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“Yep. Professional hockey is like its own universe where time passes faster than it does on Earth. Hockey years are like dog years. At least that’s how I look at it.”
He nods. “You know that’s pretty accurate. I’ve never heard anyone put it that way before. I’m going to have to steal that from you.”
“Be my guest. It might be the only insightful thing that comes out of my mouth tonight.”
“You’d rather not be here?”
“You haven’t seen me in years. There’s a reason for that.” I puff my cheeks up and blow the air out. “I don’t drink, but an exception might be in order.”
“Hey, it’s an open bar. Enjoy yourself.”
“Enjoying tonight might be a stretch. I’ll be happy if I last long enough to see my dad get his award.”
“You must be proud of him. That’s quite an accomplishment.”
“Yeah, I am.” My dad and I may have our problems, but he’s achieved great success in his coaching career. I’m happy for him.
“I’ll let you get in there and find your parents. FYI, the bar is on the right side of the room.” He winks.
“This is why you’re my favorite Coyote player.”
“It doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that I’m the only player you know?”
“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“It’s great seeing you.” He smiles, and I can tell he means those words.
“You too. You made my night.”
He steps forward, folding me in a hug. My arms barely wrap around him when he steps back. “Take care, Evelyn.”
“I go by Evie now,” I say.
“Right, Evie.” There’s a wondering look on his face. “Are you here with Darius?”
“What? No.”How does he know Darius?
“Evie?”
At the sound of his voice, I whirl around with cyclone speed. “Darius.”Why is he here?
“I’m going to head inside.” Kaiden must be able to feel the tension and makes his escape.
“What are you doing here?” we ask simultaneously.
“You go first,” I say.
“Ladies first,” he counters.
I cross my arms in front of me. “Not a fucking chance. Why. Are. You. Here?”
“I play for the Coyotes,” he says.
“I thought you were a trainer.”
“You didn’t know who I was when I picked up Brutus, and I liked that about you. I planned to tell you, I was just waiting for the right time.”
“Do you think maybe the right time would’ve been before we had sex?” I realize how loudly I said that, and cringe. Darius grabs hold of the crook of my arm, leading me away from the banquet attendees and down a hallway.
