Dallas’ head turns in the opposite direction as he packs up his gear, which gives me the perfect opportunity to admire his face. His jawline is chiseled and sharp, with the perfect amount of stubble that can’t hide his current frown.
However, it’s his eyes that I can’t take my sight off of. They are dark and sunken with shadows under them. It’s in deep contrast to the typical carefree Dallas Dawes with his bright eyes and general sparkle.
My heart hurts for him a little.
“Need to talk?” When he doesn’t immediately answer, I spit out, “Or skate?”
Skating is always my go-to when life gets me down.
“Won’t we get in trouble?” he asks.
“Nah.” I wave my hand in front of my face.
Plus, I have it on good authority that Vienna is predisposed and nowhere near the rink tonight. I’m free for a couple of hours at least.
“Do you even know how to skate?” he asks, as he eyes me up and down with skepticism.
Is he trying to piss me off? I’ve probably been skating longer than him.
I rise from the bench and place my hands on my hips. “I know how to do more than serve soda and popcorn,” I argue.
“Alright. Alright.” Dallas says with hands up in the air in mock surrender. “Didn’t know if you’d have stuff to do so.”
Is that really the reason?
“I can scrounge something up,” I say, a little lighter this time.
I keep everything I have here throughout the rink, and if I didn’t, Harry would give me something from the pro shop in a heartbeat. “Want me to add hockey gear?” I ask him. “We can practice some drills or play one-on-one?”
His eyes quirk up at my last offer. “Yeah, gear if you play. Let’s see what you got.”
I turn to exit the locker room when Dallas asks, “What did you say your name was again?”
“Ella,” I choke out. Why does my voice sound so weird? I’m having trouble staying chill around him.
“Dallas,” he says, and before he lifts his hand in its entirety, I march out in search of my gear. I will lose all thought if I touch this man right now. I have no idea how I’ll manage to skate with him.
Chapter Thirteen
Dallas
I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous playing against Ella, especially since I’m over a foot taller than her. But, she’s holding her own.
I figured it would be okay anyway, since I can’t handle skating lately without tripping over nothing, but that hasn’t happened so far with her.
In fact, my game is amazing right now, thank you very much. I feel like my old self, and it feels fucking fabulous. My moves are on fire tonight, but you know what?
Ella is on fire, too.
I duke, but she’s right there, stealing the puck and shooting it into the net.
We both have three goals.
I’m out of breath, panting underneath my helmet. Sweat is dripping down my face, and I’m hot all over. Ella skates over to the side of the rink, disappears for a quick second, and reemerges in front of me with two water bottles in hand.
“Thanks,” I say as I reach out to grab the drink and rip my helmet off. I chug the liquid, feeling better already.
Ella takes a sip beside me, then lowers her bottle, keeping it in her hand to the side of her body.
