“What kind of game was it?” Rhett asks again.
“Oh, sorry.” Her cheeks flush from embarrassment. “It’s a hockey game. The local minor team is playing, and Matt knows I love hockey.”
“Do you now?” Rhett smiles.I know that smile.“I happen to know someone who loves hockey. They’d probably go with you. I can ask them if you want.”
“I don’t know.” She looks torn. “I don’t want to go with some random person.”
“Oh, don’t worry, it’s not a rando. Atlas here loves hockey.” He clasps my shoulder, and I try not to look excited as Cora’s eyes swing my way.
“You like hockey?” she questions.
“Is it a bad idea to go in the ocean after getting a tattoo?” Rhett asks, which is rhetorical, because it’s a fucking awful idea.
“I don’t want to impose on his evening.”
“No imposition at all, right, Atlas?”
“No,” I rush to respond. “Not at all. I love hockey and?—”
“And you have no more clients for the night, so it’s perfect!” Rhett exclaims.
I don’t need his help, but recalling how I keep fucking up, maybe I’ll take it. The idea of spending the evening with Cora, just the two of us, is too tempting.
“I’d rather not.”
“What’s the matter, Cora? Afraid you can’t resist me?”
A lesser man would probably cower at the glare she gives me, but to me, it looks like love. I can feel that she’s affected by me as well. I just need time to make her see it.
“I think I can handle myurges,” Cora starts. “We’ll ride separately so you can head out after.”
“Don’t bother.” I smirk, enjoying the scowl on her face. “I won’t bite, unless of course you ask me to.” Now if only there was a way to get her in the car with me.
Shaking her head, she scans her ticket. “It starts at eight. If we leave soon, that should give us enough time to get to the arena.”
“Perfect.” I turn and walk back to my station, Rhett hot on my heels.
As he walks toward his, I swear I hear him sayyou’re welcomeunder his breath.
Shit.A night out with Cora. I can’t mess this up. Every time I think I’m making progress, I act stupid and get in my own way. I need to be on my best behavior.
There’s not much to do before it’s time to leave, so I help Seth take stock of some supplies. I don’t miss having to do all this work by myself. I have to admit it has been nice having Cora here.Not just because I can see her, but she’s so smart and amazing at keeping us organized.
Heading to the reception desk, I watch as Cora grabs her bag and coat. “Let me walk you to your car.” Just because she’s parked out front, it doesn’t make it any less dark.
“I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“You probably will be, but humor me.” I hold the door open for her, heading out into the night. The lights on her car flash as she unlocks it. I wait until she’s in and has her seat belt on before I turn away. She gives me a small wave and backs out. A horrible grinding noise sounds as soon as she moves, causing her to hit the brakes. Confusion mars her face, so I hold up my hand and walk around her little sedan.
The back passenger tire is flat. Like, completely flat. Stepping up to look at it, I can see a slash on the side.Someone slashed her fucking tire.
Cora opens the car door and looks back at me. “What is it?”
“The back tire is flat. Must have been the cold.” I shrug. “Do you have a spare?”
“Yeah, in the trunk. I’ll grab it.”
“No, I’ll grab it or have one of the guys get it. You stay put. We’ll take my car.”
