I cleared my throat, trying to ignore the sizzle in my body. “Don’t change the subject. We were talking about you. This must be hard for you. The season starts soon. The first game is next week, right?"
"Yeah."
"Are you going to watch it?"
He nodded. "I'm going to sit in the stands."
I grimaced. "Wow. That's going to be a tough evening."
“We’ll see.”
I had the distinct impression that he didn’t want to talk about this anymore, so I didn’t prod.
The front door of the rink opened, and five kids ran toward us. Well, toward Tyler, to be honest.
"Tyler, my mom wouldn't believe it when I told her you were training us,” Tim said as soon as he was in front of Tyler. “Can you take a picture with me so I can show her later? You could email it to Kendra, and Kendra can send it to Mom."
"Sure, buddy. You’re Tim, right?"
“Yes. Ohmigosh, you remember my name.”
“It’s a cool name.” Tyler pulled out his phone without any hesitation, hugging the kid with one arm and smiling at the screen. Tim grinned brilliantly, and my heart sighed even more than it had last time. I didn't know why, but I found this incredibly attractive.
Tyler’s honest, welcoming actions were a bigger deal for the kids than he may ever know.
After Tyler took the pic, Tim ran straight to his friends. I bet he was bragging. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Tyler talking on the phone. It didn’t last long, though. He pocketed his cell as soon as Tim and the rest went into the locker room.
“I spoke to my friend. He says it’s all good. The kids can come on Thursday. Is that okay?”
“Yes, and wow, that was fast.”
“I’m good at using emotional blackmail for a good cause.”
I’m not melting. I’m not melting. Who am I kidding? I’m melting.
How was this sexy-as-hell, super successful star hockey player so amazing? So real? Boy, I had him pegged wrong.
“I’ll tell my boss about it. I have to clock in every activity I organize. I’ll probably have to come too. It states in my job profile that I have to be there for any new activity that wasn’t pre-approved.”
Tyler’s entire face lit up. His gaze turned even more intense than before.
“That’s an unexpected perk.”
“What is?” I was thoroughly confused.
He stood taller, and somehow the muscles of his arms seemed even more defined.
Eyes on his face, Kendra. On. His. Face.
“Your presence.”
Oh wow.My body fired up in an instant. I opened my mouth, unsure how to reply, then shut it firmly before saying what wasreally on my mind. My pulse quickened. I had to fight the urge to press my palm over my heart; it felt like it might break through my rib cage any second now.Calm down, heart. It was one thing to acknowledge his hotness—it was impossible not to, since it kept smacking me in the face—but no heart flutters.
His smile matched his gaze, full of intent. I couldn’t exactly say what kind of intent, though my body seemed to have ideas.
I cleared my throat, hoping my voice would be even. “I’m going to check with my boss and let you know the details.”
“Good. I look forward to hearing from you, Kendra.”
