"And a good morning." She winks as her grin grows into a smile.
"Jesus, you two fuck like rabbits." I roll my eyes, scanning the ice. "I'm so jealous."
Alex nudges her shoulder into mine. "You still going through a dry spell?"
I spin my body toward hers, leaning back in my seat. "Excuse me, it is not a dry spell when it'sby choice.I told you—I'm trying to be good—giving myself the chance to really meet someone."
"And I'm so proud of you," Al says as she locks eyes with Levi stepping onto the bench.
He tips his chin up at her, then runs his tongue over his top teeth, his one eyebrow cocked flirtatiously.
I sigh audibly, watching their interaction, my gaze wandering naturally to…him.
Drew drops to his knees and begins thrusting into the ice, taunting me with each motion.
"B, you're the bravest person I know and fiercely independent," Alex says, her hand landing on my arm. "It's the pot calling the kettle black, but you just have to put yourself out there. With jobsandwith guys."
"Uh huh," I say, attempting not to get lost in the rhythmic movement of Drew's hips.
"I'm serious. You got this."
I nod mindlessly. "I know." Drew slides onto his stomach, grabs his stick, then pops up into a textbook push-up position.
"Brooke!" Alex hisses as he starts banging out reps. "Too bad he's not ten years older," she laughs, and now she's got my attention. "Or even five, for that matter. You'd clearly have no problem opening up for—I meanto—him."
My jaw clenches as my whole body tenses. Alex's face crinkles as she scans mine that's probably dropped a few shades in color.
"Brooke..."
I flash a tight-lipped smile, taking a vested interest in the Dunkin Donuts' advertisement posted on the boards. "Would you say the Dunkin Donuts' pink is more magenta or—"
"Hold on." She pulls on my arm, literally forcing my hand. I slowly turn so I'm finally facing her. "Am I missing something right now?"
Breathing in deeply, I buy myself time, scanning her dark denim jeans and tight long-sleeve Flames shirt. When our eyes lock again, her lips drop open. "No."
"Mhmm."
"No."
I nod slowly.
"When?"
"At the gala. Took a play from your book."
She gasps, her eyes growing wide. "You did it in thebathroom?" she whisper-shouts.
I purse my lips. "Definitely worth the hype."
Alex opens her mouth ready to agree, then snaps it shut and shakes her head. "But how? Why?"
I huff out a laugh. "I'll let your imagination handle the how." I wink, tapping her knee with mine. "And why?" I throw my arm toward the ice. "Look at him!"
I instantly find Drew amongst the sea of red. In perfect timing, he takes off his helmet, runs his hands through his hair, then lifts his jersey to wipe sweat off his forehead, leaving a glistening six-pack completely exposed. I catch a glimpse of a tattoo on his ribs I didn't know existed and curse past-Brooke for insisting he leave his shirt on.
"You know what," Alex starts, and I cringe, anxious about what may come next. "That's fair." I smile as we both gape at Drew as he pushes off the bench, glides backward effortlessly, and licks his lips before bringing his helmet back to the top of his head.
"But why didn't you tell me?"
