Page 36 of A Match Made In Fall

I yawn before I can stop myself.

She makes a face. “You must be exhausted.”

“It’s been a long day,” I admit.

“And I definitely didn’t help by keeping you out late last night.”

I shake my head quickly. “Don’t apologize for that. Trust me, I didn’t mind at all.”

A slow smile spreads across her face. “Okay. But you should probably get some rest tonight.”

We continue to walk slowly a few steps behind Abby and Nick.

“Yes. I’m planning on it. And I can’t be late tomorrow. Hopefully Coach forgot about that.”

“Oh no. How late were you?” she asks.

I shrug. “About thirty minutes. But I didn’t miss anything.”

She frowns. “Oh no. My instructors hate it when we are late, so I can only imagine what the coach said.”

“Just a few snarky comments about getting my beauty sleep, and he didn’t believe the alarm excuse.”

She giggles. “They never do. That’s the worst one.”

“Yes, it was a rookie mistake. I probably could’ve blamed traffic, but Denton wouldn’t have bought it. The only excuse he’d believe is if I called him from a hospital bed. Even then, he’d want to speak to the doctor and then a second doctor just to get another opinion.”

Just then Abby joins us after saying goodnight to Nick, saving me from continuing my impression of our overly suspicious coach.

“What a game,” she says.

“Nick was on fire tonight,” I tell her.

“Yes, he was,” she says proudly.

“Okay, you need to get home and rest,” Isabella tells me.

“Yes, ma’am,” I exclaim. “Thanks again for being here.”

We say goodbye a few times, and then I drag myself to the car.

Another win for the Bears, but that’s not even what I’m most excited about right now.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ISABELLA

Getting a text from a sweet, hot hockey player asking me out—I can’t think of a better way to start my day. I smile as I reread Austin's message again.

Hi. Just wanted to say good morning. We had an early meeting, but at least I made it on time. Are you free tonight?

“What are you smiling at over there?” Sammy calls from across the kitchen.

I glance up before holding my phone toward her. “Austin texted me this morning and asked if I’m free tonight.”

“Obviously the group date went well,” she says knowingly.

Heat fills my cheeks. “It was a lot of fun. Everyone is so nice.”