Page 38 of Across the Boards

I’m available for further distraction anytime.

I hit send, then immediately second-guess myself. Too forward? Too presumptuous?

But her response comes quickly.

Careful, Carter. Photo exchanges are one thing. Actual distraction is something else entirely.

Is that a challenge or a warning?

Both. I’m still trying to figure out if getting involved with another hockey player is the worst idea I’ve ever had.

Her honesty catches me off guard. It’s refreshing—so many people in this world play games, hide their real thoughts. But not Elliot. Even when she’s flirting, she’s straightforward about her reservations.

Hockey player is what I do, not who I am.

Jason used to say the same thing.

The comparison stings, but it’s fair.

The difference is, I mean it. And I’m willing to prove it, however long that takes.

Another pause, longer this time. When her response finally comes, it’s both an opening and a boundary.

Let’s start with the gala and see where things go. One step at a time.

I can work with that. Step one: learn how to tie a bow tie. Step two: formal event without embarrassing either of us. Step three: TBD based on success of previous steps

Exactly. Though step one already seems ambitious.

I laugh out loud at that.

Brutal but fair. I’ll practice. Or YouTube more tutorials. Or just show up with it undone and claim it’s a fashion statement.

Do that and Sarah will tackle you in the parking lot to fix it herself. She takes these events VERY seriously.

Noted. Will avoid fashion statements and Sarah’s tackle.

I can almost see her smile as she types.

Smart man. I should get back to work. Some of us don’t have the luxury of mid-day texting breaks.

No luxury about it. Just efficient time management between workouts and underwear pics. But I’ll let you go. Text later?

Probably. Someone needs to check on your bow tie progress.

It’s such a small thing, the promise of texting later, but it leaves me grinning like an idiot as I finish making my lunch. Progress. Slow, careful progress, but progress nonetheless.

My phone buzzes one more time.

And Brody? Thanks again for this morning. For making something embarrassing into something...not embarrassing.

Anytime, Elliot. Though maybe next time we could plan the underwear reveal under more controlled circumstances?

I hold my breath after sending it, knowing I’m pushing the boundaries she’s trying to establish. But her response makes it worth the risk:

Let’s get through the gala first, Carter. Then we can discuss the proper protocols for underwear reveals.

As I set my phone down, I can’t help the surge of anticipation that rushes through me. Four days until the gala. Four days until I escort Elliot back into the hockey world she’s avoided for three years. Four days to figure out how to tell her I’ve wanted this—wanted her—since that first conversation three years ago.

---