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I had friends who cared about me. But we didn’t really touch. I hadn’t realized until this moment how starved for affection I felt. Greyson had touched me all night, in small, non-threatening ways, and I had loved the tingle it sent through my body, the swoop of joy.
But this hug felt incredible. It felt like coming home, with his strong arms wrapped around me and the cool sleek fabric of his jacket pressed against my cheek. If I lingered a little longer, I might be able to hear his heart.
I might be able to tell if it was beating faster too.
* * *
The next day at work, my new friend Amanda smiled at me while we were refilling ketchup bottles. “Going to skate today?”
“If I have the energy,” I said. “I was up way too late last night.”
“Hot date?”
“Amazingly, yes.” I looked up to find Carter.
My gaze met his in surprise.
He was staring at me.
“Can I help you with something?” I asked.
“No,” he said. “I came to get a bottle of water.”
“Oh,” I said, surprised.
Amanda had already gotten his bottle of water. He took it from her, finally pulling his gaze away from me to tell her, “Thank you.”
“No problem,” she said. “I’ll ring you up.”
He headed to the register with her. It was amazing to me that such a big, broad shouldered guy moved with so much grace off the ice. It seemed like he was built for hockey.
“So was this with your mystery man?” she asked me, then turned to him with a smile. “Two dollars.”
That was with the discount we got for the countless hours we spent here at the arena. A bottle of water was seven dollars for the people who bought tickets.
He handed her his credit card.
“Yes, with my mystery man,” I said, feeling the way he was suddenly very intent on absolutely nothing, not looking at me. “Who would’ve known meeting someone on the street could work out so well?”
His jaw went tight. “Seems like a bad idea.”
“It worked out,” I disagreed.
I thought he didn’t want to talk to me. But he suddenly seemed very interested in critiquing my life choices.
Once he had gone, Amanda and I went back to doing the little tasks that had to be done before setup, wrapping utensils and refilling the ketchup bottles. I didn’t mind it. The mindless work was a chance to chat, and I enjoyed the people I worked with so far.
“So tell me all about it,” she said.
I filled her in on all the details.
Later that day, I walked out of the arena at the end of my shift to find Jack lingering in the lobby. At this time of day, it was almost empty.
My gaze was drawn to the tall, broad-shouldered man who was leaning against the wall, like he was waiting for someone. Maybe it was Carter or Sebastian and not yet another puck bunny.
I was tempted to say something to him, but given how friendly Carter had been when I approached him, I wasn’t going to bother. That rejection had stung a little, but I could understand it. They were rushed by fans and puck bunnies all the time. It must get old, no matter how much Jack smiled that gorgeous smile for everyone he met.
He glanced up at me, and I could feel his attention radiating from him, but I didn’t look toward him. I was too aware of him in my peripheral vision though as I headed across the lobby. I wasn’t going to throw myself at these men.
