Page 72 of Zero Pucks Given
“I hope you’re not just interested in the food,” Bob muttered. “I know we had to strong-arm you into these three additional dates, but can you at leastpretendto be happy to go out with Grayson?”
The elevator opened across the lobby and Grayson walked toward us, broad-shouldered and sexier than ever.
Suppressing a smile, I told Bob, “I think I can pretend for one more day.”
35
Josie
While we waited for Manny to finish setting up his cameras, Bob repeated all the information for Grayson. The big hockey player nodded, and muttered something about getting this over with.
After turning away from Bob, he opened his phone and began texting. I faced the other direction and idly scrolled TikTok.
Then a text popped up on my phone.
Grayson: All I can think about is bending you over that lobby chair and fucking you until you scream loud enough to wake everyone in the hotel.
I looked up, and Grayson had a tiny smile on his lips while still staring at his phone, avoiding eye contact with me.
I grinned to myself. It was fun having a little secret that nobody else knew about.
“Have fun, you two,” Bob said, waving goodbye. “And for the love of God, try to be reasonable with your purchases. If I have to explain another expensive bottle of wine to the budget guys, I’m going to blowa gasket.”
Our coffee date was at a cute little spot only a few blocks from the hotel, so we walked there. Manny ran ahead, then took “candid” photos of us walking together. Grayson and I made small talk—chatting about the weather, and the city.
Pretending like we hadn’t spent all night fucking like rabbits.
Nobody at the coffee shop recognized us, although a few customers glanced at the camera man with curiosity. After receiving our drinks, we sat at a two-person table up against the wall.
“I bet you hate this,” I said.
Grayson raised an eyebrow. “Going on yet another date with you?”
“I meant the fans. Or lack thereof. Nobody recognizes you here. Zero fame to wallow in.”
He looked around, then sighed happily. “I love it. I might move here when I retire.” He pointed at my drink. “You’re probably disappointed you’re not getting an expensive free meal. Our coffees only cost eight dollars.Canadiandollars.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I’m planning on getting my money’s worth at brunch after this.”
“I don’t know if the place we’re going has an eight thousand dollar bottle of wine in their cellar,” Grayson said.
I let out a dramatic sigh. “What’s the point of even going out with you, then?”
Grayson lowered his voice, then said, “I can think of one reason.”
I felt my cheeks redden. “Now I’m thinking about that, too.”
His foot brushed against mine underneath the table. “Good. It’s all I’ve been able to think about since I left your hotel room this morning.”
I smiled and sipped my coffee. “It was that memorable, huh?”
But Grayson surprised me by shaking his head. “I’m not talking about what happened last night.” He leaned forward, eyes locked ontomine. “I’m thinking about what I’m going to do to you thenexttime we’re alone.”
Manny appeared beside our table. “You two are doing great. Keep pretending, just like that.”
The two of us shared another private smile.
Pretending indeed.
