Offside (The Barker Triplets 1)

“Come on, Logan. Let’s go inside.” She glanced at Shane. “You coming?”

Shane’s expression was unreadable and he shook his head. “Nah, I just wanted to come by and congratulate you in person. I’ve got a date.”

Billie was surprised but didn’t show it. “Who’s the lucky girl?” Shane had been an absolute bastard for the last two weeks—ever since Bobbie and Gerald announced their engagement.

“A bottle of Jack and a little blonde bitch named Pia.”

Okay, this was new.

“Who?”

“Shane adopted a dog.” Logan said.

“I didn’t adopt the damn thing, she just won’t go away.”

“Okay,” Logan said. “Whatever you say, Gallagher. Are you still coming over for Christmas Eve? Billie here, is going to try and cook.”

“No,” Billie tugged Logan’s hand and they started forward. “Billie is going to buy a bunch of pre-made food from the grocery store and throw it in the oven.”

Logan grinned at his buddy. “Aren’t I the lucky one?”

Shane nodded. “You are one lucky son-of-a-bitch and I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

Billie watched him disappear into the dark and snow and she shivered as Logan slid his arms around her.

“Do you think he’ll be all right?”

“He will,” Logan answered. “Eventually.”

“Good,” Billie said as she brought his hand up to her lips. “Because I hate seeing him so miserable.”

Logan kissed her again and glanced up at the sign. “I love you, kid.”

She grinned. “I’m not a kid, Logan Forest, and if you’re real lucky, I’ll show you exactly how grown up I am later when we’re alone.”

Logan led her inside the arena and just before they were accosted by half of New Waterford, it seemed, he ducked low, his warm breath caressing her cheek. “I’m going to hold you to that, Barker.”

And he did.

The end