Page 54 of Golden Goal

“A few. Did you pick Sebastian?”

“No.” She laughs. “I still can’t believe he showed up and then stayed.”

“He seems to like you an awful lot. Maybe you should give him a chance.”

Before she can say anything, we’re each handed a folded sheet of paper. I stare down at mine. Do I want to open this now? Or do I want to wait until I get home? At least she gave me something, unless it’s blank because no one was interested in me. Which would make things easier.

Sutton unfolds her paper, reading whatever names are on it. At least one of us had a successful evening. I sigh and do the same. On my sheet is one name—Cyril, the accountant I talked to at the very beginning of the event, with the Siamese cat. Next to his name is his email and phone number.

I open my mouth to ask Sutton if she’s happy with her matches, but am cut off by Sebastian.

“I think there was a mistake, love.” He shakes his paper at Sutton. “Your name isn’t on here.”

“Because we didn’t match.”

I chuckle into my glass, watching their interaction out of the corner of my eye.

Sebastian’s shoulders drop, and he runs a hand through his hair. “What do I have to do to convince you to go out with me?”

She pats him on the arm. “It’s not you. This job is my dream. I refuse to do anything that might ruin it. If we date and things don’t work out, how will I be able to see you at events around the arena?”

“But what if we work out?” He blows out a breath and appears to give himself a little shake. “I get it. If you ever change your mind, let me know.”

“I won’t, but okay.” She gives him a weak smile that he returns before saying his goodbyes.

“Shit, Sutton,” I mutter once he’s gone. “Way to break the guy’s heart.”

She downs the rest of her wine. “I know. But I can’t risk my career for him. For any guy. As nice as he is, I just can’t.”

As much as I hate to admit it I understand where she’s coming from and can’t say I blame her.

Chapter twenty-two

Holt

I’m getting settled into my seat on the plane on Saturday morning when Sebastian walks down the aisle. He looks rough, which is odd because he’s not the type to go out and drink or party. He might be a tough as nails defenseman on the ice, but I know he’s a homebody the same way I am.

“You almost missed the flight,” Wes tells him before doing a double take when he sees the state he’s in. “What happened?”

Sebastian blows out a breath, taking a seat in the empty row in front of me. “Went to a speed dating event last night.”

“Why’d you do that?” Hunter asks.

“A little birdie told me Sutton would be there. I was hoping to convince her to go out with me.”

I can’t help chuckling. It’s common knowledge that Sebastian has the biggest crush on Sutton and has been trying to get her to go out with him since he got traded to the team last season. She always refuses. He’s even sent her flowers a few times, and occasionally brings her coffee, or her favorite donut. I feel bad for the guy with how much he pines after her, all that unrequited love.

“How’d it go?” Wes asks.

“Bloody awful, mate.” Sebastian shakes his head. “Had to talk to all these other women just so I could speak to Sutton, and none of them were my type. Fawning all over me and my accent. The only one I actually enjoyed talking to was Rebecca.”

“Becca was there?”

Shit. Should not have said that. There’s no missing the way Hunter’s eyes widen at my question, or the way Wes’s lips quirk up into a grin that he quickly hides.

“Yep,” Sebastian answers.

I bite back the growl that wants to break free. She went to a speed dating event? Did she get any guys’ numbers? Is she seeing someone now?