“You did share fries with him, though, and he was really kind about everything. And phew.” She fanned her face. “Damn, that kiss was fire. I thought I was going to need to get the soda hose out so the whole bar didn’t combust.”
“Very funny. It was just a kiss and completely out of character for me. I’m blaming the vodka sodas.”
“Looked like you were completely out of body, too. Damn, girl. And your drinks weren’t even that strong.”
“At least Roger left. God, what a fucking disaster.”
Miranda put her hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “It’ll be fine. Eventually he’ll find some other woman to annoy.”
I huffed out a laugh. “Yeah, we’ll see about that. Although I’m not wishing that on anyone, really. Okay, I’m outta here. I’m exhausted and this clusterfuck didn’t help.”
“Or you just want to go home and dream about that epic kiss.”
“You are so annoying.”
“Don’t hear you denying it.”
I refused to acknowledge her last comment and I refused to let my brain think about that damn kiss. “Is my dinner on the house, too?”
FML.
“Looks like that adorable man tipped enough to cover both of your tabs, but you better tip your excellent waitress.” She grinned.
“If I must,” I teased, dropping some money on the bar top.
“Thank you. Now, go home and get some rest. Have a wonderful weekend knowing that your douchebag ex can’t call you because you blocked his dipshit ass. And when you’re ready, text that gorgeous man who kissed your socks off.”
“My socks are still firmly on my feet, I’ll have you know, and I am not texting anyone,” I muttered, grabbing my bag and phone.
“We’ll see.”
“Thanks for another great meal, Randy. Sorry for that scene.”
“Anytime, Dani. And don’t even worry about that. Let us know if you need anything else, okay? And stay safe,” Randy said.
“I will. Thanks, guys.”
Walking out of the bar, I glanced around the parking lot. It was important to always be aware of my surroundings and now Roger was making me question if he was waiting for me to leave, like that would somehow make me more amenable to talking everything out with him. I’d never been afraid of him before, and I hated the uncertainty I was currently feeling.
Ugh, why did I even go out with him in the first place. I should’ve known better than to hook up with a hockey player.
TUCKS
“Drop to your butterfly and close your eyes,” Brady Stock, my goalie coach, said the next morning.
Booksy grinned. “Sounds kinky, Stocks.”
I rolled my eyes at Cameron Keats, the Stampede’s backup goalie. The guy typically had a book or e-reader in his hand, which is how he’d earned his nickname. “Want to talk about what you’re reading these days?”
“Nah, I’m good. So we doing blind practice now?”
“I’ve noticed fewer paperbacks. You hiding your books now?”
He scoffed. “Of course not.”
We’d already done a full team morning skate, but Stocks had wanted Booksy and me to stick around for some extra practice.We’d been at it for about twenty minutes and both of us were getting loopy.
“Stop chattering and focus,” Stocks said. “We’ve done this drill before and you know it.”
