“I saw what was on the cover of that book,” Max murmurs right before a gaggle of children come stomping through the doors. They all carry big hockey equipment bags, and I assume they are here for a skating lesson.
“These are my usual Thursday kids,” Max informs me. “They come in for lessons but most of these kids have been skating since they were in diapers. It’s not so much of a lesson but a bonus practice for hockey.”
“Their parents pay you for lessons when they already know how to skate?” I ask incredulously.
“I graduated most of these kids from my program last year. I think the parent’s just like having somewhere to dump their kids and let them burn off energy. Especially in the off season.”
“Yeah, I get that. So that’s what you do then, teach the lessons?” I’m not really sure what else a skating rink owner would do with his day.
“Yes, because I like it. Otherwise, this job would just be bookkeeping and trying to bring more people into the business,” Max rubs the back of his head and gives me a sheepish smile, “If I could afford it, I'd pay someone to do those parts too. That’s the downside to business ownership in a small town, there is always limitations.”
“Is the business not doing well?” I ask without thinking. Shit, that was probably rude. “Sorry,” I add quickly.
“Don’t be sorry. I do well enough. The issue is more with being able to find dependable staff. I really don’t mind the business side of things; the skating is just a lot more fun. They were going to tear this place down before I bought it, and I couldn’t let that happen.”
I wanted to ask Max more about it, but the kids were all out on the ice at this point and clearly waiting for him.
“We should go for a drink after work.” Max sounds casual enough, but something seems odd.
Is he blushing? Well, I’m definitely blushing now. I glance down at his impressively large hands. No ring. Is he asking like a date? Or is this a take the new girl out sort of thing? I want to. But it’s probably not a good idea … right? What if I assume it’s a date, but then he was actually just trying to be nice? I would be mortified. How do I say yes without making it weird?
“Max! Let’s GO!”
I’m saved from my wayward thoughts and having to answer by the impatience of children. Max chuckles, “Just think about it. I’ll come check on you after the lesson.”
The rest of the day passes without much incident. It was only lessons today, so other than quickly doing the checklists I got to read and watch Max all day. He is an amazing skater and is incredible with kids. Even the teens in the afternoon seemed to really like him. It was really obvious that they all look up to him. Which just makes him even sexier and me all the more frustrated with myself. I already know how this goes. I have lived this experience. Max came to check on me after every lesson, but he didn’t bring up drinks again. Hopefully he thought better of it.
But somewhere deep down, where most of my bad ideas live, I really want him to ask me again.
Chapter 7
Max
“So, she’s like really hot then?” My best friend Andy asks me with a quirked eyebrow. It’s exaggerated by the twin barbells pierced through his skin even with them half covered by his too-long, jet black hair.
I sip my beer. Hot doesn’t do Charlie justice. She’s cute, funny … just absolutely incredible. From the moment I saw her, I’ve felt this pull towards her. She’s an enigma. But I've been trying to describe her for the better part of ten minutes now, and Andy and Ben are just not getting it.
“No ... well yeah. She’s hot. It’s just way more than that dude,” I gesture in front of me vaguely without really making a point.
“She must be if she’s got Max flustered,” Ben quips. His sly grin is hidden by dark, scruffy beard.
“I’m not flustered,” I snap.
I am flustered. I have never been flustered by a chick before. This is freaking annoying.
“And she said no to going out with you?” Andy smirks.
“She didn’t say no. She didn’t answer.”
“Sounds like a no to me,” Ben adds. They start laughing.
“Both of you are pissing me off,” I mutter before checking my phone again. I have been debating since Charlie left the rink today on whether I should text her.
“Just text her, ya big wimp. Worst case scenario shesays no, and then you can let me have my shot,” Andy teases, bumping me in the ribs playfully with his elbow.
“Dude, you don’t even know what she looks like,” Ben says to Andy.
“She’s got Max acting like a fool, so she must be hot. Plus, only here temporarily? That's my kind of relationship.”
