“Of Mice and Men,” I said. “There’s something about the friendship between George and Lennie that resonates with team dynamics.”
Zaila nodded. “I never thought of it that way, but I can see where you’re going. Still, I’d love you to elaborate.”
As we delved into a discussion about literature’s parallels to hockey, Zaila’s quick wit and insightful observations drew me in—the moth to her flame. Our conversation flowed, touching on everything from classic novels to modern poetry. And soon schmoozing was the furthest thing from my mind. Why?
Because we fit.
“You know,” I said, “I don’t think I’ve had such an engaging literary discussion since my college days. And never at a hockey event.”
Zaila grinned. “Well, we’ve already made our three-person book club.”
“Your mother’s the reason for your literary bent?” I asked.
She shook her head, that mass of dark hair moving tantalizingly over her shoulders. “My father. He was an expansive reader; it took a lot of work for Mom and me to keep up.”
“Fascinating.” The air between us charged, crackled.
Zaila must have felt it too, because after a shaky breath, she took a small step back, clearing her throat. “We should mingle a bit more. Can’t have the team owner monopolizing all my brilliant conversation skills, though that sponsor didn’t seem as keen to follow up on the topic once he realized I’d actually read both authors.”
I laughed. “Sounds about right. Go sparkle. I’ll find you when it’s time to head out.”
As I watched her walk away, I had to take a moment to breathe. Our intellectual connection was far more intoxicating than I’d anticipated. If I was this turned on by her mind, I wasn’t sure how I’d handle the actual act of connection.
Though I couldn’t wait to find out.
Chapter 21
Zaila
By the time the gala wound down, my feet and my cheeks hurt, but I felt effervescent after all the positive comments from colleagues, players, and even the mayor. Mainly though, I think I was high on Gunnar’s heated glances, particularly in this public space.
He’d even winked at me from across the room. Winked. Excitement bubbled through me like the Champagne I’d had earlier. Gunnar wants to take me home. Gunnar has plans for us. I clenched my thighs together and willed my heart to slow its galloping pace.
“You need a ride home?” Jay asked.
“No, I’m good.” I smiled.
“Want me to walk you to your car?” he said, hope in his eyes.
I had to shut that down. Right now. I swallowed hard, not sure what to say. I didn’t want to give him any reason to turn back into the frustrated, angry version of himself he’d been after he lost the bet.
Then Gunnar waved me over toward the dignitaries he was sitting with. I dipped my head. “Thank you, Jay, but I’m still finishing up here. Mr. Evaldson asked me to discuss some options with him earlier this evening.” Kind of…
Jay studied me a moment and then nodded. “Well, I guess I’ll see you Monday.”
“See you,” I said. With a wave, I walked toward Gunnar, who rose from his seat and pulled out a chair for me. I looked back toward Jay to find him eyeing us, but I turned my attention to the man on my other side, smiling and offering my hand as Gunnar introduced me.
“This is Zaila Monroe, a very talented digital marketer, who helped create the Gusher the Goalie challenge. She and her team developed the new mascot, Gusher.”
“Ah, yes, I saw those images,” the rheumy-eyed gentleman said. “Fun stuff. I’m not much interested in the socials, myself, but my grandkids spend hours on their phones.”
I smiled. “I’ve been told it’s a different world.”
“Very. Not bad, just moving at the speed of those microchips and semi-conductors instead of mail and telephone calls, as it used to in my heyday. So tell me, what got you interested in this digital marketing?”
“You sure you’re ready for my answer?” I teased.
His eyes danced as he leaned closer. “I’m hoping it’s juicy.”
