Page 30 of Hockey Player Seeking Fan

"Maybe I’m just the most romantic. Maybe I’m just a true believer in love. And maybe I’ll have you converted one day, as well."

"Yeah," I say. "That’s a very big maybe."

Chapter Nine

Erica

“So where are you off to?” Suki asks me as I make my way down the street.

“I'm going on a date with this Scottish guy,” I say, stopping to observe my reflection in a store window.

I’m wearing a red dress with stockings and high heels. My long hair hangs down my back, and my makeup looks flawless—as it should. I spent two hours on it. I look good, but for some reason, I’m not excited.

“You meet men so easily,” Suki says, and I can tell there is a tinge of jealousy in her voice.

“Girl, I'm on like four different dating apps. That’s why.” I laugh. “If you spent more time swiping, you'd be going on as many dates as me. I mean, I’m not gonna lie—it’s not like I’ve hit it off with any of these guys yet.”

“True. But at least you’re getting dates.”

“Yeah, that’s what I keep telling myself. It only takes one.” I let out a deep sigh. “Anyway, I’m about to round the corner to the bar, so I’ll call you later.”

“Okay. I can’t wait to hear how it goes.”

“Yeah, you’re not the only one.” I hang up the phone, slip it into my handbag, and walk into the bar.

I look around and am pleasantly surprised to see a tall, skinny guy standing just to the right of the entrance. He looks exactly like his photo and offers me a wide smile as I walk up to him.

“Hi, are you?—?”

“Hi, I'm John,” he says, holding his hand out. His voice is smooth, and his accent turns me on slightly.

“Hi, I'm Erica.”

“Nice to meet you, Erica. I’m glad we could meet up tonight.”

“Thanks for asking,” I said. “So, you’re from the UK?”

“I am. What gave it away?” he says, laughing slightly. He runs a hand through his hair. “I'm a graduate student at NYU. Originally from London, actually.”

“Oh, nice. I like London. I've been there a couple of times.”

“Nice, you’ll have to tell me where. But first, would you like a drink? My treat?”

“I would love a drink, thank you.”

“Of course. As long as you’re not asking for Dom Pérignon.”

“Oh, you mean we can't have Dom Pérignon?” I giggle.

“I’m afraid I’m on a graduate student budget, so I can’t quite swing that. But any glass of wine or a bottle of beer you want—well, as long as it’s not too expensive.” He chuckles. “I hope that’s okay.”

“No worries. Thank you for even offering to pay. Some guys don’t even do that.”

“I believe that if a man asks a woman out on a date—especially a first date—he should pay.”

“Oh my gosh. I feel the same way. I know some people think that’s old-fashioned, but I just feel like if a man’s interested in a woman, he would pay.”

“Well, I’m glad we both think alike. So, what would you like?”