Astrid #3
He dragged a hand down his face. “I didn’t know you were his daughter. And it does complicate things, but there’s nothing about it that’s against the rules.”
“Complicate things?” I barked out a laugh. That was putting it mildly. “That would only be true if there were something to complicate.” I gave him a pointed look. “But there’s not. Because we only just met.” I glared at him, daring him to disagree.
He grinned, clearly not at all deterred. “Nice to meet you, Astrid. I’d love to get to know you better. Have dinner with me.” The hint of an accent was enough to make me weak in the knees. Coupled with his earnest expression, I was a goner. But I told myself to hold my ground. No more distractions.
“Are you not listening? No.”
“Lunch, then.”
“Not interested.” I could not, would not, let another man jeopardize my career. My future.
“Coffee?” he asked.
I laughed. “I don’t have time for a relationship. And even if I did, I certainly wouldn’t date you.”
He sucked air through his teeth. “Harsh. It’s a good thing I like a challenge.” He grinned. And then he stalked off in a pair of heavy skates and full gear. Just watching him move had me remembering how agile he was. How in control of his body.
Charlie waved her hand in front of my face. “Earth to Astrid,” she said in a singsong tone.
“What?” I shook my head as if to clear it.
“Girl, you need to slow down. Maybe get some sleep. Definitely get laid. You’ve been staring into space for…” She gasped. “Wait a hot minute. Were you fantasizing about him?”
“What?” I practically squawked. “No. Of course not.”
Charlie pointed at my face, wearing a smug grin.
“Nope. You were totally fantasizing about Holden. Not that I’d blame you.
The man is hot.” She flashed me her phone screen where there were images of Holden—some shirtless in his gear.
Others where he was wearing a suit, likely for a postgame interview.
“Charlotte,” I said, using her full name just to irk her. She was getting on my last nerve. She’d been hassling me about Holden and the damn key all week. “Why do you have pictures of Holden on your phone?”
“To remind you of what you’d be missing out on by not going tonight. What’s done is done. You already spent the night with him. You may as well enjoy another ride.”
As if he was a carnival attraction. I supposed he was, in a way—not that I viewed him like that. But he was hot, talented, rich. He could have his choice of women in cities across the US. I didn’t want to be just another puck bunny. Bleh.
“What’s that face?” she asked.
“I’m not interested in being a puck bunny.”
“Puck bunny?” She burst out laughing. “You’ve got it all wrong. Hockey players don’t chase puck bunnies, and the man’s been after you for weeks.”
She was right; Holden had been nothing if not persistent and discreet.
He’d had lunch delivered to my office twice a week.
I knew it was him because he’d sent a note, signed merely “H,” though he’d been sure to include his number so I could text him thank you.
That had gotten an eye roll from me. But I’d still thanked him—it was the polite thing to do.
He’d sent me flowers. Texted me daily—checking in, trying to get to know me, silly memes. The man was relentless, and I was secretly flattered.
Even so, I knew what he wanted. Sex. Something I was quick to remind Charlie—and myself. “If he’s persistent, it’s only because he wants one thing.”
“I don’t think a man does all that if he only wants sex. I mean, no offense.” She waved a hand through the air. “I’m sure you have a magical pussy, but even so… What he did was thoughtful. And a guy like that…” She pulled a face.
“Yeah. Yeah.” I held up a hand. “I don’t need the reminder that he can have any woman he wants.”
“Yet he wants you.” She gave me a meaningful look. “But hey, maybe I’m wrong. And besides, you don’t have time for a relationship. Sex is all you can offer. Your words, not mine.”
Ugh. She could be so annoying at times.
“Please, Astrid.” She pressed her palms together, batting her eyes. She was really laying it on thick now. “If not for you, then do it for me. Let me live vicariously through you. He’s like a hot Norwegian Viking with that blond hair and his square jaw. Ugh!” She sighed. “He even has a dimple.”
I laughed. “I hate to break it to you, but he’s Dutch. And the Dutch were not Vikings.”
She hushed me. “Don’t ruin this for me!”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Maybe.” Her expression went from teasing to serious. “But I’m also right.”
Also maybe.
I glanced at the clock. Only a few hours remained until Holden’s driver would arrive. Holden had asked me to meet him at the hotel, though it felt like more of a summons.
I’d been fooling myself all week, thinking there was any other choice. Of course I was going. Of course I wanted one more night with him, even if I suspected it was ill-advised.
“Fine,” I sighed, knowing she was right. Knowing I’d regret not going. “What’s the harm in one more time?”
She squealed. “Yassss! Finally!” She turned and headed for her bedroom. “I’ll get my makeup.”