But hockey players are insanely flexible.
Suddenly, my heart slams against my chest, and I jump as he whips out a giant water gun. “You mean like this one?” His grin is savage as he blasts me at point-blank range, and I shrink, grappling for the door handle, but it’s locked! I take too long to find the lock before I practically fall out of the truck and race to the house.
But there’s Sam at his post from the front step, and he has a long barrel gun with serious range.
And he’s in on it too!
It’s insanity that these two guys have only known each other for less than twenty-four hours, and they’ve already teamed up against me.I never expected that.I’m without ammo and options, and I throw up my hands. “You guys fight unfairly. I give up!”
Axl jogs back down the drive, laughing so hard he’s about to drop to his knees. Sam’s snickering from the step, his gun hanging at his side.
“How did you guys even coordinate this?” I bristle, swiping my gaze from one perpetrator to the other, not sure what way I should walk as I am in the middle of the driveway.
It’s Sam’s turn to speak up, revealing how conniving he is. “I saw your phone on the counter this morning with a text from Axl.”
“You looked at my phone!” My jaw drops, and I’m once again reminded how annoying little brothers can be. “Those are private conversations.”
“Then maybe you should have a different password than your birthday.”
“Shh!” Frantically waving, I try to cover his blurting. It’s no use, and my words fall into laughter, as I know he’s right. “I guess so,” I mutter, pretending to be hurt. I throw my hand back up, tossing a glance back to Axl, both our smiles still beaming, “Now what? We are back where we were last night. It's too cold to walk around in wet clothing. Both of us need a change of clothes, and our plans for food are thwarted.”
His brows bead together. “Why do you say that?”
“You need to get to the arena for pregame warmups. Do you have time to wait for me to change and still drive all the way to town?”
“This is where you underestimated my strategizing.” He wags a playfully cocky finger in my direction as he takes a step back. “I already grabbed the kabobs on my way over here. I have them in the truck, and I bought enough for everyone.”
My lips fall apart, revealing my surprise. “You did?”
“Yeah.” He takes another step backwards toward his truck. “Figured it was my turn to treat.” He pivots around, striding to his truck, and as I watch him, my heart flutters little baby flutters that whisper,This guy can’t be for real.
It’s one thing to have chemistry.
It’s another thing to be able to be playful and laugh until your stomach hurts.
But finding a man who fits in with my family . . .
Axl Erikson, you just stole a hockey-puck-sized piece of my heart.
eighteen
Axl
The kebobs were worth all the hype. I stayed at Sophie’s house for hours after lunch, doing nothing more than sitting around her living room, snuggling on her couch, telling jokes with Sam, and listening to Shawn tell more of his small-town whoppers. I can’t tell if those stories are real or not, but ever since last night, I've been considering being a little more cautious when I cut through the arena parking lot.
I arrive at pregame warmups on time, which is late for me. It leaves me unsettled, but I shake it off and change. Now, I’m laced up and standing in the tunnel with the guys, waiting for our cue to go out for warmups.
Holding my extra jersey, I adjust it, rolling it over in my hands. I’ve never even let another woman touch one of my jerseys before. I know it’s early, but I won’t be able to stand looking at Sophie sitting out there without my brand. My mind keeps replaying the day, and if I close my eyes and inhale, I can stillsmell her, honey with spicy undertones that didn’t take me long to become obsessively addicted to.
I just want to be near her, and if I can’t, she’s going to be wearing my number. The music starts, and we skate out. The crowd is thunderous like never before. I scan the arena. Every seat is filled, and the fans are on their feet. My gaze is calculated as I peruse the owner’s box for Sophie.
She’s not there.
I sweep the arena, frantically seeking her, and my smile returns when it lands on her sitting by the player’s bench.
Right where she belongs now.
I skate over to her, my heart ticking hard against my rib cage, as I wait for her eyes to lock on me. When they do, my heart nearly misses a beat. I reach my jersey over the Plexiglass while holding my breath. I know she’s not a huge hockey fan, but I hope she understands the gesture. I considered waiting to give it to her in private, but there’s nothing private about this relationship, and I want the whole world to knowshe’s mine.
