“Alright. I’ll stay for the first half. But if you don’t prove yourself, I’m leaving.”
Standing to my full height, I inch closer to her. “There’s no halves in hockey. Stick around for the first two periods, and if I score in one of those, you have to stay for the third and meet me after the game by the concessions.”
She bites the inside of her cheek. “I don’t know. That’s a big ask.”
“Wilson, let’s go!” my coach barks out.
Sighing, I make one last attempt to get her to play along with my wager. “Come on. It’s a big game for me. I could use some motivation.”
Taevin gently shoves my shoulders back toward my bench. “Alright, alright. I’ll stay, okay? Just go before you get me in trouble.”
I smile widely, likely making me look like an idiot, but I can’t find it in me to care. She’s staying for the game, and I’m going to score her a goal.
My eyes trail her as she exits the ice, and instead of listening to my coach’s final pregame pep talk, I watch her until she takes a seat in the opposing team’s student section.
Well, hopefully, that won’t get too awkward for her when she cheers for me.
Who am I kidding? I’ll be lucky if she even stays.
I’m still riding the high from our victory as I walk out to the concession area with my hockey bag slung over my shoulder. Istop in my tracks when I notice a girl with long, jet-black hair waiting in line at the concessions.
Even as she turns and smiles up at me, I’m still convinced my mind is playing tricks on me.
Taevin’s smile widens as she closes the distance between us and takes in my astonished expression. “Have you always been such an overachiever? Not one, but two goals, and a classmate of mine said you got an assist, which he told me is a good thing.”
I’m slow to answer because I’m a bit surprised by her sudden willingness to talk to me. In each of our few—okay, two—interactions prior to tonight, she’s been so shy and reserved. Clearing my throat, I nod. “He would be correct. And I’ve never been much of an overachiever, but I’m highly competitive, and knowing I needed to score in order for you to stick around gave me all the motivation I needed to play my ass off tonight. You must be my good luck charm.”
I notice her cheeks redden, and I’m not sure if it’s because I cursed or if it’s because I called her my good luck charm. Either way, I make a mental note to refrain from swearing as much as possible, even though the sight of her blushing is cute as hell.Heck. Ah, shit.Shoot!
Nodding to the concessions that are closing, I ask her, “What were you planning on getting?”
She follows my gaze and sighs as they shut the rolling door of the concessions. “I was craving a sugary treat. But I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”
“Did you drive here?”
Turning back to face me, Tae shakes her head. “No, I don’t have my license yet.” Her cheeks heat further to an adorable shade of red.
“How about you let me drive you home, and on the way there, we can stop for ice cream? It’s my guilty pleasure I only allow myself when we’ve won.”
She looks hesitant, biting down on her bottom lip. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I mean, no offense, but you’re a complete stranger.”
“Text one of your friends my name and picture or something, and tell them we’re going to The Sprinkled Cone,” I suggest.
Her eyes sparkle at that. “Oh, I haven’t been there in years. My mom used to take me there every Sunday after church while my dad finished up his work.”
I smile at her excitement. “See, now we’ve got to go. Go on, get your phone out,” I tell her as I turn to the side and do my best Zoolander impression.
Her face scrunches up adorably like she’s tasted something sour. “What are you doing? What’s with that face you’re making?”
“I’m posing for the photo you’re about to send to your friend.”
“That face you’re making has you looking very suspicious. She’ll probably think you’ve already abducted me and taken my phone.”
“How about a FaceTime call then so she can see you’re willingly going with me?”
“Am I though?” she questions.
“Are you not?” I toss back, loving this new back and forth.
