Page 59 of Forever Wild
JACK
“Thanks for today,” I say to Nick as we walk down the hall toward the parking lot together. Since I can’t skate yet, he cut his on-ice training early and we kicked around a soccer ball like a lot of the guys do before games. I haven’t participated in that type of pre-game ritual in years. That’s mostly the younger guys, letting off steam and getting warmed up.
My before-game routine has shifted over the years, focusing less on myself and more on making sure the team is good to go. But it was nice messing around with Nick and catching up. I wasn’t even worrying about him; I was just having fun.
After we did a little stretching, I slipped back into captain mode to try to convince him to go on the beach vacation his dad recommended. I don’t think he was persuaded any more by me than he was from his dad’s words, but I tried.
I don’t know what it’s like to be a dad, let alonea single father, but I know that the hockey season is long and tiring, and if a week of lying on the beach will help him unwind, I’m all for it. When he gets back here at the end of the summer, I want him to be relaxed and ready to grind.
We push out the back door of the arena. I glance around for Everly, but she’s not here yet. Aside from Coach’s truck, the only other car is Nick’s rental. He hits the unlock on his key fob and the lights flash.
“A minivan?” I chuckle as I stare at the silver monstrosity.
“It’s all they had.”
“Shit. I’d demand you take mine, but it’s at the shop. That is not a proper vehicle for a bachelor on vacation. Any vacation.”
“Nothing about my life screams bachelor. Except maybe the number of TVs in my house.”
Another laugh slips out. “How long are you staying?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Well, shoot me a text if you stick around. Though for the record, I think you should take the next flight out to Turks and Caicos.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He takes a step toward his van. “You have a ride?”
“Yeah. She should be here soon.” The words are barely out of my mouth when an engine rumbles like it’s gaining speed. I lift my head in time to see a black sports car speed through the lot. Not just any sports car. My Lambo.
Surprise makes my brows lift and renders me speechless.
The windows are down and Everly’s blonde hair flies out behind her as she goes. She makes a big loop around the lot, going way faster than anyone should in a parking lot, and comes to a screeching halt in front of me.
I lean down to look through the passenger window and there she is, hair windblown, smile wide, in a hot-pink bikini top and cut-off jean shorts. If I weren’t so turned on, I might be able to find it in me to be annoyed.
“I said grab the key card out of the car, not take the whole damn car.”
“Hmm. I must have misunderstood.”
Nick chuckles beside me. “Still want to loan me your car?”
I send him a friendly glare.
“I think I understand why you’ve been hanging poolside.” He backs away with a wave before I can explain that it isn’t like that. Except, it kind of is exactly like that.
Nick takes off for his van and leaves me with the woman who is surely going to be the death of me.
“All right. You had your joyride.” I beckon for her to hand me the key.
“No way.” She tightens her grip on the wheel. “I’m your topless driver.” She tips her head to the passenger seat. “Get in, handsome.”
I do, saying a silent prayer. Not because I think she’s going to wreck. Because if she takes her top off it really might kill me.
When I’m safely in, a first time sitting in the passenger seat I might add, she asks, “How are you?”
“Nervous.”
“I’m a great driver.” She beams. “But, uh, buckle up just in case.”
