The reporter’s smile lifts on one side. “Care to expand on that?”
I run a hand over my mouth while I collect my thoughts. “The team is like an organism. We operate best as a whole. I guess I’m just used to sharing a spotlight with the fellas. Not on my own.”
One of the female reporters lets out anawww,which draws my attention to the back…and to Bree, who’s watching me with an expression I’ve never seen before.
Curiosity for sure, but something other than intense interest. Could that be attraction—is she attracted to me? I vaguely recollect a time in high school when she looked at me like that, but before I could gather my courage and tell how I felt about her, she had a date with some other guy. I figured I’d just imagined it.
Another reporter asks me about my projections for the team, which leads to other questions about what challenges the Sun Kings might face this season. I give them the usual answers that basically say we’re expecting a great season and plan to do our best to make the fans proud.
“Wade, will you be one of the players up for auction at the Fire & Ice event?” A dark brunette with eyes to match grins in anticipation as she waits for my answer.
I glance at Bree, whose smile appears forced now. “Yes, I’m happy to be part of something that gives back to the community that’s given us so much.”
“And what about the All Goalies Game. Can you tell us more about who will be there?”
Bree strides up and stands to the side of the table. “Those details will be released over the next few weeks as we formalize plans. Thank you, everyone.”
Soft chatter fills the room. I join Bree by the door before following her into the hallway. The rest of the fellas stand by the exit, probably waiting for me to go out with them. I haven’t had a chance to tell them I have plans with Bree.
But there’s a question burning inside me that I have to ask. “Why’d you take off my jersey?”
Her eyes flash to mine, curious and questioning. “I took it off right after the game started. I didn’t think it would look right for the team’s PR person to show favoritism to one of the players.”
I don’t miss the caution making her sound guarded, and I groan at myself. Of course, she’d be more wary of something likethat after what happened with Chase. “I didn’t even think about that. I’m sorry.”
She stops and grabs my elbow. “It’s okay. It’s just…”
“What, Bree-bear?”
Her gaze warms and settles on me. “I have to be careful, Wade. This is my reputation we’re talking about. I love my job, and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize it.”
Message received. She can’t risk getting involved with a player again. I swallow down the shriveling hope clogging my throat. “I understand.”
And I do. But what Bree doesn’t understand is that I will do whatever it takes to show her we’re meant to be together. That this wouldn’t be some fling between a player and a staff member, and I’m almost certain Rebecca and Zach would support us.
I’ve loved her for years. Even though she’s never seen me as more than a friend, I saw how she watched me during the interview, and I recognize attraction when I see it.
One way or another, we will be together. She just doesn’t know it yet.
There’s a reason they call it liquid courage. Two beers in, and I feel great. Confident. I’ve got this. That’s what I’m telling myself, anyway.
I grab the darts from Ethan, who bombed his throw by hitting a triple nineteen, sending him over the amount he needed to win. And catch a distinct whiff of onion rings—I’ve lost count of how many baskets he and Elias have put away.
All I need to win this game of 301 is twenty-four points. I bump fists with Luke for luck, because that’s his number—24.
He obliges because he gets the connection. Plus, he knows there’s no way he can garner a W. Besides, I’m pretty sure he’d rather I win than give Ethan bragging rights over Payton, who wound up more interested in his fiancée, Lily, and played distracted. Good thing he knows how to keep his focus when he’s holding a hockey stick instead of a dart.
Mia and Sophie arrived a few minutes ago, so they’re playing smoochy-face with Ethan and Luke. I can’t help but chuckle at Mia’s disgusted expression when she gets the full effect of Ethan’s onion breath.
Since it’s a weeknight, Steamers isn’t as packed as it was last time we were here, although a low chatter of voices and clanking glasses creates a constant hum in the background. I’d hoped to spend a quiet evening at my place, hanging out with Bree. But when we caught up with the rest of the fellas after our brief chat in the hallway, she agreed to meet them without hesitation.
And a look of relief. But that told me all I needed to know—she’s nervous about being alone with me. I’m not entirely sure why, but I have an idea, and I can work with that.
As Bree and Harper greet Mia and Sophie with smiles and hugs, I set the darts down on the nearby high-top table so I can roll up my sleeves. I left my jacket in the car when we arrived, but kept my sleeves down because of the chill in the air outside.
Bree mentioned once years ago that one of the things she found most attractive in men was a muscular forearm with tats. I happen to have both. And tonight, they are my weapons of choice.
As I finish, I catch her staring at me in my peripheral vision. I retrieve the darts, take my place at the line in front of the board, and plan my first throw. I could easily end this with one dart by hitting a triple eight. But then, she wouldn’t get a full show, and we can’t have that now, can we?
