“So you are staying for dinner,” Jaxon says, “even though you weren’t invited, got it.”
“You’re welcome,” I retort as I reach for the plates. “Zane, you don’t mind if I stay, do you?” I smile at him then look at Zane, who just watches me, not saying a word.
“It’s fine with me,” he answers and gives me a little smirk before I walk back to the table and set it.
“Do you want something to drink, Zane?” Ariella asks him as Jaxon takes the tray out of the oven.
“He looks like a whiskey man,” I state and see his eyes flicker, but he gives away nothing.
“I’m good with water,” he says, walking into the kitchen and I can feel his eyes on me as I set the table. “Is there anything I can do to help?” he asks.
I’m about to mumble out, “You can take me in the bathroom and do me against the door,” but I bite my tongue before I actually say it out loud.
“We’re all good,” Ariella says, grabbing water bottles out of the fridge and placing them on the counter. Ten minutes later, we are sitting down at the table. I pull out the chair next to Zane and sit down, smiling at him. His hand is resting on the top of the table and the pull to slide my hand in his is so fucking strong.
Jaxon picks up the tray that has grilled chicken on it as he takes a piece and then hands it to Zane, who then hands it to me. “Thank you,” I tell him and his eyes light up a touch. “So you’re the brand-new coach?” I ask him and he nods his head, not saying anything. “That’s exciting.”
“It is,” he replies, not giving me anything more as Jaxon hands him the plate that has the potatoes and veggies.
“I heard that you are the youngest coach in the NHL,” I mention, and he just nods his head awkwardly.
“Tori,” Jaxon says my name, “this isn’t an inquisition. Let him chill.”
“I’m just making conversation,” I respond. “Your family must be really proud of you,” I blurt out as he looks up at me as he cuts his piece of chicken. “Are you a single child.”
“They are.” He looks at me, “I’m not I have an older sister.”
“Do they live near here?” I ask trying to lead up to the most important question that I want to ask him.
“No, they are all on the east coast.”
“Are you married?” I finally ask him the loaded question and the only question that really matters.
“Tori,” Jaxon hisses.
“What? I’m trying to make conversation and get to know your guest.” I grab a string bean and put it in my mouth.
“I’m not married,” he answers, not giving me anything more.
“Kids?” I ask him and I see Jaxon share a look with Ariella.
“No to that also,” he replies.
“So how long have you been the head guy in charge?” I ask him and he looks over at me.
“Five months now,” he says, and I nod my head.
“Have you always lived here?” I ask him since he’s not going to do any of the talking during this time.
“I moved here three years ago, when I got the assistant job,” he tells me.
“I just moved here myself for a job. Right after graduation,” I state, smiling at him. “I came to visit my brother five months ago.” I make sure to add in that little piece of information for him, his face looking like he’s seen a ghost. “And I was offered a job. Thought, why not?”
“I don’t think he cares,” Jaxon mumbles as he eats his food.
“Well, it’s a good thing I’m here or he would be asleep in his plate since you haven’t said a word.” I smirk at him. “So do you live near here?”
“Yeah,” he says, and I look over at him, “not too far, a house on the beach.”
