“You surf?” Steven asked, glancing at one of the photos. “Ash does, but it’s too cold up where his cabin is. We spend the off-season there in Washington State.”
“Yes. That’s why I planned a trip to Bali. I’ve heard that the surfing is cold up there in Washington. You probably need a good wetsuit. Do either of you snorkel or scuba?” Kai asked.
“I boogieboard a little,” Steven replied.
“I got my scuba certification back in high school. I haven’t done it in a while. I’m sure what I saw in the Pacific Northwest is totally different from what you’d see in Southern California or Hawai'i,” I replied.
Steven laughed. “Yeah, I grew up in the Midwest. No ocean.”
“Would you try?” Kai dared.
“Absolutely.” He nodded. But then Steven would try just about anything if you asked him nicely.
It was obvious that Steven was having a very good time, as was I. I looked at my phone and realized how late it was. Kai was easy to talk to, and it wasn’t just that they were studying something interesting that I could relate to.
Not to mention Kai and Steven had both read the same comic books that he spent way too much on and dragged me to comic things, while dressing up. Kai laughed at Steven’s silly hockey stories and told us things about Hawai'i. We also talked about this season and why making the finals was a big deal for our team.
“We should probably let you go upstairs before the aunties come looking for you. The hour ended long ago,” I said to Kai.
“Oh, wow. Time’s up already? I’ve been having so much fun.” Steven said as he finished off his beer.
Kai glanced at their phone. “Me, too. You're right, the aunties will be heading back soon–you’ll probably want to be gone by then. Death by Auntie Inquisition is not a fun way to go.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“So, did you still want to meet tomorrow and go do something?” Steven asked.
“Sure. What do you suggest?” Kai replied.
“Nothing super early?” I asked. Because I’d like to rest a little more, perhaps study the other team a little.
“Sure. How about a surprise and we’ll pick you up here around noon?” Steven offered, glancing at me.
I nodded. That worked. What was he planning? Or was he hoping that I had an idea.
It could be either.
“That sounds perfect. Are you sure it’s okay to take me out tomorrow with your finals coming? I don't want to distract you. You probably have to study or something,” Kai offered, finishing their drink.
“It's fine,” Steven waved off.
I did want to watch some videos of the team that we’d be playing to study them. The Puck Panthers were no joke. But we’d also do some of that as a team.
“Okay, I’d like that. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your game. Going all the way to finals is huge and I understand if you need to be focused.” Kai’s eyes flickered over to me.
“It’s fine,” I assured. Honestly, I did want to see Kai again. I forgot that seeing people could be fun and noteveryone was out there to just snag an alpha.
Maybe that’s why this felt different. Kai wasn’t looking for anyone, because they’d just broken up with their alpha. They lived in Hawai'i, were getting a PhD and had plans that hockey players didn’t even fit in. There were no expectations.
“I’ll see you tomorrow!” With a wave, Kai grabbed their phone and left the bar.
I took Steven’s hand as my gaze followed Kai.
“That went well,” Steven muttered. “Better than I thought. I like her.”
“I like Kai too.” I squeezed his hand. “Now, let’s go home.”
Chapter Seven
