And while I knew I could’ve easily called Charlie to set up a date, I wasn’t that much of an asshole. When I brought women out, or to bed, it was about them as much as me.
There was nothing there, I said, my explanation short. Shrugging my shoulders, I tucked my hands away from the cold. The wind was rough and damp off the water as we crossed the bridge that led to where the athletic complex, not helped at all by the light snow that began to fall. It wouldn’t have been worth it, so all my plans for tonight consisted of was watching a game with a beer in my hand.
Sure looked like there was enough there to me, if you know what I mean, he replied suggestively, nudging my arm. Of course he was referencing her rack. I rolled my eyes and he chuckled. But don’t worry, we’ll find you someone this weekend. Especially if we’re celebrating two more wins.
Which we better be, so don’t choke in net, I chirped back, laughing as I turned my head to check for cars, only to see a gorgeous redhead bundled up on the other side of the street.
A familiar gorgeous redhead.
Flashbacks of her at the hotel bar grinning and laughing hit me, followed closely by scenes that had replayed several times over the last few weeks while I’d been alone in the shower. Of her straddling me. Of her flushed face after orgasming for the third time. Of her mouth bringing me to the brink of my own release.
Derrick, you okay, man ?
I shook myself out of it, only to see Nyberg’s brows drawn together in confusion a few steps in front of me. Sorry, I just thought I saw… I trailed off, glancing back to where I thought I’d seen Lia. But there was nobody there. Never mind, I’m good.
You sure ?
I needed to be, because this was getting ridiculous. I’d been rejected before, it wasn’t anything new, so I just had to figure out a way to get this woman out of my head. Preferably before it started affecting other things in my life, like my game.
Yeah, don’t worry. I clapped him on the shoulder as we reached the arena. Now, let’s go see if this goalie’s got what it takes.
Seeing as the Knights used the Harvard facilities whenever there was a conflict for ice time, we knew our way around. After a quick hello to the coach, who was surprised his player was getting a two-for-one deal with us, he led us to the weight room, which was empty except for the guy we were looking for.
Tall, muscular, and bearded, he certainly looked in good enough to shape to grab the attention of scouts. And on top of that, he knew his shit. Knew which teams would be in need of a back-up goalie at the end of the season. Knew that the chances of getting a call were lower for him, but he wasn’t throwing away the hope that his play throughout the remainder of his season would spark some interest.
Plus, he was genuinely looking for advice and tips on making it. And while most questions were directed to Nyberg, whose expertise in net was golden, I didn’t hesitate to throw in some advice of my own on a more generic level. It was inspiring really, seeing him get excited about the prospect of the future, and reminded me how I felt before getting drafted.
Hungry and ready to learn.
It was nearly an hour later when we finally made our exit, making sure he’d gotten the most out of the sit down as he could.
Take the highway, Nyberg said when we climbed back into the car. It should be clearing up, and I don’t want to get stuck at every stop light, especially with all this snow.
It was really coming down now, which meant the roads were going to be awful either way. And I was also of the mind to choose the lesser of two evils. You read my mind.
Luckily, the traffic was manageable, though there were plenty of drivers who seemed to think that snow suddenly made them incapable of driving.
Like seriously ? We were in Boston and it was like they’d never seen snow before.
Wait, slow down, Nyberg said once we hit a stretch without any drivers clutching their wheels in fear. Thrown by his words, I glanced his way, only to spot what he had clearly seen. A car on the side of the road with small plumes of smoke coming from it. Pull over and see if they need anything. It looks like they’re alone.
And sure enough, as we passed by the car, I saw the seats were empty and a lone figure had managed to pop the hood. Though clearly didn’t know what they were doing as they tried to wave away the smoke.
Flicking on the turn signal, I pulled over a few meters in front of them.
Come grab me if they need help, Nyberg said, pulling his phone out from his pocket.
What ? Why me ?
You wanted to drive, so you get to play hero and go check things out.
Whatever, I muttered, reaching into the back seat for the toque I knew he stashed there. Pulling it over my head, I opened my door, feeling the cold blast of air on my face as I said, you owe me.
I shielded my face as best I could from the blowing snow as I turned away from my car, or sorry excuse for one, and saw someone climbing out of the vehicle in front of me. Any chance you’re with AAA ?
I’d called a couple of minutes ago and had been informed by an all-too-perky voice that it’d be at least forty-five minutes until they could get a person out here. Though one could hope.
No, sorry, the person yelled, muffled by the weather, but their voice was deep enough for me to associate it with a man. Do you need help ?
Shivering, I could only imagine what I looked like to those driving by. Bundled in a winter jacket that hung past my knees, a scarf wrapped multiple times around my neck, and my hair shoved underneath my hood, I could’ve passed as a giant marshmallow if only my coat had been white instead of navy blue. Or a roasted giant marshmallow, given the fact I was standing next to a smoking car.
But more importantly, I was a woman alone on the side of the highway after nightfall.
I think I’m fine, I said, hoping whoever he was, he’d get the hint that I felt more comfortable waiting for roadside assistance by myself. I-
My next words got stuck in my throat as the man moved closer, giving me a better view of the familiar features that were like a punch to the gut. Especially his eyes, which were glazed with worry before flashing with recognition.
D-Derrick ? My voice shook a little, whether it was due to shock or the cold, I couldn’t tell.
It was hard to believe he was standing in front of me, after I’d spent the past two weeks trying my best to push our night together out of my mind. Clearly fate had decided today was the perfect day to put me through the wringer.
Shit, Lia, he said, his worry deepening as he stopped a foot in front of me. His cheeks were flushed and wisps of black hair poked out from underneath his hat. Are you okay ?
A moment lapsed between us as his eyes scanned over me, my brain catching up with the situation. I’m fine, I replied, clearing my throat as I gestured backwards, but my car isn’t. Clearly.
Taking my words for what they were-the truth-some of his concern dissolved and one side of his mouth kicked upward. Clearly.