Chapter 4

Callie

“I don’t know what I would’ve done if he’d hit you,” Justin huffed.

“I know,” Corey growled. “We would’ve beat the ever-loving shit out of him.”

I linked my arm through Justin’s as we walked into the restaurant. “The good thing is that he didn’t. I’d hate for you boys to get charged with murder. Besides, I can take care of myself. When are you guys going to realize that?”

“Never,” they all said in unison. Don’t get me wrong, it was nice having them so involved in my life, but I was a strong woman, even though I didn’t look like it. Most people underestimated me, thinking I was just a pretty face who cared more about makeup and clothes. I loved those things, but I also enjoyed putting them aside to let my competitive side show. In all seriousness, I was the one who hit Dallas first when I collided with him to get the cheap shot. Psyching him out was the only way I’d get the puck past him.

Hannah nudged me in the side, leaning close to my ear. “I’d give anything to have your three hot brothers sticking up for me.”

I rolled my eyes. “You say that now. I’ve proved time and again that I’m not a delicate flower. The kind of stuff we have to deal with in the ER is proof of that.”

“True,” she agreed, “but what just happened at the rink was intense. I thought Kristen was going to have her baby when she saw Dallas trip you up. She was so pissed.” So was I, but I was a tad afraid as well. I’d never been punched before, and the last thing I wanted was to get hit by one of the most lethal players in the NHL. Dallas was known for being a bad boy with a volatile temper.

The hostess seated us and I smiled when Hannah and Corey sat next to each other. It might not have been the best idea to pick the restaurant most of the hockey players hung out at, but it was known to have some of the best food around.

“The girls at work are going to get a kick when they hear what you did,” Hannah said. “The look on his face was priceless when he realized you were a girl. I should’ve gotten it on video.”

Justin ran a hand through his hair. “I need a beer.”

The waitress came and took our drink and dinner orders. I was hungry for some chicken tenders and their homemade honey-mustard dressing. As much as I loved the food in Minnesota, it was better in North Carolina. The main thing I missed in Minnesota was Sweet Martha’s chocolate chip cookies at the Minnesota State Fair. Those things were heaven.

The waitress came back with our drinks and I guzzled my wine. I needed it after what happened. In a way, I wished I’d have stayed around to see what Dallas would’ve said to me. Would he have apologized or been a dick like my brother made him out to be? I’d probably never find out anyway. Not if my brothers had anything to do with it. Dallas wouldn’t stand a chance against those three.

“Hey,” Hannah announced, tapping my hand to get my attention. “Will you go with me to the bathroom?”

My brothers looked at us like we were crazy. “Sure,” I said, laughing. I followed her to the bathroom and checked my hair and makeup in the mirror while she did the same. “Everything okay?” I asked.

She nodded. “Of course. I saw you zoning out and figured something was on your mind. Want to talk about it?”

I waved her off. “It’s nothing you haven’t heard. As you can see, my brothers can be overprotective jackasses sometimes.”

“Yeah, but it was their idea to have you out on the ice in the first place. Maybe they’re not as bad as you think.”

“Hannah Martin,” I scolded teasingly, crossing my arms over my chest. “Are you sticking up for my brothers?”

A smile spread across her face. “Possibly. Or at least one of them. Corey asked me out to dinner this Saturday night.”

I knew those two would hit it off. “And you said?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, of course. You don’t think I’m still rebounding, do you?”

I shook my head. “You and Eric are done. If I was afraid you still had feelings for him, I wouldn’t let you go out with my brother.”

“Good,” she breathed happily. “Now all we need to do is get you set up with someone.”

“All in good time.” I laughed. “Kristen already has someone for me. I told her to give me a few weeks until I get my own place to live.”

Another woman entered the bathroom, ending our privacy. Hannah leaned against the bathroom door and pushed it open. “Why in such a hurry to move? I’ll be happy to come visit you now,” she said with a wink.

“I bet.” Giggling, I turned my back and walked out, only to run right into someone in the hall. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” I apologized, jerking around quickly.

I almost lost my balance, but a pair of hands held on to my arms, steadying me. Hannah’s gasp behind me only made my heart beat faster, especially when I looked into a familiar set of baby blues, completely focused on me. His dark hair was expertly gelled in messy spikes and his green polo shirt hugged his muscular arms perfectly. The last time I looked into his eyes like that, he was drugged up in the hospital bed, calling me his angel. A part of me wanted to ask if he remembered any of it. So many things happened that night that I hadn’t spoken to anyone about.

“This makes twice in one day,” he said, his voice low. A slow smile spread across his face and my traitorous body responded. Chills fanned out across my skin and he felt them, his smile growing wider.

“What do you want, Dallas?” I shrugged out of his hold.

His smile faded. “I wanted to say—” He was cut off by Hannah’s gasp.

She sidestepped past me and looked around the corner at where my brothers sat talking to Kellan. “This isn’t going to be good.” Justin jerked around and glared our way, his sights set on Dallas. Slamming his chair back, he stormed his way over to us.

Dallas glanced back at him and sighed. “No, it’s not.”

There was only one thing I could do to save them all. As soon as Dallas faced me, I took a deep breath. “Sorry, but I have no choice.”

Clenching my fist as tight as I could, I swung it right at his cheek.