many chances to get him alone.”