Page 26 of Stay
Cole.
“Well, damn. I guess you caught me.” I almost cringe as the words fly out of my mouth. My heart pounds painfully into overdrive. The last thing I want is for him to think I’ve turned into a fangirl.
It’s obvious from his chuckle that he doesn’t take me seriously. And right on cue, his gorgeous dimples come out to play.
“You know you kind of suck as a stalker, right?”
“Sorry, I’m still trying to get the hang of it. Remind me to ask you for some helpful tips. You seem to be a real pro at it.”
My belly dips as he grins at me. I almost wince, realizing that this banter is totally counterproductive to what I need to happen.
He shifts his stance. “For one, you’re supposed to stay out of sight. You know, hide in the bushes, peek around corners, wear disguises, follow discreetly from a distance. That kind of thing. Maybe we can get together later and I can give you a stalker one-oh-one crash course. Stalking for dummies or something like that. Totally free of charge, of course.”
Dimples.
Again with those damn dimples.
If he’s trying to wear me down, those dimples are doing an excellent job. He must realize it because he flashes them at me every chance he gets.
I blink, attempting to shake myself free of the thick fog that always seems to descend when he’s near. “No, I don’t think that’ll be necessary. You’ve given me quite enough to go on already.”
He steps a bit closer, invading my space. My heart stutters at his nearness.
“I don’t want to brag or anything but I’m one of the best.”
“Good to know.” I point to an area about twenty feet away. “I’ll just go stand over there for the time being.”
His gaze stays focused on mine as he changes the subject. “Did you enjoy the game?”
That’s the moment it hits me like a ton of bricks.
“Oh,” I gasp in surprise, “you were out there!” I shake my head, feeling like an idiot. I mean, duh…of course, he was out there. His hair is all shiny and damp. And he smells amazing.
All masculine and…
I shutdown that line of thinking. I’m supposed to be distancing myself from him, not trying to inhale him.
Unaware of the dangerous thoughts running through my head, he winks. “See, you’re better at this stalker-thing than you give yourself credit for.”
My eyes widen as I shake my head. The last thing I need is for him to think I’m into him.
“I didn’t come here to see you,” I blurt, pointing to Brooklyn who is still wrapped around number fifty-five like a python. “That’s my roommate. I came with her.” My cheeks heat as I make one last ditch effort to convince him of my innocence. “I didn’t even know you played hockey.”
His brows rise as he barks out a laugh. “Wow. All right, I got it. You didn’t come here to watch me play tonight. You’re not interested, and you barely know I breathe. FYI—my ego has been completely annihilated.”
Even though the last part is highly doubtful, I close my eyes, imagining my face going up in flames.
“You know what I mean,” I mutter.
Almost gently, he knocks his broad shoulder into my narrower one before saying softly, “I’m just giving you crap, Cassidy. Calm down.”
Sheesh…if only I could.
I open my eyes and glare. “You’re such a jerk.” The truth of the matter is that he isn’t…
With a grin, he shakes his head. “No, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are.” Unable to help myself, I chuckle before giving him a considering look. My mind rewinds to the game as I assess him. “You’re number five. Defense. Two goals and two assists. And your last goal was really sweet. Right in the five-hole.”
