Page 59 of Hockey 101

So, what happened with your sister? I ask.

Well, it’s pretty funny. She goes out with all these guys on the show, and most of them were clueless about farming. But there’s this one guy, Evan, who works as a grip on the show. He grew up on a farm too. They start joking around about all these would-be farmers and become friends. After the show’s finale, when she’s rejected all the contestants, Evan asks her out. He had a crush on her the whole time but couldn’t ask her out during filming.

I turn to face Jack. Oh my gosh. How did the show people react?

Yeah, Bea said they were pretty pissed at first. Evan was going to get fired. But then, the producers decided that it was sort of a win for the show, since they would never have met otherwise. Now, at the beginning of each new season, they mention how many couples from previous seasons are still together, and they always count Bea and Evan.

I lean against my headrest. It’s such a unique way to meet. She went on the show to find love, and she did, just not the way she expected.

Not as unique as the way we met. Jack’s voice is like a caress, and I blush. When his eyes meet mine, it feels like the temperature in the truck goes up about ten degrees.

We might have to invent a new story to tell the grandkids, though, he continues.

Um, what? He’s joking, but what guy is secure enough to mention marriage on the almost-first date? I slot Jack into the not afraid of commitment column. I struggle to respond, while my mind is flooded with images of his gorgeous naked body.

Finally, Jack takes pity on me and asks, So, does Bea’s story put me in the running for one of your athlete profiles?

Sorry, it only works if you were the one on Farming for Love. As if Jack would need any help finding love.

Darn. You’re a hard woman to impress, Andy Robson.

I’m not, though. And I’m already impressed by Jack’s easy charm. I squeeze his hand, and he turns towards me.

What is it? he asks

Nothing. I just enjoy being with you.

He breaks into a brilliant smile. His mother the dentist should really take a bow. Same, Andy. Same.

We drive along in silence for a few minutes as the grey landscape flies by. We’re definitely not going to Duluth, but I’m not sure where we’re off to instead.

I motion towards the dashboard. Are we listening to Taylor Swift?

The tip of his ear turns pink, and I want to kiss it.

Uh, yeah. Feel free to switch up the music, he mumbles.

No, I love her. But I’m wondering why she’s on your playlist. I would have pegged you as maybe a country rap or retro rock guy.

Really? Based on what, exactly? Jack asks.

You’re a hockey player. From a farm in Saskatchewan.

He makes a tsking sound. I thought we got you over those hockey player stereotypes.

Well, Tay Tay would not have been on my Jack Sinclair playlist bingo card.

Don’t forget my three older sisters. I was that pesky little brother who always wanted to hang out with them. I tried to keep quiet so they wouldn’t notice me and kick me out, he says.

It’s so ridiculous to look at this gorgeous hunk of a man and imagine him trying to blend into the background. I can’t help giggling.

Jack grins in response. You’re in a good mood today.

Why wouldn’t I be? I’m going on a mystery date that won’t involve combat. With a guy who is… I hesitate over how to describe Jack. In my mind, he’s both the epitome of hotness and a really nice guy. But I’m not going to say that out loud. …an above-average hockey player.

Phew, I thought you were going to insult me there, he says.

I considered it. But I’ll withhold judgement until after our date. Now we’re on the interstate. Wow, we’re really going far.

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