“Leo,” she says, then leans forward and whispers, “You’re a brave soul.”
“Trust me, I’m aware.” I shake my head. “I have a feeling I’m making his life miserable.”
“Don’t be fooled,” she says. “Leo’s a good skater—if you can get him to smile a little, he’d be even better.”
“I don’t know how to train him. Any advice?” Since Sloan is married to a hockey player, she’s one of the few who could help me.
“Leo is one of the fastest learners on the team,” Sloan says. “That’s kind of perfect—if you can ignore the attitude.”
“He’s got attitude in spades,” the other woman says with a laugh. “I’m Jaz, by the way, Sloan’s sister.” She reaches out to shake my hand. “I work as the community relations manager for the Crushers, so I get to see Leo shine. Surprisingly, he’s the most wonderful volunteer with kids.”
I blink. “Are you talking about the same Leo I know?”
“Yeah, we require all the players to volunteer reading in a local elementary school. Leo has been phenomenal. He hasn’t missed a weekly visit since we started. And he’s especially great with kids who get in trouble.”
The idea of Leo working with little kids makes my stomach feel funny—in a good way.
“He can make you a stronger athlete if you can work around hisgrumpiness,” Sloan says.
I laugh. “It’s more like an incurable condition.”
Jaz raises her eyebrows. “Believe it or not, I’ve seen him smile. Once or twice. Mostly around kids.”
“He’s already made it pretty clear he’s not a fan of figure skaters.” I glance over to where Leo has moved to the bench, looking like he’d rather be swarmed by hornets than practice with me.
Jaz gives me a sympathetic smile and pats my shoulder. “That’s because you’re winning everyone over so quickly. It probably drives him nuts that you’re suddenly a team favorite and he’s not.”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” I say. “I’m amazed my dad has the patience for him.”
“It doesn’t hurt that he’s helped win more than a few games,” Jaz says. “And he’s conveniently single.” She gives me a not-so-subtle grin.
“Um, no. Leo and I dated before and proved we don’t work together. He’d never consider dating me after how things went down.”
“You might be surprised,” Jaz says. “If you can get past the grump on the outside, he’s got a good heart underneath... if you can find it.”
“Like the Grinch?” I ask.
“Exactly,” Sloan laughs.
Even though I know Leo used to be my ride or die, he seems like a different person now. More reserved and less fun, like being a professional hockey player changed him—and not in a good way.
“Two and a half months of Leo the Ego?” I say. “I just hope I survive.”
“If you need a pep talk, feel free to stop by my office,” Jaz offers. “I’m in the Crushers’ building most days.”
“Ooh, I know... you should join us for girls’ night at our place,” Sloan says excitedly.
I smile. “I’d love that. Most of my skating acquaintances treat me like competition, and making friends in Sully’s Beach has been a struggle.” I nod toward Leo. “Any advice before I face off with him?”
“Good luck?” Sloan says with a laugh.
I turn to find my partner watching from the bench. He looks away quickly, but there’s something there—a little spark that tells me he’s not totally uninterested in me.
SEVEN
leo
Iwill not let that woman get under my skin.
