Page 336 of Playing the Pucking Game
I’m busy washing them all when footsteps move my way.
I don’t bother looking back—it’ll just be one of the guys popping in for round four or five. I swear, those guys never stop eating. I expect whoever it is to load up another serving and then disappear back outside to join the others. So when a deep voice rips through the air, I startle and nearly drop the plate.
“You know they have a dishwasher, right?”
Oh god. It’s him.
My stomach knots and my mouth runs dry.
Cole Handley. Or Handsy, to everyone here. The infamous goalie for the LA Vipers.
Also, the man I spent Valentine’s night with on an unofficial date.
My hands tremble, and I keep my eyes focused on them.
If I turn around, I have no doubt that I’ll make an idiot of myself.
Of course I knew who he was before the Valentine’s gala. I’ve been to games and watched him play. Hell, Dad talks about him all the time—him and all the guys. I even saw him in a pair of swim shorts at Coach Watson’s house last year. But I didn’t ever really think twice about him…until that night.
I was terrified.
I’d pulled on my very best dress and tried to channel my old self, but it wasn’t really working. The new me was having a field day, questioning my every move and constantly telling me that I didn’t belong there.
But Cole…he was the most perfect date. For a man with a notorious reputation, he was incredibly sweet and patient with me. Despite having me thrust upon him by our friends, he made me feel genuinely wanted. He also made me feel beautiful, which is saying something, because I can be the first to admit that my self-confidence is at an all-time low right now.
“Oh, I don’t mind. I like being busy,” I mutter nervously in the hope it’ll send him away.
But it seems my words have the opposite effect, because not two seconds later, he steps up beside me.
His scent floods my nose, and I’m instantly taken back to dancing with him that night. For such a huge guy, he really can move. But then…I’ve seen his warm-ups. I know what those hips can do.
My cheeks burn red hot at my inappropriate thoughts.
“What are you doing?” I balk when he snatches a tea towel and picks up one of the dripping plates.
“Helping. You shouldn’t be in here slaving away all night. You’ve already worked hard enough. The food was incredible.”
I duck my head, unable to take the compliment.
“Thank you,” I whisper like a little mouse.
“I mean it; those dishes are the best homemade food I have eaten in a very long time.”
I squirm again. It’s something I’m really going to need to work on if I want to make cooking my career.
I have all the information at home. I’ve even filled out the applications to go back to school. I just…I’m yet to pull the trigger.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I love coo?—”
“Are you looking for a job?” he blurts, cutting me off.
“I-I’m sorry?” I ask, wondering if I misheard him.
“Freya.” His deep, raspy voice flows around me, making my skin prickle and my blood heat.
I haven’t reacted to a man like this in such a long time. It takes me back a little. But the way he says my name…
“Casey and Parker may have mentioned that you’re at a bit of a crossroads right now, and if you’re looking for a job, I think I might have something for you.”
