She shakes her head. “I don’t think a lot of people would do something like that. Especially on the opposing team.”
“No sense in crushing his dreams. He’s good.”
“Good enough to beat you?”
“Hey now!” I laugh. “Maybe not that good.”
Angie nods at me, taking me in. “Getting a little cocky there, Troy.”
“Not cocky if I can back it up.”
“You played well tonight,” Angie confirms.
“You think so?” I take a step closer to her. Her eyes make a slow perusal over me as they travel over my body to meet my gaze.
“You did. Coming from someone who doesn’t care about hockey, I can say you are a great player.”
I want to preen like a damn peacock under her praise. Even though I hoped she was here tonight, no matter how much I kept telling myself to play for myself, I was playing for her. Not even the scouts in the crowd could beat out wanting to impress her.
“Thanks, Ang. That means a lot coming from you.”
“You might turn me into a hockey fan yet.”
“One game wasn’t enough?”
“Score another hat trick and then we’ll see.”
“You know what they do after a hat trick, right?”
“What’s that?” Angie crosses her arms over her chest. The small movement pushes her against me. It’s theslightest touch but one that sends heat barreling through me.
Fuck. I really should not be having this reaction to her.
“You get a hat.” I tug on the white pom-pom that sits on top of her hat.
“And you want mine?”
“It’s all part of the game.”
There’s a gleam in Angie’s eyes. “Well, I guess if it’s part of the game…”
She pulls it off her head and shoves it down over mine. The thing is a lot smaller on my head, but the warmth from her more than makes up for it.
“How do I look?” I smile down at her.
“There’s no way that can be comfortable.” She’s laughing at me. “I’m taking it back.”
“No way!” I dodge out of her way. “If I don’t score another hat trick in the next game, I’ll give it back.”
“So this is a back and forth now?”
“I’m making it so,” I declare. “If it gets you to another game…”
Angie studies me. I shouldn’t be hanging on to her every word, but I am. I want more with her. More than she’s likely willing to give me right now. But I’ll take every crumb she throws my way.
“Then I guess you better score then.” She bounds off down the tunnel toward the exit without another word.
And maybe I’ll score with her.
