Page 78 of Zero Pucks Given
The server returned with our wine and told us about the specials while opening the bottle. Everything on the menu sounded amazing. I ordered the focaccia bread and the baked ziti, while Grayson got the focaccia and chicken parm.
“That’s not too much food before a game, is it?” I asked.
Grayson shook his head. “This is the best part of the hockey season. I get to carb-load before games. How’s the wine?”
I swirled the wine around in my glass like I was a fancy rich person, then took a sip. I smacked my lips dramatically, then nodded. “I’m getting notes of… maple leaves. And I think beaver pelts?”
Grayson burst out laughing. “I know you’re trying to sound sophisticated, but it’s not working.”
I let out a mock gasp. “Howdareyou challenge my palate. I’m an expert in wine that costs way too much, especially from the Alberta region of Canada.”
Grayson twisted the bottle around. “It’s an Italian wine.”
I nodded along with him. “Yes, of course, the Northern region of Italy has grapes that areverysimilar to western Canada. All wine experts know this.”
He smiled warmly at me as I pushed my glass across the table. “Have a taste.”
“I shouldn’t.”
“Come on. I’m not asking you to drink a glass. Just taste the expensive wine you ordered. If youreallywant to adhere to your team’s drinking rules, I can ask the waitress for a spit-bucket. That’s what all the fancy wine people do.”
He glared at me, but picked up the glass by the stem. He lifted it to his nose, inhaled deeply, then took a sip.
“You know,” he said, “it might be my imagination, but I think Itaste notes of maple too!”
“Hah!” I replied. “Bow down to my expert palate!”
Grayson flipped me his middle finger, and we both laughed like teenagers. It was all so easy and natural, now. We meshed in a fun, surprising way.
I couldn’t believe we hated each other on our first date.
38
Josie
The rest of dinner was relatively innocent, although I did slide my foot up his leg a few more times just to remind him of what he had to look forward to later. Every time I did, I found his cock still fully hard in his pants.
The fact that he could maintain an erection just bylookingat me made me feel sexy and powerful in a way I had never felt before.
Manny snapped candid photos of us from across the restaurant throughout dinner, and concluded with a few formal shots outside the restaurant. Grayson put his arm around my waist and held me close while we smiled for the camera; everything was easier now that we didn’t have to fake liking each other.
“Done,” Manny said, then waved to the driver who was waiting one street over. “I got everything I need. And don’t worry: I deleted all the photos that you wouldn’t want anyone else seeing.”
“Like Grayson having a sip of wine?” I asked.
“Sure,” Manny said, giving me a pointed look. “The wine.”
I felt my cheeks redden. He was definitely talking about the way we were playing under the table.
“We can trust Manny,” Grayson said when we were dropped off at the hotel. “He’s cool.”
“I’m not worried,” I replied. “Besides, it’s not like it matters if people know we’re actually into each other, right? Unless you’re embarrassed of me.”
Grayson turned and gave me a harsh look. “Embarrassed? Ofyou?I want you on my arm everywhere I go from now on.” He shook his head. “I just don’t want this becoming a distraction during the playoffs. The tabloids love to focus on the love lives of celebrities, and hockey players aren’t immune. Besides, our coach doesn’t like it when we fraternize during the playoffs. Not that we’re required to be celibate, but it’s a bad look if we’re staying up all night having sex with women.”
“We weren’t up all night having sex last night,” I pointed out. “We fell asleep before midnight.”
“I know,” he replied, his face a blank mask as we walked into the lobby. “But tonight’s a different story.”
