“How’s he doing?” I ask.
Luke shrugs. “Pretty good, all things considered.”
The night before I got drafted, I threw up. Twice.
And then when I was selected eighth overall, I nearly threw up on stage. I didn’t—but it was close. I had to do a lot of press after to assure them the nausea clearly visible on my face was actually excitement.
Which it was. Mostly.
There’s never been an option other than hockey. I love it, don’t get me wrong. I never had a chance not to love it. But it has always been the plan. I don’t know who I am without it. It’s a lot of pressure for me now at twenty-two. At eighteen, it was nearly overwhelming.
“I need a shower,” I mutter to Luke, who nods.
“We’ll grab a drink after,” he says.
After a quick refresh to get all the plane germs off of me, I head down to the bar. There’s a familiar brunette sitting at the end of the bar, reading.
My heart leaps. Could it be…?
She’s changed her clothes, too. Her dark brown curls have been let out of her ponytail, hanging loose down her back. She’s wearing denim shorts now, showing off her shapely legs, and a cotton tank top that highlights her generous curves.
If I thought she was hot on the plane, wearing sweats and a hoodie, she’s absolutely fucking gorgeous now.
My mouth goes dry as I make my way over to Audrey. Sliding onto the barstool beside hers, I wait for her to look over at me. Her eyes widen in shock.
“Fancy meeting you here,” I say casually.
“Wh-what are you doing here?” Her voice comes out hardly above a whisper. “Did you follow me?”
Quickly, I shake my head. “My family is staying here.”
The hotel is across the street form the LA arena, where the draft will be held tomorrow night.
“Me, too.”
“I’m glad to run into you again, though,” I admit.
“Oh?” Her eyebrows go up.
“I’d like to see you again.”
Audrey’s brow furrows. “But—you live in Minnesota. I’m in Boston.”
“Yeah, and for at least a little while, we’re both in LA. We should make the most of it.”
She looks me up and down with an assessing gaze. Finally, she closes her Kindle and takes a long gulp of her wine.
“Okay, then. Take me up to your room.”
“Really?” My voice cracks. I cough to cover it. I didn’t think that would work.
“Well, I’m sharing a room with my dad, so we can’t go back to mine,” she says seriously. “I’m presuming you have a room?”
Nodding, I reach for her hand. She laces her fingers through mine and I help her up. Drawing her close, I inhale the fresh scent of her perfume, something flowery and sweet. It’s been taunting me all day.
I cup her cheek. “Is this okay?” My mouth hovers above hers. I can feel her breath on my lips.
We need to be on the same page. If all she wants is one-time sex, I’ll happily give it to her. If she wants more… yes, please, sign me up.
