Page 40 of For the Win

She nods slowly.“I’m sorry to hear that.”

More guys are coming off the ice behind me.I need to move.“See you.”I head down the tunnel to the dressing room.

I get on a bike to cool down, stretch, and then hit the shower.Dressed in my athletic shorts and T-shirt, I grab my phone from my locker and stroll into the players’ lounge to see what’s for lunch today.I swipe my thumb over my screen and my feet stop.

There’s a text.From Arya.

Yes.I’ll go out with you again.

10

ARYA

I watchedHarrison during the yoga class.His usual smile was absent.His mouth is perpetually tipped up at the corners, giving him that boyish, carefree look, but today it just isn’t there.He barely even looked at me.He did focus on class, though.His big strong body is getting more flexible and graceful with each session.All these guys are amazingly fit, but I do love watching Harrison.

After class, I was excited to observe the practice and see the guys in action.I guess I could go to a game, but this is a different perspective, and it’s really up close.Gary explained some of the drills they were doing and what they were working on.I don’t understand a lot of the hockey skills and strategy, but it’s fascinating.

As in the class, I have a hard time taking my eyes off Harrison.On the ice, he’s different again—powerful and intense, his every move deliberate, his face austere and focused.

To be honest, it turned me on.

Yikes.

Okay, if I’m being honest, everything about him turns me on.And this has been the problem.

I watch him interact with the coaches and his teammates.There are moments where they kid around and laugh.The coaches yell at everyone to work harder but give them words of approval.I can see the respect and camaraderie among all of them and it’s impressive.Kind of...loveable.

Likeable, I mean.

Then he tells me got bad news.

That’s the reason his smile is missing.

I hope it’s not something serious.Maybe he’s being sent back to Pasadena.I hope he’s okay.

After he leaves the ice to shower, I make my way out of the arena, picking up my bike near the security booth.I lean it against the concrete wall and tip my head back.I remember the class where he came to my defense over an inappropriate comment.I remember how concerned he was when I dashed out of the restaurant.I remember Everly’s obvious affection for her brother.

I pull out my phone and find Harrison’s number.I blow out a breath, then tap in a message to him.

There.

I don’t even know if he’s still interested.Today he barely looked at me.Only said a few words to me.Maybe he’s given up and moved on.

I tuck my phone into the pouch inside my yoga bag and walk my bike outside.Another sunny day in California.I love it.I tip my face up to the sun and prepare to mount my bike when I hear my phone buzz.

If it’s Harrison telling me “never mind,” I don’t want to see it.I’ll check it later.

I grab my phone.So much for self-discipline.

ItisHarrison, replying to my text.One word.

Now?

I laugh out loud.Relief lightens my limbs.I guess he’s still interested.

I have classes this afternoon.

He answers right away.

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