“You seem to have a different view of me than your brother,” I point out.
“It takes a lot for me to dislike someone. You haven’t given me any reason, because I know what happens on the ice is all part of a game,” she explains.
“Give me your phone.” I hold out my hand, curling my fingers, indicating that she should hand it over.
Isla winces. “Sorry, I left it inside.”
I dig into my pocket to grab my cell to type in her number, but we are interrupted by the sound of cheers, as it seems Connor and Hadley have arrived.
“That’s our cue to head back in and discover if the smoked cheese is better than the Swiss in the cheese section. Besides… I might have forgotten my number.” Isla smirks before she begins to step away, and instantly I reach out to touch her elbow and stop her.
For a moment, her gaze flicks up and I can’t form words. But then it spits out. “When you’re down in Florida, we should try and meet up.”
Isla chortles and her jaw moves side to side. “Not a good idea.”
“Why? Don’t trust yourself around me?” I wonder.
“Something like that.”
She leaves my grasp, but I’m still drawn to her like a magnet, even when she strides away. Isla’s right, she shouldn’t trust herself around me. I’m the guy who isn’t searching for much except gratification that hopefully involves her dress on the floor and good conversation.
By the time I follow her back inside, Isla’s vanished into the room of people. It’s a solid half-hour later when Connor is talking to me that I spot Isla again.
“It really means a lot that you came out for the wedding.” Connor hands me a new champagne flute.
“No problem. A bit smug, though, don’t you think? I sent a wedding present after your Vegas nuptials, and now I need to do it all over again because you decided to remember it this time?” I smirk at him.
He smiles. “Give a donation to charity instead and you’ll get over it. You shouldn’t be sending me any gifts at all, considering in a few weeks when the season starts, I’m going to conquer you on the ice when we eventually have a game together on the roster.”
My brows pinch together. “Wishful thinking, buddy.”
His response is to chuckle then pat my shoulder before heading to the next guest. I inspect my watch and realize I should be heading out of here to make my flight. However, my feet don’t move when I catch sight of Isla holding a small plate of food, and she approaches me with caution, probably searching for her brother.
“The Swiss cheese is the winner, and did you remember your number yet?” I tell her, and her gorgeous lips are getting harassed by her tongue swiping to the corner of her mouth.
“Really having memory problems today. Who are you again?" She's teasing me, and I laugh at her humor. "And duly noted about the cheese. Have a safe flight, Vaughn.” Is that a sultry look she’s giving me? It’s a fine way to end the morning.
A shame I don’t get more. It’s okay, though, there is always next time. I’m an athlete for a reason; I’m determined to win.
* * *
Early November
Well, this is just not what I planned.
Not by what’s about to go down, but by the fact our home game has been postponed and rescheduled for later in the season due to a late-season hurricane that’s approaching.
However, this situation also means I got lucky. Really lucky.
My thumb traces the text message on the screen.
Connor
Saw the game highlights. You holding up with the hurricane approaching? Hadley is losing her cool because her best friend is down there for a conference and didn’t get a flight back. Tell me something that can calm my wife down?
Me
The hurricane? Yeah, well, it’s only a category one. People were buying hurricane cakes at the grocery store earlier. Hadley’s friend will be okay. Most hotels are prepared for this, or maybe she’s somewhere out of the flood zone. Do you know which hotel?
