Page 39 of Date With Skates

“I wish I were small enough to fit in your coat with you,” I say as a shiver racks my body. Even with three layers, I’m freezing.

He laughs, unzippering it. “Fit as much as you can.”

I only manage to slide my arms in and lean against him, but it helps.

“You’re definitely part bear.”

“Some would call me a bear.”

I roll my eyes. “Your jokes are terrible.”

“Yet you keep coming back.”

“Your dick is nice.”

He laughs again, and I smile against his chest. I like this. I’m going to miss this. And I know he is too. Which is why I can’t say it. I can’t be the one to make this a thing. Because it can’t be a thing.

“I’m not fully sold on the polar bear thing, though,” I add. “I’m still getting Winnie the Pooh vibes..”

He really laughs this time, so loud it echoes around us.

“Maybe when my pants are off.”

“Don’t hate that image,” I say.

The bus takes us back to the Village. There’s hardly anyone out at this hour. Connor walks me to my building to see me inside. He goes all the way to the elevator to make sure I get on okay.

“Will I see you tomorrow?” he asks.

“I’ll be at your game, rooting for Canada.”

“Thank you for reminding me that this could never be serious.”

My stomach falls, but I keep a smile on my face.

“I’m not the settling down type anyway,” I say pointedly.

“Yeah, I didn’t think so.” There’s a smile on his face, but I don’t fully believe it. It feels forced.

“Good night, Hockey Boy,” I say as the doors start to close, making the sight of him narrower and narrower.

“Good night… Étienne.” He grins, and I gasp as the doors close.

I reach for the button to open them back up, but it’s too late. We’re already moving upwards.

He said it perfectly.

Connor McVoy said my name perfectly!

I smile all the way up and out into the hallway. As I pass Nico’s room, I stop, wanting to knock and see if he’s there, but it’s late. Even though he’s not performing anymore, he likes to get his beauty sleep. Maybe tomorrow I’ll tell him about Connor.

When I get back to my room, I take a long, hot shower. I feel the chill from outside all the way to my bones, and I wish Connor was here to keep me warm. I almost text him to tell him to come here so I can have his warmth. Maybe that’s what would help me sleep.

I don’t though, because I know he would, and sneaking him in here is just asking for trouble. He’s too big to be sneaky, and I have two roommates to worry about… Guess I’ll just freeze.

After I change into something to sleep in—sweats and a t-shirt, I throw on the sweatshirt he gave me. I settle into bed, pulling the collar up over my mouth and nose to breathe in the scent. It smells just like him.

I open the camera on my phone and snap a photo of me in it.