But tonight, none of that matters. Tonight, not knowing who she really is—her name, her job, whether she even knows my name—is exactly what makes this dangerous little game addictive. It’s just skating, just teasing, just laughter. No expectations. And for once, I can enjoy it without thinking about what comes next.
Before she can say more, the waiter brings our food to the table. He sets hers down in front of her first. Her mac and cheese is piled high with bacon chunks resting on top. It’s bubbling over the sides, and it looks delicious. Then he sets mine down in front of me. My burger sits on a big pink dish, with French fries taking over half the plate.
We both thank him, and he leaves the table.
“Enough about me. Tell me more about you, Blitzen. Where are you from?” she asks me.
I smile as I remove the tomato, since they forgot to keep it off, and the bottom part of the bun, setting them to the side on my plate. Then I put the lettuce on the top bun, and with my fork, I place the burger patty on top. When I look up at her to answer, she’s holding her fork but watching me.
“You a picky eater?” She smirks.
I laugh. “Ha. Not really. I just try to limit my carbs, and I want a few fries, so I’ll sacrifice half the bun.”
“Ah, okay. So, your hometown?”
“Right, yes. Well, you know I’m from Kansas, but I live in New Orleans now for work. I have an older brother, and I was somewhat of a surprise to my parents, but I’m close with them. I still call my mom every day.” I chuckle. “I’m a Sagittarius. Umm … what else? Oh, I went to college at Walker University, then transferred to Michigan for my last year, which you probably figured out since I know Aaron.” I lift my brows and look at her.
She nods as she chews her food, then swallows. “Yes, I … figured that it was college.”
“Yeah, it was my last year. If you don’t already know, which I suspect you do because of the company we were in, I play football.” I raise my brows, looking at her.
She nods and smiles. “Let’s just keep it at that, okay? Don’t tell me anything else about your career. I want to know the man under the helmet.” She winks.
“You do, huh?” I chuckle. “Okay, sure. What else do you want to know?”
She purses her lips and puts her finger on her chin. “So, you must have just had a birthday since you’re a Sagittarius. Happy belated birthday.” She lifts her water to me in cheers. “Um, were you happy or sad to leave Walker and go to Michigan?”
“Yes, it was on December 10, and thank you. As for my transfer, it was the hardest decision I’ve had to make so far, honestly. My friends at Walker are like family to me.” I pull in a deep breath. “Don’t get me wrong; I have some good buddies from Michigan. I mean, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t care about them, but it’s just different.” I shrug.
“I get that. I don’t have a ton of close friends, but my sister and I are really close, and like I said, Aaron is like a brother. It was hard being away from them when I was at college.”
Even though she has said it twice now that they’re like family, I have to know if it’s ever been something more. “Have you and Aaron ever dated?”
Her head drops back, and she lets out a deep belly laugh. “Oh God, no. It’s never been like that between us.”
“Okay, good to know. I just want to make sure that me being here with you won’t cause any problems if y’all are close, close.”
“Ew, no. I mean, he’s a great guy, but I have never seen him as anything more than a friend.” She takes another bite of her food.
“But you don’t have a boyfriend, do you?”
“Blitzen, I wouldn’t be here with you if I did.” She gives me a flirty smile. “You don’t have a girlfriend, do you?”
I shake my head. “No, I don’t have a girlfriend.”
I’m not gonna close down an opportunity with this girl by explaining that my job is a priority right now because if I have a chance with her, even for one night, I’m not blowing it.
“Good. I’m glad to hear it.” We stare at each other, smiling.
“Are you ready to move on to our next adventure?”
“Vixen, I’ll go anywhere with you.”
I reach for her hand again, and she places hers in mine.
CHAPTER
SIX
