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“You know Mom.” She shrugs. “What’s her name?”
“Maddison.” I clarify with a small smile appearing on my lips. “Would you believe she’s been best friends with Emmerson Daley all this time?”
“No way.”
“Yeah, she moved to Florida before college, so I never met her until now. Though I heard her name a lot.”
“The world works in mysterious ways, Ash. I know this to be true.”
“Well, it’s early days. I thought I might go and see her since I was here visiting you and Mom.”
“You should. I’m sure now is as good a time as any. Off-season doesn’t come around too often.”
“I have a game on Saturday, too. I’m meeting up with some of the team from Spirit to have a game with a local kids’ team.”
“Ash, that’s really cool.”
I shrug. “It’s a good opportunity to get myself out there in the community. Coach will love the publicity, but you know I wouldn’t do it because of that. I enjoy anything to do with hockey.”
She nods. “I know that. The kids are going to be so excited about having you guys there.”
“I hope so.”
Mom calls from the kitchen that she’s serving up dessert. Another homemade treat not to be missed.
“You know I love coming home just to see what Mom is creating in the kitchen.”
Kate laughs. “That’s all you come and visit for, right?”
“Hey, that’s not all, I swear.” Chuckling, I wheel her back into the kitchen, even though I know she can do it herself.
It feels so good being here and spending some time with them. Kate and I have always been close. I’m glad this part of my family life is never a burden.
However, I saw mom visibly shift when I mentioned dad still wanting me to be a part of the company. I need to talk to her about that. Maybe she has some insight that I don’t.
We eat dessert, and I help mom make Kona, a traditional Hawaiian coffee that I just can’t get enough of.
I decide to shower and turn in after that. I’m beat after traveling and catching up.
I text Maddison that I’m looking forward to seeing her soon. Now it’s upon me, I am feeling kind of nervous. I hope I don’t punk out at the last minute.
I mean, I want to see her. I just know how impulsive I can be when I really like a girl. I don’t want to come on too strong. Though, my antics in the cleaning cupboard at Salt left absolutely nothing to the imagination.
I’m an outgoing guy in that regard. I’m usually surrounded by people. So going off on my own that night and having it out with her in private, rather than partying with my teammates, is saying a lot.
I guess because it’s been so long since I truly went after something, or rather,someone, I’ve almost forgotten how that feels.
I have to wonder if that’s what I’m doing—going after her?
I know I want her. And it’s not just because she’s been so far away and I haven’t been able to do anything about it. I guess that part does add to the intrigue and the excitement. But it’s not because I can’t have her. At least, I don’t think it is.
I need to hone in on my seduction skills. Whipping it out on camera is a damn sight different from facing a girl I like in public and making her feel special.
She was definitely into it, no question. But I want the flirt, and I fucking want to chase. I hope she’ll be open to both things.
I guess I will find out soon enough.
CHAPTER 9
