“I don’t want to keep you or you’ll be late.”
“Wait, where did you get the candy cane?”
My gaze slides to the mug that’s been living on my cart. “Don’t laugh.”
“I’d never.” I can hear his smile.
“They’ve been sitting on my book cart.”
“It’s the end of February,” he says after a beat.
As promised, he’s not judgmental like others might be knowing how long stuff sits forgotten in my apartment.
“Yup.”
“Lucky me. Now I’ll be thinking about you as a naughty little elf.” His hum is so sexy. “How do you feel about costumes? Think we can get some on discount now that the holidays are over?”
Laughter bubbles out of me. “Okay, I’m leaving now.”
“Bye, sweetheart.”
“Bye.”
My smile doesn’t fade. I settle back into making heart-shaped lollipop earrings. They’ve been one of my bestsellers since I launched. I can barely keep them in stock after my online store was featured on a Valentine’s Day picks list.
I start the chapter over on my audiobook while I get to work.
As usual, Cole’s the blueprint I think of for any romance book hero I read.
It’s not until a few days later when I go to Cole and Benson’s game for their beer league team that I see him. He nudges Benson during warmups and they wave to us before going back to passing the puck between each other.
Jess and I have great seats in the third row. I’m surprised their teams draw a sizable crowd for a recreational league, but apparently they’re good enough the Brawling Bandits and their opponents both have fan followings in their communities.
I’m glad we got here early, even though I rushed out the door to meet Jess so quickly that I forgot my coat on my bed. It’s chilly, but I have a thick sweater, jeans, and knee-high boots on. Some of Heston U’s players show up before the game starts. They say hi to us before grabbing some open seats nearby.
Familiar exhilaration sparks seeing Cole on the ice. When the puck drops, we cheer for Benson winning the face-off. Cole watches his team’s play unfold, on guard for any shift. Benson and the wingers take the puck down the ice, but the other team’s defense shuts down their goal. Cole’s ready for them, checking their center against the boards and firing the puck to his teammate.
I can’t take my attention off him. He plays even better than he did in high school.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to run back and get your coat?” Jess asks during the break after first period.
“Yes. Don’t give me that look. This is fine.” I make sure she has more of the blanket she brought for us to share. “I’ll bounce my legs to keep warm.”
“Want me to keep you warm, Eve?” Jake jerks his chin in a nod, opening his arms.
“I’m good. Got this cozy blanket to snuggle with my girl.”
He scoffs. “But you could be snuggling with me. I’m great at snuggling.”
“Pass,” I say through a laugh.
Easton comes over and strips off his hoodie, tugging down his t-shirt underneath. “Here. You can borrow my hoodie if you need it.”
“Thanks. I’m okay, though.”
He opens his mouth to say more, then freezes when Cole clears his throat behind him. His team is in the locker room for their break, but he’s out here with us.
Cole in his jersey and skates makes my brain melt and my stomach dip. He’s wearing his old number from high school. His hair is slightly damp, curling across his forehead and his attention is solely focused on me.
