Chapter 10
FREYA
Tonight’s game hit differently to all the others I’ve watched.
I felt like I had a real reason to be here supporting my home team.
Sure, all the games I’ve been to have been fun, but I’ve never had a vested interest in it in the way Casey does.
I’ve always loved seeing her get so excited watching Kodie play, and Sutton…
that girl steals my heart more every time I see her.
The way she screams for her daddy, and the pride that covers her face when he does something impressive.
It would crack even the coldest of hearts.
But as much as the guys killed it tonight, I’ve got to be honest...there was only one player on the ice I was watching.
I’ve never really paid all that much attention to him before, but holy hell. Cole Hansley is a beast in that goal. And the way that man’s legs can stretch…
How? Just…how?
I won’t lie, the warm-ups got me a little hot under the collar.
Prior to watching hockey, I thought there was only one reason why a man’s hips ever needed to move like that.
Not that I’ve ever experienced those kinds of smooth skills, that is.
But whoa. It felt like they were on another scale tonight.
I’m not naive enough to think they were actually any different to the last games I watched, but I sure paid more attention.
Usually, after a game, I make my excuses and head home, but tonight, when Casey started talking about heading here, I couldn’t say no. I wanted to celebrate with the guys—but more than that, I wanted to see Cole after a win.
He was different today. To an outsider, I guess he was grumpier.
But I saw through that. He was focused, and I was terrified that I was going to get in the way of whatever pregame rituals he had.
He assured me that I was fine, that a good meal before leaving for the arena was more important than anything else, but I was still on edge.
And now the nerves are back tenfold as I stand at the bar, waiting for the team to join us. Casey and Parker are buzzing about tonight’s win. Pride for their men is oozing out of every pore. It’s a buzz I could get used to, watching someone you care about do something so incredible.
The second they arrive, the excitement already buzzing in the bar ramps up. Everyone turns to them, and a cheer erupts as Vipers’ fans of all ages celebrate the guys.
Almost immediately, Kodie and Linc beeline in our direction, or at least, to the women standing beside me.
They sweep them up in their arms, celebrating in a way only loved-up couples can.
But my focus isn’t on them; it’s on the man in the gray suit.
Okay, so he’s lost the jacket and tie now, and the collar is undone.
But if anything, he’s even better than when he was put together before the game.
He scans the bar as if he’s looking for someone, and my heart drops. Does he have a regular hookup here, waiting for him?
Shame builds inside me. I should have thought of that before agreeing to come.
Shit. Why am I even here?
He’s my boss. I shouldn’t have followed him like a lost little puppy just because he looks killer in a designer suit and rolls his hips in a way that had every woman in the arena wishing she were beneath him.
Get a grip, Freya.
I will myself to turn around and let him continue, but before I manage it, his eyes collide with mine.
I freeze under his intense gaze.
Rett Donnelly mutters something to him before sliding into the booth where the other players have congregated, leaving Cole standing there.
When his eyes shift, releasing me from his gaze, I spin around.
My heart is racing as I question whether I’m going to be able to sneak out. I’m pretty sure Casey and Parker are distracted; I don’t think they’ll notice. Cole has probably already been dragged into a conversation by now.
With my pajamas and my bed calling, I lift my drink to my lips to finish it before heading out.
I’ve just placed it back on the bar and am ready to slip from my stool when a deep voice rumbles behind me.
“It looks like you need another. May I?”
A man slips in beside me and gestures for the server.
“Another for the lady, and I’ll take a beer.”
I’m too stunned to tell him that I was about to leave. Instead, I sit there watching him, wondering why out of all the women here, he’s chosen to buy me a drink.
“I’m Levi,” he says, “And you look lonely.”
“Wow,” I laugh, mostly to myself.
“So, did you go to the game tonight?” he asks as his eyes briefly drop to my LA Vipers hoodie.
“Yeah,” I answer. “You?”
“Sure did. The guys are on fire this season. It’s incredible to watch.”
“Yeah,” I say again, internally kicking myself for being so awkward.
As our drinks appear, I’m convinced that he’s going to pick his up and walk away again. I’m pretty sure every other woman in this place knows how to hold a conversation; whereas, I sound like a parrot who only knows a handful of words.
“So, what brings you here post-game? I don’t get the impression you’re a bunny.”
“No. I’m friends with some of the WAGs.”
“Ah, I see. Hockey players not your type?”
I shake my head before taking a sip. “I’m not really dating right now.”
“Me either,” he agrees. “I’m just…enjoying meeting new people.”
“Right.”
“Shit, that sounds really bad, doesn’t it. I didn’t mean it like that.”
“It’s okay.”
“I’m enjoying having the pressure taken off, is what I mean. It’s freeing not to be constantly worrying about if something is going somewhere or not.”
I nod, taking another sip of my drink.
“So, what do you do?”
Movement on my left has me looking over, and the second I do, I find Parker watching me with a smile on her lips. She gives me a quick thumbs-up before turning her attention back to something Linc is saying.
“I’m a chef,” I say, trying to muster as much confidence as possible.
Honestly, I don’t feel like I deserve that title in any sense, but I guess technically, I am, so I’m rolling with it.
It’s better than explaining that I’m a mess who’s trying to figure out what direction she wants her life to go in. “What about you?”
“Publishing.”
“Oh, really?”
As he dives into explaining his job, I find myself weirdly interested.
It occurs to me as he’s talking that he’s actually quite hot.
He’s got messy, dirty blond hair, bright blue eyes, strong cheekbones, and the perfect amount of scruff covering his jaw.
His clothes fit him well, hinting at the fact that he’s got a decent body beneath them.
Honestly, I could have done a hell of a lot worse.
Any thoughts I previously had about leaving are quickly forgotten as our conversation moves on to other subjects.
Before I know it, one drink has turned into three, and I’ve got a nice little buzz going.
I have no idea how much time has passed, but I’m surprised when Casey steps up beside me and says that they’re leaving.
“Could I get your number?” Levi asks as I climb from the stool.
There’s a little hesitancy in his voice this time, and before I get a chance to think about my answer, I find myself taking his cell when he offers it up.
I type my name into his contacts and pop a little hockey stick emoji after it.
That alone tells me that I’ve had one too many drinks.
He accepts his cell back with a smile. “I’ll message you.”
Something flutters inside me. I think it’s excitement, but it’s been so long since I’ve felt it over a guy, I can’t be sure.
“Okay. Thanks for tonight. It was nice to meet you.”
“You too,” I say as I hook my purse over my shoulder and follow Casey and Kodie toward the exit.
As we pass the players’ table, Kodie and Casey say their goodbyes, while I stand there a little awkwardly. I may have met the guys a few times, but I highly doubt they remember who I am.
Glancing around the table, I find most of the guys focusing on Kodie as he speaks. But in contrast, Cole is watching me. His brows are pinched, and his expression is tight, as if he’s trying to figure something out. He certainly doesn’t look as if he’s having a good time.
I smile at him, and he relaxes a little.
“Ready?” Casey asks me, dragging my attention away from my new boss.
“Yeah,” I agree before following them outside.
“I can get a rideshare,” I offer. “You don’t need to take me home.”
“Not happening,” Kodie states.
“Nice try,” Casey says, hooking her arm through mine. “So…he was cute.”
I swear, Kodie practically growls.
“Yeah,” I agree. “Seemed like a nice guy, too. Has a normal job and his feet on the ground.”
“Sounds boring,” Kodie shoots over his shoulder.
“Sounds perfect,” Casey counters, loudly enough for her man to hear. “Stable and safe doesn’t mean boring.”
Kodie shakes his head, the lights of his car illuminating as we get closer.
“Are you going to see him again?” Casey asks, twisting in her seat as soon as we’re inside the car.
“I don’t know. I guess we’ll see if he messages.”
“You should have gotten his number,” she points out.
“I’m happy waiting to see if he reaches out.”
“And if he does, will you see him again?”
“He said he’s not dating right now.”
“So? Neither are you, right? There’s nothing wrong with making a new friend.”
“We’ll see,” I muse, turning my attention to the passing buildings. “I’m not sure I have the energy for new friends.”
“Hey, what are you trying to say about the old ones?” Casey teases.
The journey passes quickly, and before I know it, Kodie is pulling up outside my parents’ house.
After saying goodnight, I quietly let myself into the house, and with a bottle of water in hand, I make my way up to my bedroom.
As I close my door, my cell buzzes in my purse.
My heart skips a beat at the thought of it being him. I can’t decide if it’s cute or a little too keen.
I kick my sneakers off and lower my purse to the dresser before pulling my cell out.
But it isn’t my new friend who’s waiting; it’s my boss.
Cole: Thanks for coming tonight. I hope you enjoyed the game.