Page 31 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
“I’m offended,” Landon says, causing Lydia to slap his arm.
“Anyway,” the guy, whose name is James, continues, “In my eyes, you are by far the most beautiful lady I have seen in a long time. I kind of had, well, have a teeny crush on you. Okay, that’s TMI…”
A chuckle bubbles out of me. “Why, thank you. And you are not so bad yourself - you have got a lovely smile. And thanks for admiring my work. I would love to see some of your pictures before I leave if that is possible.”
His grin stretches wider, eyes lighting up. “Yes. Oh, are you single? Please be single. Say you’re single.”
Subconsciously, I glance at Liam, who’s staring daggers at me. Before I can respond, his friend smacks the back of his head. “Tone it down, Romeo.”
Laughter ripples through the room. I bite back a grin, tilting my head. “Well, let’s just say I’m…, unattached.”
He clutches his chest dramatically. “There’s hope yet.”
I shake my head, amused. Brooke leans closer to me, whispering with a giggle, “You’ve got an admirer already.”
“Seems like it,” I murmur, glancing at the guys as they finish gearing up.
“All right, all right,” Katie comes back, clapping her hands lightly. “Get your butts out there before the coach comes out of his office.”
The guys chuckle and exchange playful shoves before turning back to their gear. I catch a glimpse of Liam standing by the far row of lockers, slipping his gloves on. His gaze flicks to me, his expression unreadable. His jaw tightens for a brief second before he turns away.
Katie gestures to us. “Come on. Let me take you to the rink so that you guys can set up. Try to stay out of the way of the drills, and you will be golden.”
“Before you leave,” James says, “I have got to ask - do you guys, skate?”
For whatever reason, my eyes inadvertently drift to Liam again, his cold gaze locked on me. My stomach twists briefly, but I snap my attention back to James. “Yes, I do,” I say evenly.
“A woman after my heart,” James says with a theatrical sigh, clasping his hands over his chest.
I roll my eyes, laughing under my breath as we make our way toward the rink.
“In case the question is still relevant,” Landon chimes in, “I skate too. Not to brag or anything, but I’m pretty good.”
“That is you bragging. Now, go set up somewhere and leave us ladies be.” Brooke says and nudges Lydia. “There are so many handsome guys here. Oh, my goodness.”
Lydia shakes her head, laughing. “Don’t you have a boyfriend?”
Brooke shrugs, setting up her tripod like it is no big deal. “It is not a crime to appreciate God’s creation. I mean, just look at them.” She gestures toward the players warming up on the ice, a dreamy expression on her face. “He really took His time with some of these guys. Especially Callahan.”
Landon waves them over suddenly, his voice carrying across the rink. “Hey, Brooke! Lydia! I need an extra hand here!”
They exchange annoyed glances before heading over to help him, leaving me alone to adjust my equipment.
I pull out my lens cloth and begin cleaning the glass, focusing on the small task. The noise of skates cutting into the ice and distant laughter fills the air. I do not even notice anyone approaching until a voice pulls me from my thoughts.
“Hi Hazel.”
I glance up, startled, and see Matt and Logan standing in front of me.
“Matt, Logan.” I nod politely, straightening up. “How are you?”
Logan crosses his arms, leaning against the rink barrier. “We’ve, or rather, I have been good. How’ve you been, Hazel? You look..., different. In a good way,” he adds quickly, his tone light.
“Thanks,” I reply, keeping my voice neutral.
Matt studies me. “I know this isn’t the best time, but…, why did you leave town?”
Logan elbows him. “Dude, seriously? Not now.”
