He finishes his sandwich first, pushing his plate aside and leaning his elbows on the island. His forearms flex, drawing my attention before I quickly look away.
“So,” he says, “what’s the schedule look like this week? I have a home game Tuesday and another Saturday.”
“Anna and I will be at both,” I say immediately.
He arches a brow. “Both? You sure? I know you’ve been running nonstop with all her post-award stuff.”
“Yeah, it’s been crazy, but I’ll be there.” I tear off a piece of crust and fidget with it. “You know I love watching you play.”
The words come out too easily, too honest, and I feel the heat rise to my cheeks. Thankfully, he doesn’t seem to notice—or maybe he pretends not to.
“You and Anna are our good luck charms,” he says instead. “Every time you’re in the stands, I score.”
“That’s because you’re good, not because of us.”
He smirks. “Maybe. But I’m not taking any chances. You'd better be there.”
“I will,” I promise.
“Good.”
He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms behind his head. The hem of his sweatshirt lifts slightly, revealing the toned lines of his stomach. My eyes betray me before I can stop them, darting down just long enough for me to silently scold myself.
I take another sip of soda, praying he didn’t notice.
“So what about Friday?” I ask, redirecting. “You have practice, right?”
“Yeah, morning skate. Then team meetings in the afternoon.”
“And then?”
He tilts his head, studying me with mock suspicion. “Why do I feel like you’re trying to plan my social life?”
“Because I am. Anna and I were actually thinking of having people over that night,” I say. “Just a casual hangout. Some of the team. Nothing crazy. We could host here or at Anna and Jaden’s place.”
“That sounds good,” he says easily. “You know me—I’m always up for food and company.”
“Good. I think it’ll be fun. It feels like it’s been a while since we’ve had a team get-together.”
“It does, doesn’t it? Max is busy with the baby, and most of the other guys are all coupled up and in love. We don’t plan as many nights out as we used to.”
“Well, we’ll fix that. Logan and Finn will come, and of course, Eddy will want to hang out. Oh, and you…” I pause, realizing too late how it sounds. “You’re single.”
The words stumble out awkwardly, and my cheeks flush again.
If Miles notices, he doesn’t show it.
“Yep,” he says casually. “I am single.”
“Is there anyone special you want to invite? Feel free.”
He shakes his head. “No one who comes to mind. Just the team and friends, like usual. I’m sure Logan or Eddy will bring random dates, but I’m good if it stays small. It’s better that way.”
“Yeah,” I agree quickly. “Just… please remind Eddy that his dates need to remain dressed.”
Miles laughs, that deep, warm laugh that always seems to find its way under my skin.
I don’t think he realizes how much I notice him—the way his shoulders shake slightly when he laughs, the way his eyes light up when he teases me, the way his voice softens when he says my name.
