Page 39 of Hockey 101

After fulfilling the business requirements of my night, I’m free to relax. I plop down beside Dawn and decide to unload the 6’3” problem that’s been weighing on my mind.

I try sound casual. Hypothetically speaking, what would you think if I went out with someone I swore I’d never date?

She crosses her arms. I’d lock you in your room until you came to your senses.

Uh oh. Usually Dawn is the first person to urge me to get back out there.

Her eyes narrow. You said no takebacks. And after the way he’s messed with you about the sports editor thing, I can’t believe you’re even giving Bryce the time of day.

Bryce? Euw! I would never go out with Bryce again. I meant Jack Sinclair. I didn’t realize how extensive the list of guys I’d never date was. Also, I’ve blown my whole hypothetical ruse.

Now Dawn lights up. The naked hockey hunk? Woohoo! She waves her arms like she’s at a gospel church, then calls out, Emily, get over here.

Emily rushes over and perches unsteadily on the arm of the couch, thanks to Señor Tequila. What up, chicas?

Andy’s finally going to go out with Jack. So, you win, Dawn says.

I scowl at the two of them. You guys are betting on my love life? That’s terrible.

It’s not exactly a bet, it’s more of a pool, Dawn explains. We both knew it was going to happen, the only question was when you were going to give in.

Come to your senses, more like. How have you spent so much time with him and not noticed his… Emily motions like she’s trying to pull words from the air. Complete and total sexiness?

I shake my head. That’s going overboard. Boyish charm, maybe. But then I’m back in the gym, staring at Jack’s sweat-soaked T-shirt outlining a sculpted chest and hard abs.

T-shirt? Heck, I’ve seen that torso in its full maple leaf—inked glory.

So, when did he ask you out? Dawn prods.

The first time? The day after we met, I confess.

You mean that time I met him at the Student Union? Dawn asks. I knew he was into you. But you were all, ‘Oh no, not a jock.’

Yes, he asked me out when he came by to collect his stuff. But I turned him down.

Emily gawks at me. Why?

Obviously, he’s attractive in a physical sense, I begin.

Dawn snort-laughs. No, really? What alerted you? Was it the broad shoulders, the squared jaw, the flowing locks? Or perhaps that spectacular ass? Wasn’t he naked when you first met him? There’s no way you couldn’t have noticed.

He’s gorgeous. Imagine dating Jack Sinclair. Emily closes her eyes and lets out a luxurious sigh. Seriously Andy, how have you resisted hitting that?

I lean back into the couch. Well, at first, I didn’t like him. No sane woman would date a guy who is a huge player.

Then there are many insane women on this campus, Dawn concludes.

And that’s another strike against him. Every time we’ve been out somewhere, women have hit on him. I recall the phone number scrawled on his arm, the women sending over drinks at the pub, the fans hanging around after games. Which only made me question Jack’s motives further. Why would Jack like me—out of everyone on campus?

How did he change your mind, then? Dawn asks.

He’s been really…nice. He’s helped me out so much with all the hockey stuff. I swallow and remember sitting beside him on the couch, feeling the warmth of his large leg pressed against mine. And then walking home together, our bodies bumping accidentally.

That makes sense, says Dawn. You’re one of those weirdos who only want to have sex with someone they actually like.

You say that like it’s a bad thing. Of course I want to know and respect someone before becoming intimate. Jack is good-looking, but he’s also sweet, perceptive, and full of surprising observations. It’s the whole package that I find irresistible.

I think it’s romantic this way. They’ve been getting to know each other before they fall in love. Emily raises her drink and toasts my empty plastic wine glass.

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