“I have an Xbox and a huge TV; doesn’t that count?”
I laugh. “Of course. Everything else is just more homey than I was expecting. It’s nice. Welcoming.”
He looks around his home with a soft smile. I’d love to know what he’s thinking as he takes it all in, but I’m too terrified to ask. The less I know about him, the better right now.
“I’ve got a date tomorrow night,” I blurt, the words falling from my lips out of nowhere.
His brows shoot up in surprise as I push a forkful of food into my mouth.
Why did I say that?
“Okay. That’s cool. I’m more than happy to heat something up if you want to leave it for me while I’m at the arena tomorrow.”
“Oh, no. That’s okay. I can go from here.”
Cole frowns. “I mean it, Freya. Leave me some food and then get ready properly.”
My brows pinch, and something, disappointment, maybe, sits heavy in my stomach. I’m not sure what I wanted him to say, but it wasn’t that.
Liar. You wanted him to give you a reason not to go.
“Is it with the guy from the bar the other night?”
“Yeah. We’ve been messaging. He seems nice, and…” I trail off, unsure as to what I’m saying. “I haven’t been out since…since my ex. I’m not really sure if I’m ready.”
“I guess there’s only one way to find out.”
“Yeah.”
“You don’t look very excited about it.”
“I’m nervous. What if I’m not ready and he doesn’t read the signs? What if he’s expecting more than I’m willing to give?”
“Then you should end the date there and then and never speak to him again,” Cole states firmly.
“Y-yeah, I guess.”
“I’m serious, Freya. Any guy who treats you like that doesn’t deserve to be anywhere near you.”
I can’t help but smile.
“Do you date?”
He shakes his head. “No. Too much of a distraction. My life is hockey. That’s the way it’s always been.” There’s more to it than just that, I can see it in his eyes, but he doesn’t want to spill.
“I’m going to head out,” I say once I’ve finished my meal. “I’ve prepped most of tonight’s dinner, so it won’t take me long later.”
“What do you have planned for the afternoon?”
I glance toward the windows at the spring sunshine.
“I was going to go for a walk, get some fresh air.”
Back before I spent most of my life on a tour bus, I used to run. I’m not brave enough to take that up again. I’m not as fit as I once was, and I know I’ll disappoint myself. But over the past few months, I’ve been spending time at Runyon Canyon Park, walking the trails and enjoying the views. It’s given me time to try and process my thoughts and figure out what my future might look like.
“Do you want a partner?” Cole asks, surprising me.
“Shouldn’t you be resting or something?”
