“I was worried you wouldn’t show up today.”
“Does that mean I passed the first test?” I cross my arms, almost to protect myself from what’s to come.
When Bexley suggested we help each other, I thought I was crazy when I agreed to it. When I gave her my number, I knew I was.
But after the disaster with Caroline, I knew I needed help. Especially if I want what the guys have.
“Showing up is always the hard part on a first date.”
“Don’t I know it.”
Bexley motions toward the oversized love seat that takes up the right side of her office.
“I’d show up for you, Nick,” Bexley tells me.
Why does that do funny things to my insides?
“Y-you would?” I stutter out.
She nods, resting her chin in her hand on the back of the love seat. “And that’s saying a lot, because I’ve canceled and been stood up. A lot.”
“Who would stand you up?” I blurt out. “You’re gorgeous.”
Why the hell do I keep saying this out loud?
She gives me a warm smile, but sidesteps my awkward comment. “This”—she waves a hand around her office—“can be rather intimidating to a guy.”
Dropping down onto the couch next to her, I try to settle the nerves clanking around in my stomach.
It’s weird, being with her like this. Her feet are bare—toenails painted a deep-red color. She’s relaxed, comfortable like this.
Again, messing with my image of her.
“I thought guys like women who like sports.”
“It’s almost too much in my case. And I don’t know how to turn it off,” Bexley confesses.
I laugh. “And you want my help? Hockey is my life, too, you know.”
Bexley laughs back, and it’s a warm and sweet sound. Something I want to hear more of. “Maybe I didn’t quite think this through then.”
“Meanwhile, I’d be okay finding someone who doesn’t want anything to do with hockey.”
“Why’s that?” Bexley shifts on the couch, her knee pressing into my thigh. Her perfume—something sweet, cotton candy maybe?—wafts over me. It’s heavenly.
“I think this life can be a lot for anyone. My sister grew up the same as I did, seeing my dad leave for away games, and even now, it can be hard on her. The long road trips can be taxing on anyone.”
“It can be intimidating.” Bexley nods, knowing exactly what I’m talking about. “It’s not for the faint of heart.”
“Even my college girlfriend hated it, and that wasn’t nearly as bad.”
“Did you know my college boyfriend played hockey? I don’t think I minded him being gone because it gave me a chance to hang out with my girlfriends.”
“Maybe that’s your first problem.” I scrub a nervous hand across the back of my neck. “Not that you need me to point that out.”
Bexley gives me a playful smile. “Wanting to hang out with friends over guys? Nothing new there. Now it’s just work over wanting to date.”
“I guess we both have that in common.”
