So Pucking Over You (Power Play Off The Ice: Snowed In For The Holidays)

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

Oakley

That’s not what he was going to say. It also doesn’t match the look in his eyes. He was going to say something personal. I’d bet money it was about us.

In the cab of his truck, I was aware of every side eye he gave me. How he ran his gaze over me when he thought I wasn’t paying attention. I swear he almost reached for my hand once but instead fisted it on his thigh.

I’m not the most experienced woman out there, but could he be interested in me? If he has feelings for me what’s holding him back? I wonder if my brother threatened him with rule seven of the bro code? Don’t date your bro’s sister.

That is so something Gordy would do. Hell, he’d still have me locked in my room if he could. I could ask Gordy, but he’d lie. If he did say something to Dash, he’d deny it. If he didn’t, he’d lie and say he did because he didn’t see it coming, or my interest in Dash.

This is something I need to figure out on my own. Handle my way.

By the time we head out from the diner there’s a good foot and a half of snow accumulated on the parking lot we need to cross.

Dash takes my hand and tugs me to a stop. “Let me carry you.”

“Are you kidding me? No way. You have to be able to play in three days and we need that win. You fall carrying me and we’ll both be out of a job. I have boots on. I can handle this. You be careful. Don’t you dare fall and bang up your knee.”

He shakes his head but reaches for my hand. “Let’s help each other.”

We make it to the motel door entrance without incident, but I’m damn cold. We should have layered more. “You want to warm up in the shower?”

“What?” he almost shouts and a faint flush stains his cheeks.

Humm, did he think I meant together? Now that’s an idea I could get behind. Soon, I promise myself. “Do you want to go first?”

“Ah, no, you go ahead. I-ah-need to call and check in on the ranch.”

Rifling through my suitcase I realize the only nightgown I brought is one that The Jerk gave me. I need to burn it when I get home.

“Do you have a T-shirt I could borrow to sleep in? I really didn’t pack enough. Once we get to Buffalo, I’ll need to get to my place and pick up more clothes.”

“Sure,” he grabs one from his bag and tosses it to me.

In the bathroom I place my phone and the shirt on the counter and climb under the warm spray. The heat feels good, relaxing, comforting. When I’m warm, I dry and hold his shirt to my nose. It smells like him—woodsy, warm, comforting.

Wearing his shirt I blow dry my shoulder length hair. The heat fills the room with his scent. All my girly parts pulse to life.

Does he even see me? How do I get his attention? His interest?

Grabbing my phone, I see a couple missed messages from my parents.

Dad: Your mother saw the posts on that social media place and showed me. That jackass Markel was never good enough for you, Oakley. Be glad he showed his true colors.

Dad: I talked to Gordy. He said you and Dash are traveling separately from the bus and that you were able to find a motel room to get out of the weather and you’re safe. Dash is a good man. I trust him to watch over you.

We got tickets for the game. Roads permitting we’re coming to town whether they play or not so we can see you, your brother and Dash. Happy New Year’s Eve. Love you.

Dad: Hold on, your mom wants to say something.

I laugh, tears filling my eyes. Mom and Dad are new to texting and I’m really proud of them for getting into it. We practiced over Christmas.

Mom: Honey this is mom on your father’s phone. Gordy said you got fired by that little weasel at the paper. Sorry, but I’m glad. He didn’t appreciate you. He also said you got hired by the Blades to work in Public Relations. That’s the kind of job I know you’ll love and be so good at. We are so proud of you.

Mom: Your father and I have seen the photos and the videos. I’m so glad Dash was there to prevent you from kicking that SOB in the balls even though he deserved it. We both know he wasn’t the one for you. Maybe it’s time you went after what you really want. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.

Mom: We love you. Happy New Year. See you in a couple days. Be safe.

Mom: Give Dash our love.

Did my mother just say what I think she said? Did she just tell me to make a move on Dash?

I know she’s caught me watching him a couple times over Christmas and maybe over the summer when he came for the fourth of July picnic. I was sure I brushed it off and redirected her, but…

Me: Mom, what are you saying?

Dad: Hold on honey. Mom walked out of the room. I’ll take her the phone.

Oh my god. I forgot this is Dad’s phone and he’ll be reading all of this. I press my forehead to the wall.

Mom: Hi honey, it’s Mom. Don’t you remember that I proposed to your father because he was dragging his feet. That young man you want isn’t immune to you. I’ve seen how he watches you. How he cares for you. Use a little perfume before you go to bed. And snuggle. It’s cold outside.

Make sure he uses protection. Love you.

I don’t believe this. Slumping against the counter I wonder if that last one was from Mom or Dad.

I splash cold water on my face and stare at my image as I brush my teeth.

He’s in the other room. The man I want. The man of my dreams. Maybe Mom is right. If you want it, you need to grow a pair and go for it.

Dash is sitting in a chair watching the weather report. He glances up when I walk in wearing his T-shirt that I’ve knotted at my hip. He swallows hard as his gaze travels from my head to my thighs where his shirt ends. The heat in his gaze gives me hope and courage.

He clears his throat. “Gordy says they’ve cleared the cars in front of the bus and the drivers are willing to push through following the plows. They’re about five hours behind us. According to the guy at the front desk, they clear the highway first then come back to the access roads. It will be two to three hours after that before the parking lot is plowed and we’ll have access to the highway.

“If we get some sleep and leave here around four in the morning we should get to Buffalo about the same time as the team.

“It will be a tough game especially since the other team is already in Buffalo. We’ll maybe get a decent night’s sleep but not much practice time.” He shrugs. “Coach is trying to have the start time pushed out an hour or so since most people who would be coming will be dealing with the same travel impact of the storm.”

“Tomorrow, if it’s clear and you trust me, I can drive and you can get some sleep and at least stretch out a little more,” I offer.

He nods, places his laptop on the table and heads to the bathroom.

I pack up my laptop and organize my suitcase for a quick exit then roll it beside where Dash put his. He’s laid his clothes out for the morning. Jeans, T-shirt and sweater are stacked on top. The sky-blue sweater is one I gifted him two years ago for Christmas.

Glancing at the dresser I see Dash’s keys, change and wallet. Running my finger over the worn leather and tracing the engraved horse head my heart skips a beat. That was the gift I gave him the first year he came to Christmas with Gordy. The key chain was the year after.

He's kept my gifts and obviously uses them. I’ve seen how he watches you.

Why haven’t I seen it? Because I was too embarrassed and out of his league to think he’d ever see me. Pulling off his T-shirt, I rifle through my carryon until I find just what I think will get his attention. Crawling into bed next to the wall I wait and plan.