“Try it.”
Tasha did. “Yum. Berry Lake has better pizza than Wishing Bay.”
He took three slices. “I didn’t realize it was a competition.”
She startled. “It’s not. Sorry, my family…”
Elias leaned toward her. “What about your family?”
“Everything’s a competition. From what we do to where we eat. It’s been that way my entire life.”
“You’re all athletes, who’ve won medals at world-class competitions and turned pro, so that makes sense. A person has to be driven to succeed at that level.” He ate a bite.
She sat back, looking at him, not sure how to feel. “You did an internet search on me?”
His cheeks reddened, making him look younger and adorable. “I follow hockey. Everyone who does knows about your brother and your parents. I forgot about you.”
She laughed. “You’re not the only one.”
“I didn’t mean to offend you.”
Was she offended? Tasha smiled. “You didn’t.”
He relaxed, and his lips slid into an easy smile.
Would his kiss taste as delicious as the pizza?
Oops. Not the question Tasha should be asking.
What had they been discussing? She sipped her water. Oh, right… “Now that I’m retired, when I slip into a competitive mode.”
Competitions were behind her. She didn’t want them to be part of her life, either. She preferred helping people, on the rink and off it.
He raised a slice. “You can’t help wanting to be the best. Some people are wired that way.”
She nodded, taking another bite of hers. “Are you?”
“Yes, which is why I believe it’s ingrained in a person? Take staying in shape. I work out on the weekends, not even close to being a professional at anything athletic, but no matter what I d, I want to be the best.”
“I see your point. But you’re a lawyer. Don’t you have to think that way to win cases?”
Elias wiped his mouth. “Arrogance can be a trait of those who practice law. It’s one of mine, but I try to keep that at the office. I’m not sure how well I succeed at that.”
Tasha appreciated his honesty. “I haven’t noticed it. I’d say you’re more confident than anything. And I wouldn’t want a mousy attorney representing me. Give me brash, in-your-face representation.”
“You have my card if you ever need my services,” he joked.
“I’ll keep it handy.”
Laughter lit his eyes. “Happy to be your one call.”
Wait.Is he flirting?
Gah. Tasha had no clue. She ate to keep from speaking.
He picked up his glass. “What brought you to Berry Lake in December?”
“I wanted a white Christmas.”
