“Hey, I agree. Who doesn’t love a blowjob?” he winks at me and I die a little inside; this is so embarrassing because now I’m thinking about blowjobs and Ryan, and Ryan getting a blowjob. From me.
“Is it because you’re bad at them, Jen? I’ll take one for the team, and you know, let you practise on me,” Hutch offers.
“I’ve heard what you’re packing, Hutch, and I mean no offence, but I’d need a lot more to work with.” I totally meant to offend him. Besides, I don’t have any clue about the size of his dick.
Danny and Hutch laugh, but I catch Ryan’s eye, and he gives me a look, something burning in his eyes.
“Back to tickets. Do you want to use mine? I’ve got two, apparently, and you’re welcome to them,” Ryan says.
“Oh, that’s really kind, but I can’t ask you to do that.”
“You’re not asking. I’m offering.” There’s sincerity in his voice. He takes his glove off and places it under his arm.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.” My eyes settle on him and I can’t look away.
He takes his helmet off and runs his hand through his hair, sweat glistening, making the act look like something out of a Diet Coke advert. Oh, he knows what he’s doing.
“Sure. Do you have your phone? Let me add my number.”
I nod; but I’m sure players leave tickets at the box office under a collection name; I don’t think he needs my number, but I take it out of my bag and hand it over, anyway. He taps away, and then I see him press ‘Call’, letting it ring out before handing it back.
“All set.” He hands me back my phone, and I slip it into my pocket. “I’ll text you about that coffee, too.” He smiles and shoves his helmet back on before slipping his hand back into his glove. He’s skating backwards toward the group of skaters near centre ice, not taking his eyes off me.
“What was that about?” Danny asks, glancing toward Ryan, his jaw practically on the ice.
“He’s just sorting the tickets out,” I say, as if it’s obvious.
“You know that’s not what I meant.” There’s caution in his tone. Hutch says nothing; he jabs his stick along the edge of the boards, pretending not to listen. “That better be coffee between friends,” Danny warns.
“Of course it is. What’s it to do with you, anyway?” I don’t wait for him to respond, but to steer the conversation away, I mention my redundancy and ask if I can still store boxes at his place.
“Oh shit, that sucks. I’m sorry. Of course, anything you need just ask. You’re okay with Preston, though, right? I’m unsure what’s happening, but I don’t particularly appreciate how he looks at you. I know it’s none of my business, but I’d advise you to keep away. Those NHLers have a reputation, and I don’t want you getting caught up in all that after Nathan. Besides, if he’s anything like his brother…” he trails off, and I cock my head, waiting for him to continue, but he doesn’t.
“Nothing is going on. I don’t know what you’re on about,” I sigh.
Danny gives me a nod in reply. “By the way, Ryan is running with us in the mornings.”
Coach Adams shouts at the top of his voice again. “For Christ’s sake, Owens. Leave the girl alone. Both of you, laps. NOW!”
Chapter 5
Ryan
I’malwayskeentospend time with the youth players to see what sort of talent is coming through. It brings back good memories from my early days.
My mom was always up early to take Liam and me to skate before school. And on weekends, she spent them either at the rink, on the road going to another rink, or at the washing machine getting our gear laundered.
Jen sits on the home bench, her skates laced and ready to go. She has a notepad on her lap and her phone in one hand, head flicking back and forth between the two.
“Googling me?” I say in her ear before taking a seat. She jumps, and her free hand lands on her chest, drawing my eyes in the same direction. She catches me looking and zips her jacket up toward her throat with a blush.
“Oh my god, you made me jump!” she says.
“Sorry. What are you up to?” I ask.
“You’re really nosey for a stranger,” she says.
It’s funny, really, as I don’t feel like a stranger. My eyes flick to the screen of her phone without thinking. “Looking for a new job?”
