“Shoot.”
“You said you would've scored that goal three years ago. This is probably a dumb question to ask you, and I'm sure you've already thought of it. But I wanted to ask you anyway.”
“Go on.”
“Did you happen to change sticks around that time, three years ago?”
I knew exactly what she was getting at, and I'd already thought of it myself, but I was still damned impressed that she'd thought of it.
“Yeah. I switched to a stick with a bigger curve in the blade. The bigger curve makes for a better forehand shot, but a worse backhand.”
“I know that.” She smiled. “So, sounds like that's why you've been missing that shot for three years?” She looked so cute, trying to hide how proud she felt at that moment. She thought she'd figured out my problem—but it wasn't that easy. Things never were.
I shrugged. “Part of the problem, sure. But I can't just switch back like that.”
“Why not?”
“When Colorado traded for me, they made me captain and told me they expected me to lead our offense in scoring. Sure, if I go back to my old stick, I might score that one—but I'll score 5 or even 10 less goals a year total.”
Her face crumpled with defeat. “Oh …”
“But hey. Most people wouldn't immediately make that connection. So how big a hockey fan are you, Honor? Did you play in a women's league?”
“Me? Oh, no, but all my older brothers played hockey growing up. And the only reason I thought to ask you that was because my brother Derek had the same problem. He couldn't figure out for the longest time why his backhand shot wasn't nearly as good as it used to be—until he went back to his old stick with the flatter blade.”
“Sounds about right.”
“Who knows? Maybe you could just try your old stick again, Rockwell. You never know.” She popped her door open and dangled a leg out. “Don't get me in trouble over this ride, please?”
“I won't.” I winked at her. “It'll be our little secret.”
She held up a stern finger. “And no more flirting with me, either. I'm serious.” Then she shut the car door.
I didn't drive off until I made sure she got through the door safely. Not that I minded staying and watching those legs as she ran up to her building.
Man. She's really cute.
Something about her really was different from the others.
Chapter 6:
Done
Honor
It was past 10 when I finally made it home, thanks to Todd. I was still in a bad mood—but nowhere near as bad as itcould'vebeen, if Hunter hadn't given me a ride home and I was still waiting out that freezing cold rain.
Todd sat on the couch, lit by the glow of the television, immersed in his games. I stepped right in front of the TV and turned it off.
“Hey!” Todd yelled. “What'd you do that for!”
“I tried calling youall night,Todd! You left me stranded out there! In a new city! In the freezing rain!”
“Yeah, well, uh.” Todd scratched his head. “So … did you get the job?”
“I did.”
“Oh. Great. Good for you.”
