“You were a champ out there,” Mara says to Noah, offering her hand for a fist bump. She doesn’t do warm and fuzzy, so this is the closest thing to it. “You smoked that kid at the end. I’m proud.”
Rolling her eyes, Mila and her parents take their turns congratulating him on a job well done, promising to be at the next two games.
We start to plan for next week, but Noah interrupts.
“Hey, Matt wanted to talk to you, Cora.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll be right back. Don’t run off; it’s too cold to stay out here long.”
Curiosity has me heading over to where Matt stands talking with some of the other parents.
“I know it’s getting colder, Lexi; we might have some games next week if I can get the coaches to agree. End the season a bit early.” His eyes find mine. “Oh, perfect. I was just telling Lexi we may move some games to the week. Is that okay? It will likely be in place of a practice session. It’s getting colder out,” he explains, laughing as the cold air puffs around his breath.
“It’s definitely cold out here. I’m up for some weeknight games.”
“Perfect, I’ll text you guys the changes once I hear from the coaches. Cora, can I borrow you for a second?” he asks after saying goodbye to Lexi and her husband. “Let me grab my bag real quick, and I’ll walk with you.”
Waiting for him, a ball of dread forms in my stomach.
“I know it’s probably not the best time to ask, with it being as cold as it is, but we haven’t gotten to our game just yet. I have tickets for tonight if you want to go,” he rushes out.
I promised him we’d go to a game, but I don’t want him to getthe wrong idea. If something happens between us, and it goes south, it could hurt Noah and Dane’s friendship, and I don’t want that.
“I don’t know, Matt. You know I don’t really date, and the boys are really good friends,” I say, pushing Atlas’ scowling face from my brain.
“Let’s not call it a date. Let’s just call it hanging out.”
“I work at two on Saturdays,” I remind him, assuming I still have a job, that is.
“It’s not until eight. Do you think you could leave a bit early? I know how much you love hockey. Mila told me you’re a big fan.”
My eyes cut to Mila’s form. She knows that I love hockey, but why would she tell Matt? She knows I only see him as a friend.
“That’s fine. I’ll talk to the guys. I’m sure it won’t be an issue.”
They owe me one for last night, anyway.
“Great, I’m on call at the clinic, but I doubt anything will come up. I’ll drop the tickets off just in case. Oh, did Noah bring his bag with him? Mom said he’s hanging out with Dane for the day and spending the night.”
Matt coming into the shop is probably not the best idea given last night’s incident. “Yeah, I just have to grab it from the car, but Matt, I don’t know if it’s a goo—” I get cut off by another voice.
“Hey, Matt!” Mr. Morgan greets him. “That was a good game, coach.”
“Thank you, sir. Glad you guys could make it.” Glancing at his watch, he winces. “I’ve gotta get going. Dane! Noah! Let’s go, guys. I’ll see you later, Cora.” He smiles at me, and then walks off, yelling for the boys to hurry up.
Standing in the field, flanked by Mara and Mila, I watch as Dane and Noah pile into Matt’s car.
“Why did you tell Matt I love hockey?” I glare at Mila.
“Um, because you do.” Confusion mars her face. “What’s the big deal? He asked me about things you might be into. I didn’t think it’d be an issue.”
“You should go out more,” Mara adds. “There’s nothing wrong with Matt.”
“I never said there was.”
She raises her brow. “Then where’s the issue?”
I don’t have a good answer for her, so I say nothing at first. “I’ve gotta go get ready for work. I’ll talk to you guys later.” Heading back to my car, I ask myself the same question. What’s wrong with Matt, and why do I only get butterflies in my stomach from a certain dark-haired, angry man with tattoos covering his body? Why can’t I be interested in the nice guy who smiles, instead of the one who knocks people out?
