“I don’t know why. I’m not worthy.”
“He’s always been a sensitive guy. Where’s Liv today?”
“With her mom and stepdad.” I scoop a bite of mashed potatoes onto my fork. “I’m picking her up in the morning.”
“I’m sorry you don’t get to spend the day with her.”
“Kali and I alternate holidays every year. I’ll have Liv for Christmas. She already has the movie marathon planned out.”
“That’s cute.” Her thigh hasn’t moved away from mine. Heat radiates off her, and I adjust my position in the seat. “You and your ex are close. It’s nice to see a healthy co-parenting relationship.”
“No reason for us not to get along. I’m glad we realized early on we didn’t work as partners. Better than dragging it out for Livvy’s sake and resenting each other.”
“A man who communicates. I like that.” Hannah scoots back in her chair and crosses her legs. Her skirt inches up her thighs with the movement, and I jab a green bean like it personally offended me. “Anything you’re thankful for this year?”
“A healthy team. A job I enjoy.” I dare myself to look her way. When I do, I find a smirk on her lips. Fingers playing with the hem of her skirt. Maybe someone spiked my drink, because I swear she drags her thumb across her skin, right where I’m staring. “New friends.”
“We work well as friends, don’t we?” Her voice is low, husky. Amusement behind the question. “Training together has been fun.”
“So much fun. Your edge work has gotten better. Your control too.”
“I have a good teacher. Best coach in the league.” Hannah reaches for her wine, taking a long sip. “I want to make you proud.”
“Your drill performance isn’t indicative of my level of pride in you,” I say, not wanting her to think my support is contingent on how well she skates. My hand inadvertently falls to her leg, covering the curve of her knee. I don’t realize I’m doing it until her sharp inhale makes me pull back, grabbing my fork. “You know that, right?”
“Right. But I like seeing you smile.” Her eyes meet mine. “You don’t do it enough.”
“I could do it more.” I wish I had grabbed a beer when it was offered to me. I could use one to get through this conversation. “If you wanted.”
“I want a lot of things, Brody. But that would be a good start.”
Flirting.
She’sflirtingwith me.
There’s the same hitch in her breath as that night in June. The undercut of teasing, and every part of me wonders why the hell I’ve tried to stay away from her when this is way more fun.
Fun.
Something I still need more of.
“I’ll see if I can make that happen.” There’s a drop of wine on her lips. I want to lick it off, but I cut a piece of my turkey instead. “Just for you.”
“I’m a lucky?—”
“Two of my favorite people.” Grant interrupts us, wedging his way between our chairs and kneeling on the rug. He drapes an arm over Hannah’s shoulders, grinning at me. “Are you having a good time, Coach?”
“Can’t complain.” My eyes flick to the blush crawling up Hannah’s neck. From the wine? Or from me? “Your sister makes excellent company.”
“She does, doesn’t she? Easy E hasn’t hit on you, has he, Han?” Grant asks.
“Please.” Hannah laughs. “Even if he did, I’m not interested.”
“Good. Tell me if that changes. Locker room code says no player is allowed to touch another player’s sister.”
She wrinkles her nose. “Can’t you all just keep your dicks in your pants?”
“Ican, but I can’t say the same for everyone else.” He flips off Ethan from across the room. “I need to make my rounds, but I wanted to say hi.”
