Sera’s scowl deepened. “How did you know Marisa and I were related?”
For the first time, Jordan’s gaze left Serafina for a moment. “Same delicate bone structure, and smooth cocoa butter skin. What’s to mistake?”
“Unfortunately nothing, I suppose,” Serafina allowed reluctantly.
“You’re lovely.”
“You’re persistent.”
“Part of my charm.”
“Debatable.”
Jordan grinned again and then shrugged. “The offer still stands. The bar, later.”
“You’re going to be lonely,” Serafina replied. “At least for
my company.”
Jordan kept his easy expression as he stepped away. “Nice to meet you...Angel.”
Serafina waited until Jordan was out of earshot and then fixed Marisa with a look. “A professional player.”
“Cole is one, too.”
“He’s retired from the game. At least the one on the ice.”
And then with a huff, her cousin turned and marched off, leaving Marisa speechless.
Cole appeared next to her. “What happened?”
She shook her head. “Actually, I don’t know, except your brother and my cousin did not hit it off.”
Cole frowned. “Surprising. Jordan is usually able to charm the—”
“—panties off any woman?” she finished bluntly for him.
Cole smiled ruefully.
“I think that’s Serafina’s issue with him.”
Cole leaned in close, nuzzling Marisa’s hairline. “The only woman I want to use my charm on is you.”
Marisa’s pulse sped up. “We can’t here.”
“We’re supposed to be a couple.”
One that would soon be uncoupled. “We’re supposed to be professional, too.”
She looked away, and then froze as she spotted a familiar figure across the room.
Cole’s brows drew together. “What’s wrong?”
He followed her gaze, and then he stilled, too.
Mr. Hayes. The former principal had been invited tonight because he usually was for major school events. She just hadn’t thought of apprising Cole of the fact. And she’d sort of ducked the issue by not checking with the administrative staff about whether Mr. Hayes had said he would be attending.
She hoped a meeting fifteen years in the making wouldn’t spell disaster...