“We’d love that. It’s a date,” he said, his smile continuing to hurt his face.How do people do this all the time?
Chase opened his mouth to say something, but Tobias never found out what because a loud buzzing interrupted them, Tobias’ phone lit up where he left it on a bench. As he approached, he saw Natalie smiling back at him on his screen.
“Who’s that?” Chase asked, his gaze curious.
“It’s my sister calling from Milan.”
Tobias wondered if it would be rude to answer withChase here, or if it would be weird to introduce them over the phone.
No, it’s way too soon.
‘You don’t know unless you ask.’
I don’t want to freak him out.
‘He could easily say no if he wants.’
“You know, your face is making it pretty obvious you’re having one of those conversations with yourself,” Chase said, interrupting his thoughts. “Why don’t you just tell me what you’re wrestling with and I promise not to judge?”
Tobias took a deep breath.
This guy was starting to understand him more than anyone ever had, and that alone made it easier to voice his racing thoughts.
“Do you want to meet her?”
Chase calmly walked over to where Tobias stood with his phone and grabbed his hand, intertwining their fingers.
“I’m with you, if you’re okay with me meeting her. And you can refer to me in whatever way makes you the most comfortable. Friend, employee, potential for more,” Chase said as he flashed him a teasing smile.
Tobias smiled. “Absolutely.”
He missed the call so he quickly redialed.
Tobias gave Chase one last glance as it rang. “You sure?”
Chase nodded. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Fuck, I hope he really means that.
“Hey, Nat,” Tobias croaked. “Mom and Maddie aren’t home. They went to this salon for little girls where they make them into princesses. They’re apparently all the rage right now.”
Natalie barked out a laugh. “Oh wow, Maddie must be in heaven.”
The familiar sound of her chuckles made Tobias miss her even more.
“So, I wanted to introduce you to someone,” he said as he angled the phone so Natalie could see both him and Chase. “Do you remember me telling you about Chase?”
“How could I forget?” she said. “Chase in the flesh. Maddie has told me so much about you. Almost as much as Toby.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Tobias laughed. Chase took a step closer, until he pressed against Tobias’ back, Chase’s hand settling on him and rubbing up and down his spine, calming Tobias’ nerves.
“Nice to meet you, Natalie. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Chase is here helping me train for hockey. I’m trying to get back in shape for the alumni game. It’s almost a month away, but I think I’ll be ready.”
Natalie’s brows rose. “I thought that was your basement behind you. That’s so exciting! I can’t wait to seeyou back on that ice.”
Tobias could feel his cheeks heating. “I can’t wait to see you out there either, kicking some international ass.”
