Page 48 of Ice King

“Just a hunch. Maybe I can find out sometime.”

Now I lifted a single eyebrow, which caused her to shrug again, telling me that her being able to watch me turn into a vicious beast was not only acceptable but something she’d enjoy. Who was this woman?

“Who knows. Maybe we can arrange that.” Her fist was clenched again and being drawn to her was becoming a serious issue. “Well, the way you reacted was priceless. You put her in her place.”

“You mean like I did with you?” Her head was tilted, another challenge offered.

“Exactly like you did with me. Also rare and I like that.”

“What you see is what you get.”

“I happen to like what I see.” I polished off my whiskey, twirling the glass as I placed it on the table. I’d been questioning why I’d invited her out for a drink when all eyes were on us. Sure, we were in a local North Bend bar, but that only made it worse.

“You do, huh?”

“Yeah, I do.”

Her smile was entirely different than before. What was wrong with the men around her? Didn’t they compliment her at all? The same level of awkwardness settled in.

“I heard about the Portland NHL team. What will they be called?” she asked, embarrassed enough from not knowing much about hockey that her face turned bright red.

Damn, that caused a deep reaction in my cock. “Hellions. And it’s not a done deal yet. There are few more hoops to go through.”

“But you can try out for the team. Right?”

I tipped my head back and forth. The idea had been on my mind a lot. “Maybe. A new franchise gets to pick some players to make it all fair and square since they don’t have an affiliate AHL team yet. Free agents are allowed to try out in September.”

“So you’re going to, right?”

“You’re pushy. Like I said. Maybe.”

Reaching across the table, she grabbed my arm. “Don’t say maybe. Do it. However you can find a way to getting what you want, you need to try. Promise me you will.”

“Why is it so important to you?” I was genuinely curious.

Every time she shrugged, it was a way of her avoiding the topic. She didn’t like talking about her feelings any more than I did. “Because I know what it’s like to give up on a dream. Don’t do that. You will never forgive yourself. But if you try and don’t make it, no regrets. But I know you’ll make the team.”

“Stiff competition.” God, I wanted to kiss her right about now.

“You can handle it. I believe in you.”

Why was a woman who barely knew me convinced she could believe in me? I had no clue and it was unnerving as hell.

“Yeah, well, from your mouth to God’s ears.”

Her laugh was noncommittal. “Your family is nice.”

“Hmmm… Meaning?”

“I sat with them at the game.”

“Oh.” Groaning, I threw my head back, rubbing my face. “What terrible stories did they tell you about my childhood?”

“Nothing but how much you love the game. Your brothers are very much like you.”

“Three peas in a pod.”

“And they play hockey?”