Page 12 of The Trade Up

“Like I’d tell you when you’re about to play against him.”

“I just want to know whose ass I need to kick.”

“See, that’s the thing about hockey players. You think everything can be solved with a fight.”

“I meant I was going to kick his ass by outskating him. If you want to know what kind of player I am, you should do a quick online search. I think you’ll see thatnotfightingis kind of my brand.”

She rolls her eyes like she doesn’t believe me. “I’ll do that.”

The shrill sound of my alarm fills the space and we jump apart. “I really have to go.” I’m sure she hears the regret in my voice—I don’t want to leave but there is no way I can be late to practice.

She tilts her head up and gives me a kiss. “Good luck tonight. Don’t be a stranger.”

As much as I hate walking out her door and up the driveway to get into the car I ordered, I leave filled with hope. I’ve never once met someone who I had such an instant connection with, and I think it’s possible that this thing between us is just the beginning.

I hop in the back of the car and as the driver heads toward my hotel, I pull out my phone.

Zach

How do you feel about spending Christmas in Seattle?

Mom

Why Seattle?

Zach

I just met someone special. I want to see her again. And I want you to meet her.

Mom

Woah. That’s a huge thing to drop in a text this early in the morning. Call me and we’ll talk about it.

Zach

I’ll be home tomorrow. I’ll call you then.

Mom

Okay, love you. Good luck tonight. I’ll be watching like always!

ChapterSix

ASHLEIGH

“Care to tell me why Zach Freaking Reid just dropped this off for you?”

I glance up at my best friend from college and current co-worker, Blake, where she stands in the doorway to the Science Museum’s break room with a rather large white box, tied with a thick blue ribbon, in her hand.

“Uhhh, Zach was here? And how do you know who he is?”

“Yes, and he introduced himself. But I’m a hockey fan so I’d have known him anyway.”

I feel a little stupid that I had no idea who he was. I didn’t follow hockey growing up, and even though I watch it now, it’s not like I knowallthe players or would recognize most of them off the ice.

“Sooo…?” Blake prompts.

I bite the corner of my lip, then tell her, “He might have spent the night at my place last night.”

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