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“Been keeping tabs on me?”
“Like I said, I’m a fan of the podcast.”
“Really?” I crossed my arms over my chest, noting the way his eyes darted to my breasts.
“Yes, really. You’re like the Kelce brothers of hockey. Well, except for the fact that you’re a woman.”
“Thanks for noticing,” I said in a dry tone. Despite my response, I couldn’t help but be stunned by his compliment about the podcast.
Carson nodded, taking a long pull from his beer. “So, how’d you score an invite to Cece’s birthday bash?”
I tucked my hair behind my ear. “Friends since middle school.”
He chuckled. “No shit.”
“You?” I asked.
“I’m staying at my buddy’s lake house. He knows Cece, and she’s a big fan of hockey.”
“I think I might be to blame for that obsession,” I joked, though I was responsible for getting her hooked on the sport.
“Let me guess…you gave her some signed gear as her gift.”
“Guilty.”
He chuckled. “A few of the players from the Raccoons gave her the same.”
“Nice,” I said. “Jersey and a stick?”
“And a puck.” He grinned, as if to say his gift was so much better than mine.
“Wow. Really generous of you,” I teased.
He leaned forward. “What if I wanted to trade you jerseys?”
“Hawks or Raccoons?” I asked, turning serious.
“If you had the choice, which would you pick?” He was intense.
“Hawks. Always.” No question about it.
“Ouch. Don’t tell those guys up there.” Carson hooked his thumb toward the house.
I chuckled. “I love the Raccoons, but I’m partial to the Hawks. I grew up rooting for them as a kid, and a lot of my good friends have or currently play for the team. Plus, you’ve now got Holden Hansley on your roster.”
“Mm.” Carson leaned back, draping his arm over the top of the seat.
I tilted my head. “What?”
“I doubt your brother would be pleased to hear you raving about his rival.”
I wasn’t sure if he was referring to himself or the team as a whole, but either way, I barked out a laugh. “It’s no secret that I was rooting for the Hawks this past season and every season, really. Besides, I’m sure if Levi got the chance, he’d jump to play for the Hawks. It was always our childhood dream.”
“I forgot that you’re from LA,” Carson said.
We’d met briefly a few times in the past, when I’d attended some of Levi’s games as a junior. But that all seemed so long ago. Carson had changed a lot since then. Grown into his body. Developed this confidence that was earned and not the mere cockiness of a kid. Gotten ink. Gotten hot.
“Yep.” I grinned, thinking of all the things I’d loved about living in California.
