My attention snaps to her left hand. I know I would’ve noticed a ring. Engagement rings are hard to miss, aren’t they? Women usually become left-handed for everything once they have a rock on their finger.
But her right hand nervously cups over her left as she notices me looking at her bare finger, and I avert my eyes somewhere else. I don’t want to make her uncomfortable. Although, it’s kind of a douchebag move to make your fiancée go to the bar to get your drink. Docking a few points from this guy.
“It’s…a long story.” She sighs as the bartender puts both of her requested drinks down in front of her.
My lips turn down as I shake my head. “No need to explain.”
She nods and tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear, and it’s then that I get a glimpse of the ink on her wrist.
The letter B.
B, as in Brandon? Based on her hesitancy to admit they are engaged, I find myself wondering if the tattoo is for him or something else.
“Well, congratulations on the engagement.” I turn my back to the bar, looking out over the tables full of people.
I usually only come to these events as a reason to bring a date. And then a reason to take them out afterward. Admittedly, Lacy and I couldn’t be more different, but she’s hot and a good time. Which is really all I’m looking for right now.
“Congratulations to you too, Evans.”
My pulse jumps at the sound of my name coming off her lips. Logically, I understand she knows who I am because of the speech by one of my buddies earlier on stage, but I wasn’t expecting her to talk to me tonight—let alone say my name. I make a mental reminder to thank Ford for shouting me out on stage.
I turn to thank her, but all I can do is stare at her. Stare like some teenage boy who just saw a woman for the first time. Her eyes, her hair, the way the dress seems to fit her like a glove. And the spark in her? The wit and sass took my goddamn breath away.
She moves to get up, but slightly stumbles.
“Oh shit.” I extend my hand to help, but she seems to catch herself and avoids taking my hand. “Good thing you’ve switched to water,” I joke.
“Stupid heel,” she mutters. “That was embarrassing, I feel dumb that you just saw that.”
It looked like the heel of her shoe got caught on the footrest of the stool.
“If it makes you feel any better, I think you’re smart.”
Her eyes narrow at me and I casually grin her way. “We just met four minutes ago.”
“I’m a quick study.” I shrug. “And technically, we didn’t meet. You know my name, but I don’t know yours.”
“Demi,” she says, standing up straighter. “And I actually don’t drink.” She grabs both glasses from the bar, regaining her composure before she takes a step forward and then stops. “Have a good evening.”
“You too,” I say, watching her walk away.
I’ve been on my fair share of dates. I’ve interacted with plenty of women. But even the best sex I’ve ever had doesn’t compare to the five-minute conversation I just had with that woman.
Training camp starts today, and to say I’m excited is an understatement. I’m over the fucking moon to be back at this place, getting to do what I love.
There are only so many puzzles and boat days I can take before I start to go a little stir crazy, missing my home away from home.
Freshly cleaned dark wood floors and the smell of new leather greet me as I enter the building. Perfectly placed red and black flags with the Knights logo hang from every corner of the lobby when I make my way in. A round wooden desk is centered in the middle with Tampa Bay Knights on the front, along with previous and current team jerseys lining the walls. There are two different shrines on either end of the far wall, one highlightingRing of Honor players and the other holds memories of the last time this team won a championship. That was over a decade ago.
A lot of the staff are already in the building—a surprise since I’m notoriously one of the first ones here every morning. The allure of sleeping in doesn’t do anything for me, so nine in the morning might as well be noon to me.
“Good morning,” I say with a smile to Greg as I pass him.
He’s the head of our media team. Our social media has really blown up in the last couple seasons since he joined, letting a few of the more trendy interns take the reins on the accounts. Apparently, people are really interested in knowing which teammate we’d all let date our sisters.
“Morning, morning. I have a new reporter starting today. I’m sure you’ll meet her, she’s already here somewhere…I think saying hello to Coach Aarons.”
“Awesome, I’ll be sure to say hello.”
