Page 18

“It’s okay to want things, Erin. It’s okay to be drawn to someone who’s attractive. It doesn’t make you like her,” Bella says gently, and I know what she’s doing. She’s challenging me while reminding me all is well. It’s exactly what I need.

“If I admit he’s attractive, can we stop talking about it?”

“Or…maybe you could just say hi?”

“Yeah, because a guy like that definitely wants to be friends with a girl like me,” I say, rolling my eyes.

“And what’s wrong with a girl like you?” Bella asks, amused.

“Well, for starters, I don’t think any of the girls here brought a book with them,” I say casually.

“You didn’t.” She laughs, shaking her head.

I reach into my bag on the table and pull out a paperback.

“Baby sister, you are one of a kind.”

Her phone dings on the table, and she picks it up quickly. Her face lights up. I guess that means Brodie’s here.

“He’s out back and says he has a surprise for me in his car. Do you want to come with me?” Bella asks as she hops off the stool.

“You go. I can keep myself entertained,” I say, lifting the book up to her.

“Are you sure? I don’t want you alone and uncomfortable.”

“I’ll be alright.”

Bella takes off for the entrance behind me. I open my book to where my bookmark is and let myself get lost in the pages of a cowboy romance, forgetting the world around me.

By the time I’ve finished my drink, I’m in desperate need of a bathroom.

Bella still hasn’t come back yet. I don’t know how long it’s been. I wasn’t really keeping track of time, but I’m a fast reader, so I don’t think it’s been that long.

I lean back on my seat and find that most people are at the bar. I jump off the stool and maneuver my way through the small crowd of hockey players who are lost in their own world and talking among each other.

I make it to the other side of the bar and slip around the corner to head for the bathroom.

I wash my hands once I’m done and dry them with a paper towel before I exit.

When I get to the corner, I freeze.

The bar looks fuller than it was a few minutes ago. My hands go clammy as I take in all the people, their bodies close togetherwith drinks in their hands, laughter erupting from them as they greet one another with handshakes and back slaps.

I back away, giving myself a little space and time to process what I’m seeing.

“Do you think he’ll be back for the upcoming season?” A deep voice asks from behind me. I turn my head to find two guys standing off to the side near the bathroom doors, talking to each other.

“I have no clue, but I respect the hell out of him,” the other man says, surprise creeping into his voice. “If I were in his shoes, I’d struggle to get out of bed after what happened between Jack and Elliot.”

The first guy hums in agreement. “He’s one hell of a player. His team could continue to play without him, but it shows they were missing that special sauce when they were eliminated before the playoffs. Harper’s a beast on the ice. It would be a loss for sure if he doesn’t return.”

Not wanting to get caught listening to their conversation, I move away from the wall and cross the establishment to get back to my table.

I keep my head down and sprint, a girl on a mission. I’m almost there, my paperback a beacon calling out to me.

And then… I’m walking into a wall of muscle before falling back on my ass.

Ouch.