Page 28 of Game Changer

I still don’t understand how you’re here.

Try speaking, you oaf.

“What – How? I – uh—” She put her finger to his lips and shushed him.

“Good game, mister – shoulda dropped your gloves once or twice and shown that number twenty-eight who’s boss, but not altogether a complete disaster.” She smiled at him.

Hockey jersey, talking hockey, looking beautiful… is this really happening to me right now?

I’d ask Jer to pinch me, but he’d just punch me and claim he misheard.

“You watched the game?” he asked, incredibly self-conscious that people were staring. She nodded.

“It’s the accent – they’re not used to it!” Lisa joked.

Returning her smile, he turned to Chelsea. “Chelsea, right?”

“Yessir, that would be me,” she replied, taking his outstretched hand and shaking it.

He threw his sister a look that said, ‘I’m going to kick your ass,’ and asked, “Have you guys eaten? The guys were gonna grab some food and a beer–” His sentence stopped short as he saw her try, unsuccessfully, to stifle a yawn. “Unless you’re too tired?” he asked her, smiling as she slipped her arm through his.

Please let this look like she’s just a friend. Or a long-lost cousin from across the Atlantic. Or… I dunno, anything other than my girlfriend. Do you really care though? She’s here. Your beautiful, funny girlfriend is here.

“Actually, I’m famished!”

They headed for the car park, and Ana and Chelsea made their way to Ana’s car. “Lisa, you can keep Pim company,” Chelsea called.

Thank fuck. We’re finally going to be alone. No eyes watching. Just us. At last.

“Sure,” she replied, climbing into the wrong side of his car.

Guess she wants to drive, then?

He heard Chelsea giggle and held out his keys. “Were you planning on driving?” he asked.

Climbing back out of the car, she blushed. “Stupid American cars,” she grumbled as she walked around to the correct side.

“See you there!” he said, grinning to the others and getting into Ana’s car. She avoided his glance as the car hummed to life.

Shit. Is she pissed I didn’t kiss her? ‘Cause I totally wanted to kiss her. Maybe she’s just embarrassed that she got in the driver’s side.

Breathe. It’s going to take a little time to get to know her signals in-person. Stay calm. Ask about her flight!

“How was your flight?” he asked.

“Ugh. Don’t ask,” she replied. “If you’d seen me a few hours ago, you’d not have voluntarily put yourself in the position of being alone with me. I was spitting fire! Your sister must think I’m a real nutter for all the ranting I did.”

“I doubt it,” he replied laughing. “Sheisrelated tomeremember?”

“Good point!”

“Hey, that hurts! And as I recall, I didn’t actually voluntarily put myself in the position of being alone with you,” he answered grinning.

Way to go. Not kissing her AND offending her almost right away. Please don’t get upset. Please don’t get upset.

She glanced at him again looking hurt.

Shit – I was kidding… Those eyes…

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