I’d been half-lit at the time, trying to close after we’d been making out off in the corner next to the pool tables. Lindsay was on the hook, too, until her friend passed out at the table and she had to take her home. I’d all but forgotten about that.

She nodded to the hallway behind us, lowering her voice. “You said you were going to tear off my panties and—”

I winced and held up my hand, cutting her off. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Or…” Lindsay angled closer, undeterred. Her breath was warm against my ear and smelled like some kind of fruity alcohol. “We could go back to my place with my friend Melanie over there. She loves hockey players.” She pointed to a busty brunette standing by the pool table, talking to a few other guys from the team. Her friend noticed us, and waved at flirtatiously.

August me would have considered this winning the hookup lottery, would have been all over it, would have been booking a ride home with both of them already.

October me would rather go home and watch SportsCenter. Or text James.

Was this seriously happening?

I shot Dallas a what the fuck look.

Dallas cleared his throat, leaning over the table. “Carter’s got a girlfriend, Linds.” He nodded at me.

She turned and gaped at me, expression a mixture of disbelief and irritation. “You have a girlfriend?”

I nodded because it did seem like the simplest way to let her down easy. “Yeah. It’s new.”

“Oh.” Her glossy lips formed an O for a moment as she paused. She tossed her dark hair and shrugged. “Well, she doesn’t have to know.”

Lord help me. She didn’t know how to take a hint. Or a flat-out rejection, apparently.

“I’m flattered, Lindsay. Really, I am.” I tried to push her off me while she resisted my efforts. “But I’m going to pass.”

Lindsay narrowed her eyes. “You’re serious right now? After the big game you talked last time?”

Funny how I pursued her for a while, doing the whole sexy cat and mouse thing, but the minute I lost interest, she wanted me immediately.

“Can’t do it.”

“Whatever, Carter.” She stood up, tossed her hair over her shoulder, and stormed away in a huff.

Once she was safely out of earshot, Dallas let out a low whistle. “Never thought I’d see the day.”

“Neither did I.”

His eyes jumped to the pool table behind me. “Guess your loss is Tyler’s gain.” I followed his line of sight to find Lindsay and her friend hanging off Ty at the bar. Cool. More power to him.

Lindsay shot me a defiant glare, like she expected me to be jealous. I smiled back because I seriously did not give a shit.