“Of course, we’ll get some of these as well.” Naomi grabbed a few boxes of my favorite brand of cookies. “Can’t forget the Sun Chips either. Garden salsa, right?”
I raised a brow. “Yeah, that’s right...I’m surprised you remembered. The guys still think I like Chex Mix.”
Naomi smiled. I might’ve imagined it, but I may have caught a bit of shyness in her eyes. She turned away before I could confirm.
We continued down the aisle. Naomi did most of the picking while I nodded in agreement. Eventually, I worked up the courage to ask,
“Would you be interested in coming to our game next week? It’s the first of the season and it’d be nice to have you rooting for us in the stands.”
Her eyes lit up. She rejoined me at the cart and it took every ounce of my willpower to not cup her cheek and taste her sweet lips. Her hand claimed space on the handlebar again and the outer edge of her palm touched mine. We’d kissed for heaven’s sake, but just that light touch was more than enough to make me lose focus.
“I’d love to,” she said. “I still won’t know what the hell’s going on. You’ve all been so patient trying to teach me, but it doesn’t stick. It’s probably better if I experience it firsthand for myself. Maybe I should watch a documentary or something to prep? Understanding the history of something always provides a solid base.”
I watched her tap her bottom lip with her index finger as she considered.
“The history of hockey is interesting but prerequisites aren’t necessary to enjoy the game,” I assured.
“Prereqs don’t bother me. I like going the extra mile. It’s why I’m good at trivia. I collect random facts about things I have no need for.”
The determined look on her face made me want to kiss the wrinkle off her brow. I could practically see her wheels turning, fitting yet another thing in her jam-packed schedule.
“You don’t have to study hardcore or anything,” I said, hoping she wouldn’t spread herself thin.
Naomi waved her hand. “I know it’s not vital, but I want to learn. When I meet someone new and they’re into something I know nothing about, I try to learn as much as possible. Especially if said person loves it. You love hockey. I find it helps speed up the process of getting to know someone if you understand the things they love.”
I froze. That was probably the kindest thing I’ve heard anyone say. Naomi continued, not even noticing how touched I felt by her interest.
“If you’re open to sharing, I’d like to know more about what you love, too,” I said.
She stopped scanning the shelves for party-size bags of chips. “Oh…um…”
“Was that the wrong thing to say?”
“No, no. I just wasn’t expecting it.”
“Why wouldn’t I be curious about the things you love?”
“I don’t know. Usually, I’m the one with all the questions. With most friendships or relationships, by the way. I come up with the topics or plan the time we spend together.”
My forehead wrinkled in disapproval. “So, you’re used to people not reciprocating? Not remembering your favorite brand of chips or researching your interests.”
She let out a guarded laugh. “I suppose.”
“Sounds like you’ve been hanging around the wrong people,” I said.
“I don’t know. Everyone has a role, right? It’s like you and the guys.”
“How so?”
We’d stopped walking down the aisle at this point. There were only a handful of people on the other end, so neither of us felt self-conscious about getting in the way of more active shoppers.
“Lincoln’s the energy. If not for him, you guys would probably spend most of your weekends at home. Sam keeps you guys on track and accountable. Henrik’s the realist. He’s honest and doesn’t let anyone forget who they are.”
I nodded in agreement. “And me?”
She smiled. “You’re the grump who reminds everyone to think for themselves.”
“Sounds like I’m a riot,” I joked.
