Page 79 of Lucky Shot
“That’s really nice.”
“Ruby,” Nick calls my name. He’s still standing with Travis a few feet away.
When I meet his gaze, he says, “I’ll be right back. You good?”
I give him a thumbs-up, and he and Travis head down the same stairs we just came up.
“So, how’s the book coming?” Danny asks, leaning over from the other side of Conrad.
“Slow,” I admit. “The more I learn about hockey, the more I realize how little I know.”
His chest lifts and rises with a silent laugh. “I’m sure it’s great. You’re a fantastic writer.”
My face heats and my eyes widen. “You’ve read my books?”
It didn’t even occur to me, probably because ninety-eight percent of my readers are women, but I’m instantly self-conscious.
“I binged you this week.”
I open my mouth, then close it. I don’t quite know what to say to that.
“Dude. You made it weird,” Conrad says to him.
“No,” I say quickly. “I’m just surprised.”
“Danny’s a huge book nerd.” Conrad has this low, quiet voice and timid expression that I can’t quite get over. He’s ridiculously good-looking and doesn’t seem to realize it.
“Me too,” I say to him then to Danny, “You really read all of them? Likeall?!”
He nods and grins wide. He has a small gap between his front teeth that’s hot and adorable at the same time.
“Thank you.” I don’t know how else to respond.
“I’m excited to read more. Are you going to write a sequel toLove Bites?”
“I hadn’t planned on it,” I say, thinking. No one has ever asked me that before.
“I loved Xander. I bet you could write a hell of a story for him.”
“He dies,” I say.
“But did he really?”
I laugh. I didn’t explicitly show it on the page so I guess he’s right.
“When is the one you’re writing now coming out?” Danny asks.
“Early next year.”
“Cool. I look forward to it.”
“I’ll send you a copy if you want.”
“Hell yeah.” His body rocks back and forth with his excitement.
I sit back in my seat, grinning as I stare down at the ice. Molly will be so happy to know I’m garnering more male readers while I’m here.
The kids on both teams clear off the ice to their respective benches. When I spot Aidan again, he’s heading for the center. Instinctively, I look for Nick. He and Travis are at the bottom of the stairs, staring out at the ice for the puck drop. Nick’s mouth moves but I can’t make out the words he sends his son.
