Page 46 of Secret Puck
I press two fingers against my lips remembering how it felt to be kissed by Heath. I’ve done my best to avoid going down this particular memory lane because I don’t want to ruin the friendship we have, but I don’t think I’ll ever forget that kiss.
Valley wins and the girls and I head to The Hideout. The local restaurant and bar is a favorite among college students, and we have to push our way through a mass of people to find a table.
There’s a collective cheer in the place when the guys arrive. Adam and Taryn lead the pack, Rhett, Maverick, and a few other guys from the team not far behind.
“Congratulations.” I stand and hug my brother. “You were amazing.”
“You’ve seen me play before.”
“I know, but it was different this time. I can’t explain it. I’m so proud of you.”
One side of his mouth pulls up into a smile. “Thanks, Ginny.”
We pull a couple of tables together so we can all sit. Pitchers of beer and shots arrive at the table, some the guys ordered and others that people buy for them.
My gaze falls to the front entrance every time someone new appears. I just assumed Heath would be coming, but now I’m not so sure and I’m disappointed. A friendly disappointment. We’re friends — I’m allowed to be disappointed when a friend doesn’t come out for the night.
I’m sitting at one end between my brother and Jordan. Adam’s turned toward Taryn which kind of leaves me hidden behind his giant back from the rest of the table.
I’m leaning in and listening to a Celine Dion cover that Jordan promised would change my life when Heath’s voice washes over me.
“Thanks for saving my seat, J.”
Jordan looks from me to Heath and he nods slowly. “You two are…?”
“Friends,” I say at the same time Heath says, “Yep.”
“I’ll send you the link,” Jordan says as he stands to give Heath his seat.
“I wasn’t sure you were coming.”
“Came with the rest of the guys, but my brother called as we were walking in.”
“You’ve been outside on the phone this whole time?”
He nods and reaches for one of the pitchers and a glass. “Yeah, what’d I miss? Other than Jordan hitting on you.”
“He wasn’t hitting on me.”
Heath’s brows rise and he takes a long drink from his glass then leans back and places his arm around the back of my chair.
“Five minutes talking with him and anyone would know he’s totally hung up on his ex-girlfriend. He was playing me videos of her singing some Celine Dion song.”
“That’s why he picked that sappy-ass song.”
“Picked it for what?”
“On game days, we do a light skate in the morning and we each get to pick one song that Mav compiles into a playlist for us.”
“That’s cool. What’s your song?”
He smirks and instead of answering pulls out his phone. Like with Jordan, I have to lean in close to hear it. As the music plays I can see how it affects him, getting him pumped up. But unlike when I was this close to Jordan, I’m acutely aware of everything about Heath. The way he smells like soap and something masculine—sandalwood, I think. The fit of his shirt, tight around his chest and biceps but looser at his tapered waist. And the way my body reacts—heart racing and breathless.
Friends schmends. I want to kiss him again.
When the song ends, he pockets his phone and leans back, and I can think a little clearer without him so close. I push my chair back and stand. “I’m going to use the restroom.”
I catch Dakota’s gaze as I walk by the table and motion for her to come with me. She and Reagan tail me into the ladies’ room.
