Ny really wants to put that pressure on the world. Me, a father to girls who look like this? Someone would lose their son if they so much as shed a tear.
“Excuse me?” she breathes.
“You have one of two options. Join my team to earn me back my money or spend the night in my bed.”
She scoffs, then looks me over and laughs. “Nice one. I told Ming I just had some personal stuff to sort out. I’ll be dedicated to the team from here on out. No need to prank me.”
“Who’s pranking? You’re really good out there. My team didn’t stand a chance. Come win my money back for me. Or…”
I look her over. I remember when she was a newborn. Ny was so happy to have a little sister. It was all she talked about. This is not that tiny little bundle.
Yes, she’s right up Dante’s alley. I still don’t get why he settled for Bethany. I’ve seen his type. His face lights up when he sees women who look just like this.
“Or what? Sleep with you? I don’t even know you. I may read romance novels, but I know I’m not about to live one. Do you mind? My book was getting really good,” she says, dismissing me.
I hold my hand out. “My name is Gio. I’m the owner of your new team and I think we’re about to become good friends.”
She looks at my hand and then at my face. Something crosses her features quickly. She wrinkles her nose, and it reminds me so much of Ny.
“You want to be my friend?” she says this almost hopefully.
I can’t help wondering what happened to the friends I sent to her. She seems to still have a bond with Ming. I’m not sure what happened with the others.
I reach in my pocket for my cardholder and pluck a card out. Turning it over, I scribble my personal cell on the back. I place the card in her small hand and wink at her.
“Call me anytime you need.”
“Di Lorenzo Industries. Gio Di Lorenzo. Executive assistant to Dante Di Lorenzo,” she reads the card.
She looks up at me and gives a little smile. “Okay, I’ll play for you, but I’m not sleeping with you. A friend, maybe. Your vibe is hella sick. You seem like you’d be fun to be around. Yet, I don’t think you’d be judgy. I’d rather be alone than judged.” She clamps her mouth shut.
“Sorry, I babble when I’m nervous.”
I give her a smile. “I like it. All the best friendships are built on honesty. You don’t have to worry about me seducing you or judging you. I have three brothers, but I always wanted a sister.” I tap the tip of her nose. “It’s official, you’re too adorable for a quick fuck, and I need a friend more than a fuck buddy.”
She pulls a disbelieving face. “You…you need a friend?” She rolls her eyes.
“Why is that so hard to believe?”
“You’re drop-dead gorgeous. You look like if I sniffed you, I’d smell money. Yup, there it is, I just got a whiff. And in the last two minutes, you made me not even care that I’m not reading. Trust me, bubby, that’s a feat.” She purses her lips with her hands on her hips.
I burst into laughter. I love her already. She has Ny’s sass with a twisted sense of sarcasm. I pull her into a hug.
“None of those things mean anything if they’re not genuine. We’re going to be great friends,” I murmur into her hair.
“If this is how you pick girls up, it’s kind of hot. I totally get it. Get their guard down. Play like the new best friend. Then bam.
“You’re fucking their brains out and leaving a dear John letter by morning. It’s not you, it’s me, but thanks for the head. Have a nice life.”
I release her and laugh again. I probably would be that kind of douche if I wasn’t absolutely in love with her older sister. I look up and the smile falls from my face as I find Holly watching me.
I school my features. She disappeared when Ny did. I know she was with her. I take a quick glance around the rink to see if I catch sight of Ny.
As disappointment fills me, I turn back to find Holly. She’s walking away with the phone to her ear. Instead of following behind her to demand answers, I turn back to Lizzy.
“Come on, let’s get you a team T-shirt. I need to get in my new bet. You make me back the forty I lost, I’ll split it with you.”
We start to walk to the other side of the rink where my team is, licking their sorry wounds. Ny needs to get back here and see what’s up with these guys. Jace pulled some of my dolls for this.