Page 90 of Home of the Brave

“Probably won’t be the very first thing I say to her, but I’d like to.”

“Good call, always own up when you’re in the wrong. Be accountable.”

I shot him a questioning glance.

“It was in this book I’m reading.”

“You read.”

“Quite a bit, actually,” he snapped back. “Mostly at night to my kids, but I still squeeze in some adult books.”

“Adults books?” I laughed.

He glared, “As in not picture books.”

“Sure, sure.”

He followed me through the tunnels until we reached the press room.

It was empty, so I immediately made my way to the rink.

“There she is.” He pointed across the ice to the same area she stood during the last women’s game.

“Great, now leave me alone.”

He frowned. “But then I’ll be alone.”

“Good,” I eyed his shirt. “Go be a stripe."

“I’m not a stripe,” he called after me, but I didn’t look back.

His yelling caught Victoria’s attention, and she turned toward him before finally noticing me heading toward her.

She stepped away from Cambrie and met me in a corner.

“Hey,” I smiled, but faltered when I realized she wasn’t.

“Hi.” She crossed her arms. That was a bad sign.

I decided to jump into it. “I’m very sorry for how I acted last night. I was upset, but I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. I knew I wasn’t going to make for good company.”

She relaxed just slightly. “I understand, Josh. I didn’t take it personally. I know exactly how frustrating a loss can be, especially when you feel out of control.”

So, she wasn’t mad? That was easier than I expected.

“Thanks,” I offered a small smile. “I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go out tonight.”

Her arms dropped to her sides. “I get how emotional playing is, but it’s also one of the biggest reasons I don’t date athletes.”

I tried to hold her gaze, but she was staring down at her feet. I had no idea what to say. I thought. . .I thought there was something between us. I thought she felt it too.

“I think maybe we should keep things professional between us,” she announced before meeting my eyes.

I managed not only to get rejected, but I didn’t get her number either. A double blow.

“Okay,” I had no choice but to accept her decision.

I wanted to apologize, to take back yesterday as a whole, but that wasn’t an option. All I could do was walk away before I made it worse.