“Seriously?” This could be huge for Kinsley and me. We’re getting by on my ECHL salary, but just barely.
He pats me on the shoulder. “Keep pulling hat tricks, and you’ll get bumped up by the end of the season.”
Caution slides in, tempering my first reaction. “Is that definite?”
“No, but I believe in you, Luke. You’ve always had what it takes.”
I swallow and give him a curt nod. “Thanks.”
After practice, I get cleaned up, then head toward Sophie’s office to see if she might be free for dinner. Or something. I just want to see her. Get a feel of where we stand in the daylight. That kind of thing, you know?
But she’s not there, and when I asked a couple of the trainers, they said they hadn’t seen her.
I pull out my phone to text her but find she beat me to the punch.
Sophie: I’m heading to the beach to take some pictures. Want to tag along?
LUKE: Where are you now?
SOPHIE: Parking lot.
Pocketing my phone, I head out the exit. She’s leaning against her car, eyes closed with her face tilted up toward the sun. Her jean-clad legs are crossed at the ankles, and she’s wearing a light pink T-shirt.
Because I want to memorize every detail about her, I slow my steps, but the crunch of my shoes on the asphalt alerts her to my presence.
She smiles at me. “Does this mean you’re coming along?”
I hold my hands out from my sides. “That’s why I’m here.”
She smirks. “Think you can take a little heat, Iceman?”
No one’s ever called me that, and I think I like it…coming from her, that is. “It’s not that hot out.”
“Then let’s go.”
Once we’re in the car, my phone pings with multiple texts. My first thought is what Gabe told me during practice. Maybe he has an update already? Or it could be Kinsley. When I check, I find several messages from the guys.
PAYTON: Did I just see Jammer with Sophie?
WADE: Yes. I’m here to say I was a witness.
ETHAN: Way to go, bro!
MATHÉO: What did I miss?
WADE: Luke’s got it bad for the camera girl!
MATHÉO: You mean Sophie? Really?
WADE: Yeah, man. Get your head out of your bucket. Practice is over.
ETHAN: Take it easy, guys. Let’s not ruin the glow of his hatty.
PAYTON: …
At least Ethan’s trying to control that Gongshow.
Sophie glances at me. “What’s all that about?”
