Leaning back, I relax against the couch as I answer, “Good. We’re feeling strong. Brimming with energy after our Stanley Cup win last season.”
Landon chuckles. “Yeah, I bet. I suppose since you’re on such a winning team, I don’t stand a chance of convincing you to come to Minnesota, do I?”
“Not really, no.” Landon and I both attended the University of Minnesota and played hockey. After school, he got recruited to Minnesota’s pro-team, and I went to a team in Washington before eventually joining the Night Hawks. He’s been dropping hints that he wants me to transfer to his team since we’re approaching the seven year mark in the pros and can become free agents, but I have no desire to leave the Night Hawks. They are like family at this point. “You could always come here, though. Be part of a team that knows how to win.”
He barks out a laugh at my good-natured ribbing and replies, “You know, I haven’t written that option off yet. Keeping an open mind about the opportunities I could take advantage of.”
“Smart of you.” Honestly, if I was a part of any other team, I’d probably be weighing my options as well just to see what’s out there. “You’d be welcome here, especially when I introduce you as my wily little sidekick.”
“Dude, we are the same size.”
“I’m half an inch taller, and you know it.”
“Maybe if you took the lifts out of your shoes, we’d be even.”
I snort. “Ugh, that’s the meanest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
We both laugh at that and continue talking for a bit, catching up until he has to go to head to his own practice. Once I hang up the call, I look to see if I’ve received a new message fromClickTeaseand my heart races when I see the notification in Cloak.
ClickTease: Good morning, handsome. I hope you slept well.
GlideControlZ: I slept all right. Not going to lie, was pretty pumped up after our conversation.
ClickTease: Lol, don’t tell me I showed up in your dreams.
GlideControlZ: That would be waaaaaay too cheesy. I’d never say something like that
ClickTease: Why do I get the feeling you totally would?
GlideControlZ: I swear, I’m super charming in person and not this awkward.
ClickTease: I don’t think you’re awkward. I think you’re cute.
My lips curl into a wide smile. I’ve never had so much fun talking to someone before. Part of me was afraid last night was a fluke, but our conversation flows just as easily today.
What a relief.
GlideControlZ: You’re making me blush Hey, do you want to do one of those virtual dates tonight?
ClickTease: Sure! I’d love to.
Hell yes!
GlideControlZ: Awesome! How about eight? Right now, I should get going. Breakfast calls.
ClickTease: Well, you can’t miss that! Eight works for me. I’ll talk to you later.
GlideControlZ: You got it!
Grinning like a freaking teenager whose crush gave him the time of day, I get up and make my way to the kitchen to find some food. When I’m met with near empty shelves, I frown.
Shit.
I know Grace stocked the fridge for Rylee… but I guess I ate quite a bit of it.
I drum my fingers on the top of the fridge’s door as I consider what to do. Guess I should go get some groceries for us. Even though Rylee is infuriating and doesn’t seem to ever come out of her room to eat, my Mom and older sisters would chew me a new asshole for not taking care of things. They all taught me how important it is to look out for others… even when they’re a pain in the ass.
Glancing up, I find Gizmo standing behind me.
