“Hey, I told you what I do for a living this time.” I quirk a grin, waiting for my reward.
And there it is. That smile’s fast becoming one of my favorite things. I wonder what it would look and feel like to make her laugh?
The twist in my gut is either warning me to back off or trying to tell me something I’m not ready to hear.
“There’s a little place about a block from here that has the best pizza of your life. I highly recommend it.” I push my door open more, intending to put my bag inside and scrap my plans for room service and a dumb movie. That is if she’ll even want to go with me…
“Wait.” She’s staring at me again with those big browns. “You must be hungry since you didn’t get a snack when the bus stopped.”
I’m a six-foot-three hockey player. I’m always hungry. And I think she’s about to beat me to the punch. “I am.”
“Pizza sounds great. Care to tag along?”
“Sure.” I toss my bag inside the room and shut the door.
We head back toward the elevators in companionable silence, only glancing at each other as the bell chimes and the doors slide open. I make a casual gesture for her to enter first, keeping my gentlemanly stance in place. I even clasp my hands in front of me as we ride down to the bottom floor.
I may appear calm on the outside, but my insides are buzzing as if I just scored a goal.
CHAPTER 12
LUKE
Ishould have realized I wouldn’t be the only one to think of this place. Their pizza is legendary in my book. But I’d hoped to have the chance to spend some one-on-one time with Sophie.
Why? That’s a good question. One I’m not sure how to answer right now. Let’s just say I’m drawn to her, especially after seeing her asleep against my arm, snuggling in closer when I moved. The rest of her interview questions were curious yet respectful. I thought for sure she would have probed further at times, but she didn’t. So, yeah, maybe I’m rethinking my take on reporters—journalists.
As soon as we walk in, several of the guys whistle or call us over. Ethan gives me a bro hug, then orders Payton and Wade to move down a seat, leaving the two chairs at the end of the extended table for Sophie and me.
I glare at Ethan to make sure he gets the message to stop orchestrating things to put Sophie and me together. He shrugs as if he’s totally innocent. I send the same warning to Payton, who pretends innocence as well. Wade must be in on it, too, because he’s trying his hardest not to look at me. They betteruse gloves with their phones later because I intend to burn them good in our group text.
Sophie slides into the chair at the end of the table, while I sit on the side next to Ethan.
My knees bump into hers when I sit down. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay.” She scoots farther from me, presumably to create more space. But that puts her closer to Jayce, who, unfortunately, is sitting across from me.
Great. I get to stare at his mug for the evening instead of Sophie’s beautiful face. Doesn’t help that she’s angled toward him now.
Perhaps for the best. Just because she happened to be there when I was about to have a meltdown doesn’t mean she’s attached to me.
The guys had already ordered several pies and enough salad to feed a herd of cows, as well as four large orders of spaghetti and meatballs so we could eat family-style. Plenty of carbs and veggies to load up on for tomorrow.
Sophie takes her first bite and hums in appreciation. She turns those eyes of hers my way. “You weren’t kidding about the pizza.”
“I never kid about pizza.” I’ve already inhaled the one piece I’m allowing myself so I can work on the rest. Too much cheese makes me sluggish, and I need every bit of speed I have for tomorrow.
Jayce shrugs. “I’ve had better.”
I choose to ignore his remark, recognizing it for what it is. Jayce makes everything to do with me a competition. Remembering that Sophie accused me of the same thing hits me square in the face. Guess my brain gets something to gnaw on as well.
Doesn’t take long for a team of hockey players to inhale our meal. As they finish, they trickle out, planning to return to the hotel or do some sightseeing. Ethan, Payton, and Wade stand up at the same time to leave.
“Where you guys headed?” I’m not ready to go back to my room, so I’m curious about what they’re up to next.
Wade yawns, but I can tell it’s fake. “Back to the hotel to get some rest. Big day tomorrow.”
After a glance at Payton, Ethan pats me on the shoulder. “Same here, man. It’s almost my bedtime anyway.”
