Page 38 of In It to Win It

Oh, hey, there’s a text from Anthony.

He wants to go out on Thursday night. He has tickets to the Condors’ preseason game that night.

Did I mention to him that I’m a hockey fan when we were out last night? Huh.Usedto be a hockey fan, I should say.

What the hell, I still like hockey. So I text him back agreeing to go to the game with him.

Then I let my friends know about the date. This should end any thoughts Lacey might have about me and JP. She seemed to think there was still something between us. Well, she was right, there is—animosity.

Ha ha.

I sigh, thinking about the volleyball game yesterday. When JP took his shirt off, my bones turned to goo. His loose jeans slid so low on his hips I could see the waistband of his underwear, not to mention those incredible obliques, a couple of prominent veins, and a sexy trail of dark hair . . .

I wave a hand in front of my hot face.

I haven’t seen Anthony’s torso yet. It could be just as nice. I’ll probably be melting and fanning myself over him, too. Probably.

I do enjoy remembering how my game had been so on point. I took a great deal of pleasure spiking the ball and making JP dive for it, futilely I might add. A smile tugs at my lips while satisfaction expands in my chest.

Take that, you cocky, smirky professional athlete.

But he was so cute when I introduced him to Carter, giving him a baby-sized fist bump.

Maybe he’ll come to aqua yoga. It would be fun making him look foolish again.

Gah! Why am I thinking about JP? I should be daydreaming about seeing Anthony Thursday night.

I toss my trash into a receptacle and head back to my car, and as I drive back to work, I mentally review my wardrobe to plan what I’ll wear on my upcoming second date.

“The Golden Eagles?”I tip my head back and stare at Anthony. “I didn’t know that’s who we’re playing tonight.”

“Yeah.” His eyebrows pull together. “The Condors and the Eagles hate each other, so it should be good. Although it’s just the preseason and not everyone is playing.”

Okay, maybe that means JP isn’t playing tonight. I’m not sure if I feel disappointed or relieved.

“Right.” I force a smile. “Should be great.”

He buys us beers and popcorn to share, and we find our seats, decent ones in the two-hundred level near center ice. We’re there in time to see the end of the warm-up, and of course I check the handout we’re given to see who’s playing tonight. Yep, there’s JP’s name. Number thirteen.

Seriously? Number thirteen? That’s like daring the devil.

I shake my head, smiling, and search him out on the ice. He’s not wearing his helmet, so it’s easy to recognize him.

My heart hops in my chest. I wipe a hand over my forehead. He looks extremely hot down there, all bulky in his equipment and even taller on skates. I let out a short sigh.

“You okay?” Anthony gives me a sideways glance, concern etched on his forehead.

“Yes! Fine. Did I tell you that one of my best friends is married to the Condors’ GM?”

“No. Really?”

“Do I sound like a douche? I don’t mean to sound like a douche. We’re neighbors. And Wyatt Bell . . .” I point to the end of the ice where the Condors are skating. “He’s a neighbor too.”

“That’s so cool.”

“I met Wyatt at the wedding, too. And of course JP Wynn, who plays for the Eagles. He’s Théo’s brother.”

There. I said his name. Nice and casual.

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