I laugh. “Don’t worry, you can pay me back somehow.”
Erik’s face flushes a light shade of pink and I struggle to keep my expression neutral. If only my friends could see me using cheesy pickup lines on attractive strangers right now.
“Uh, so, what do you do for work?” Erik asks, changing the subject.
“I’m a Financial Analyst for Worldwide Bank. It’s pretty dull, but it pays the bills.”
“Oh, so you’re smart, then.”
I decide to stay modest. “Nah, I’ve got everyone at work fooled. What about you?”
“I play hockey here. AHL.”
Oh, god. He’s a hockey player.
Ofcoursehe’s a hockey player.
It seems like every time I find a guy attractive, hehappensto play hockey. As much as I keep trying to convince myself that it’s the muscles and ruggedness that draw me in, it’s impossible. It’s an open secret at this point: I have a thing for guys who can tie their skates up tight and tie me up even tighter.
Or pin me down. I’m not picky.
“That’s cool!” I say, snapping out of my wandering thoughts. “How long have you been on the team in Toronto?”
“It’s my third season here. It’s been great?—”
A raucous group of people crashes into the space beside us, cutting Erik off. They’re yelling, loud enough to drown out the music.
I wince, trying to focus on Erik.
His brow furrows. “This place is getting crowded.” He’s barely audible over the commotion.
I nod in agreement. “Yeah, let’s get out of here.”
Erik downs his beer and heads for the exit, his imposing frame parting the crowd and clearing a path for me. We reach the door, and the cool night air is a refreshing change from the stifling heat of the bar.
“Much better,” I say.
“Definitely.”
“So, what do you want to do now?” My voice is totally casual, but inside, my mind is racing. I left a bar with a guy who’s attractive as hell, and we aren’t making a beeline for either of our places. It’s chill, and this night could go anywhere.
Erik glances at me, rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn’t even feel like going out tonight,” he admits. “It’s the first time I’ve been to a gay bar in, like, a year. My teammates showed up at my apartment after practice and practically shoved me out the door.”
Well, that explains his surprise when I bought him a drink.
Smiling, I shove my hands into my pockets. “Ha, that’s funny. My friends talked me into coming out tonight, too.”
“Seems like we both owe our buddies a favor.” He grins, and it’s the most relaxed I’ve seen him so far.
Holy shit, he’s so cute.
As we talk, our steps slow, and I realize we’re walking by my building.
“Hey, this is my place,” I say. “Want to come up for another drink?” My breath hitches. While the prospect of undressing hishockey-toned body and running my hands over him makes my heart race, hooking up might not be the best way to kick things off with Erik.
There’s a flicker of feelings, and I’m not opposed to letting those grow.
“I’d love to, but I have morning skate tomorrow, so I should get some sleep.”
