12. Luke
CHAPTER 12
LUKE
I should have realized I wouldn’t be the only one to think of this place. Their pizza is legendary in my book. But I’d hoped to have the chance to spend some one-on-one time with Sophie.
Why? That’s a good question. One I’m not sure how to answer right now. Let’s just say I’m drawn to her, especially after seeing her asleep against my arm, snuggling in closer when I moved. The rest of her interview questions were curious yet respectful. I thought for sure she would have probed further at times, but she didn’t. So, yeah, maybe I’m rethinking my take on reporters—journalists.
As soon as we walk in, several of the guys whistle or call us over. Ethan gives me a bro hug, then orders Payton and Wade to move down a seat, leaving the two chairs at the end of the extended table for Sophie and me.
I glare at Ethan to make sure he gets the message to stop orchestrating things to put Sophie and me together. He shrugs as if he’s totally innocent. I send the same warning to Payton, who pretends innocence as well. Wade must be in on it, too, because he’s trying his hardest not to look at me. They better use gloves with their phones later because I intend to burn them good in our group text.
Sophie slides into the chair at the end of the table, while I sit on the side next to Ethan.
My knees bump into hers when I sit down. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay.” She scoots farther from me, presumably to create more space. But that puts her closer to Jayce, who, unfortunately, is sitting across from me.
Great. I get to stare at his mug for the evening instead of Sophie’s beautiful face. Doesn’t help that she’s angled toward him now.
Perhaps for the best. Just because she happened to be there when I was about to have a meltdown doesn’t mean she’s attached to me.
The guys had already ordered several pies and enough salad to feed a herd of cows, as well as four large orders of spaghetti and meatballs so we could eat family-style. Plenty of carbs and veggies to load up on for tomorrow.
Sophie takes her first bite and hums in appreciation. She turns those eyes of hers my way. “You weren’t kidding about the pizza.”
“I never kid about pizza.” I’ve already inhaled the one piece I’m allowing myself so I can work on the rest. Too much cheese makes me sluggish, and I need every bit of speed I have for tomorrow.
Jayce shrugs. “I’ve had better.”
I choose to ignore his remark, recognizing it for what it is. Jayce makes everything to do with me a competition. Remembering that Sophie accused me of the same thing hits me square in the face. Guess my brain gets something to gnaw on as well.
Doesn’t take long for a team of hockey players to inhale our meal. As they finish, they trickle out, planning to return to the hotel or do some sightseeing. Ethan, Payton, and Wade stand up at the same time to leave .
“Where you guys headed?” I’m not ready to go back to my room, so I’m curious about what they’re up to next.
Wade yawns, but I can tell it’s fake. “Back to the hotel to get some rest. Big day tomorrow.”
After a glance at Payton, Ethan pats me on the shoulder. “Same here, man. It’s almost my bedtime anyway.”
I check my watch. “It’s barely six.”
He shrugs. “I need time to unwind.”
Payton’s sly grin tells me he’s in on whatever this is, too. I blast him with a glare worthy of my nickname. He opens his mouth to say something, but Ethan grabs him by the collar and drags him toward the door.
Sophie and I are the only ones left at a table that looks like a food Armageddon.
Once we pay our bills—she flat-out refused again when I tried to pay for hers—she rises from her chair and slings her bag over her shoulder. “The light’s amazing this time of day. I think I’ll go take some exterior photos of the arena to help with my article.”
I beat her to the door again, earning me a smile that makes me forget my concerns. All I know is I’m not ready for our time together to end.
A light breeze welcomes us as we walk outside. The sun has lowered, softening its light in preparation for the impending sunset. A sudden sense of ease overcomes me as if time slowed to allow us space at this moment.
The stretch of sidewalk is clear, so I zip ahead of her and turn around, walking backward. “I can show you how to get there. I know the area.”
An amused expression crosses her face. “What makes you think I don’t?” She pretends to be shocked. “You’re not making an assumption, are you?”
I feel myself smiling, and I can’t stop it. “Busted.”
This time, her surprise is genuine. “You didn’t…”
The soft tone in her voice stops me, and that itch I felt in my chest earlier floods back stronger than ever. “Didn’t what?”
She shakes her head, brushes past me, and then calls over her shoulder. “Doesn’t matter. Feel free to tag along.”
By the time we reach the arena, the first glimmers of the sunset streak the sky, casting abstract shapes of blues, purples, and pinks across the glass panels of the building. Sophie’s right. The lighting is perfect.
With a soft gasp, she stands in front of the arena like a kid on Christmas morning, floating her gaze from one side of the arena to the other.
“It’s gorgeous.” She pulls her camera out and shoves her bag against me without even looking at me. “Hold this.”
Camera stuck to her face, she moves in a fluid motion I find intriguing. And as mesmerized as she appears to be with the color display dancing across the architecture, I’m equally captivated by her.
Oblivious to anything else going on around her, she snaps shot after shot, changing direction and angles like a pro. Her focus reminds me of how I feel during a breakaway, intent on getting to the opposing team’s net before they can steal the puck. In those moments, the noise of the crowd ceases to exist. It’s just me, the puck, and the sound of my blades cutting through the ice.
Finally, she lowers her camera and does a sweeping scan of the arena from one side to the other. More purple than pink streaks the darkening blue sky now.
She walks over to where I’m leaning against a light pole right as it flickers on, casting a warm glow over her. “I think that’s enough. I can get more in the morning if I need it. ”
I sling her bag over my shoulder and take the camera from her. “Stand under the light.”
“Why?” She makes a grab for it, but I lift my arm out of her reach.
“The light’s amazing right now,” I tease.
She lifts a brow, her expression sardonic, but does as I ask. “You’re ridiculous sometimes, you know that?”
I frame her face in the camera viewer. The lighting isn’t just good, it’s perfect. The lamppost back-lights her hair, making her look like an angel.
Click . She shakes her head and rolls her eyes.
“Stop.” She waves me off and turns away, showing me her profile. Her nose has a slight curve and tilts up above the swell of her lips.
Click . Click .
“Okay, that’s enough, don’t you think?” She puts her hands on her hips and faces me, eyes wide, which about does me in.
I’m a sucker for them every time. Click. Click. Click.
“I think you’ve filled my data card enough, thank you very much.” She holds her hand out, wiggling her fingers for the camera.
“Sorry, not sorry?” I chuckle and hand it back to her. “How often do you get to be on the other side of the lens?”
“Never. And I prefer it that way.”
“Huh. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?”
She takes her bag back and crouches down to pack the camera in its special case. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I squat down in front of her, which puts my head above hers and close enough to take in her sweet scent. Her ponytail slides over her shoulder, impeding what she’s doing. I didn’t plan to do it. Just made sense to move her hair out of the way. But my callused fingers linger on the soft, silky strands.
“What are you doing?” Her voice sounds hushed. Almost husky.
She lifts her face, studying me. Of their own volition, my eyes drop to her lips for a brief second. “Your hair was in the way. I was trying to be helpful.”
And totally worth it.
Her gaze drops, yet seems to linger on my mouth. “You have chiseled lips.”
That’s unexpected.
“Chiseled?” I touch my fingers to my mouth as I stand.
She rises. “Yeah. You know, well defined. I took a couple of art classes in college to feed my creativity, but I found it super helpful for my photography. Lips kind of fascinate me.”
“That’s…interesting.” I’d love nothing more than to press my chiseled lips to hers right now and find out if they’re as soft as they look.
Even in the lamplight, I note the crimson color tinging her cheeks when she glances at me. “It’s getting dark. We should go back to the hotel.”
“Sure. No problem.” I take her bag to carry it for her.
“Bags, too?”
“What?”
“You always open my door, and now you’re carrying my bag.”
I offer her a slight smile. “My mother made it a point to teach me good manners.” Something I wish I could thank her for now that I’ve met Sophie. Mom would have loved her.
We share a taxi back to the hotel and then an elevator up to our floor. I hand over her bag when we reach our doors.
Her fingers brush my hand as she takes the straps. “Thanks.”
Affected by her touch, my voice rasps out, “No problem.”
She unlocks her door but pauses before going in. “Aren’t you going into your room?”
I lean against the wall between our rooms. “I will once I know you’re safely inside. ”
Her eye roll reminds me of Kinsley. She steps inside but peeks out. “See? All safe and sound.”
Seeing her eyes framed like that sends my pulse into high speed and brings a smile to my face. “Good night, Sophie.”
She lingers before shutting the door. Did I imagine we had a moment there?
Once inside my room, I fall back onto the bed. My phone buzzes in my pocket. I debate whether to look, but what if it’s my sister?
I groan and roll my eyes as I read the text.
ETHAN: How was your date?
LUKE: Wasn’t a date. She wanted to take some photos of the arena, so I helped her out.
MATTéO: Is that what kids are calling it these days? Helping?
LUKE: Shut your trap, Barbie Man. Nothing here to see.
MATTéO: Ew, he gets even grumpier when you pin him down.
LUKE: Since when is Mathéo part of this chat?
ETHAN: I added him.
PAYTON: We’ve been back for hours, and you just got back to your room.
LUKE: It was barely an hour and how do you know I just got back?
ETHAN: We were sitting in the lobby. You walked right by us.
WADE: That’s ’cuz he couldn’t stop looking at Sophie.
MATTéO: …
LUKE: Enough with the matchmaker antics, or I’ll make sure your dentist gets extra business.
PAYTON: You’re right, Mathéo. He does get quite irritable.
ETHAN: That’s just his nature.
LUKE: Isn’t it past your bedtime?
ETHAN: Headed there now.
WADE: Big day tomorrow!
PAYTON: Stop saying that! You’re giving us a complex.
ETHAN: Relax, Pay. You’re going to do great tomorrow. We all are. The Icemen will melt in the blaze of the Sun Kings!
MATTéO: …
WADE: Nice segue!
LUKE: I think I may have puked a little.
PAYTON: I found it rather clever.
LUKE: Of course you would. Get some sleep.
ETHAN: Sure thing, Cap. ’Night.
PAYTON: Sweet dreams.
WADE: What happened to Mathéo?
LUKE: Probably asleep like you should be.
WADE: Fine. Good night.
MATTéO: …