Page 26 of Power Move
Their texts, and especially Rhys’s words and actions, help me feel better. “Let’s find a good spot. The band’s about to start.”
We walk to the crowd gathered at the stage. The frontman of Satyr’s Kiss introduces himself and his bandmates, and they jump right into playing. Their rock-metal sound is creative and grabs hold, pulling the crowd into the music.
Rhys embraces me from behind, wrapping his arms around my torso. I lean against him, hugging his arms to my chest. This experience is as special as everything he said to me tonight.
My anxiety isn’t too much for him yet. Maybe it won’t ever be.
At the end of the set, Rhys heads to the restroom. I buy him a copy of the band’s latest album, then move to the coffeehouse section and get us cappuccinos and scones. Once I have a table, I text him so he’ll know where to find me.
He walks up carrying a bag that’s identical to mine and passes it to me as he sits. “Here.”
“I got you something, too.” I hand over my bag.
We open them at the same time and both pull out a copy of the same Satyr’s Kiss album. Gorgeous artwork and cherry redvinyl. Laughing, I look into his beaming smile. “Great minds think alike. I wanted something to remember this night.”
“So did I.” He reaches across the table and takes hold of my hand. “I think this is what you should play tomorrow in the locker room.”
I nudge my chair closer so I can capture his leg between mine. “That’s a good idea.”
“I also think that once we finish this food, we should go back to your place and listen to it.” He traces his thumb along the side of my palm and his eyes glitter with heat. “In bed.”
“That’s an even better idea.”
CHAPTER 8
RHYS
Anaheim is warm and sunny.Temperatures in the seventies, it’s like springtime. When we left Minneapolis, it was thirty degrees.
“We should sit outside. They have patio seating.” I lead my merry band of hockey players into the bar. Quinn, Sage, Remy, Jonas, Morgan, and Maxim crowd in behind me.
We landed an hour ago. Time to find dinner, then we’re seeing a movie. We have a game here tomorrow, then another in LA the following night.
Jonas slides his bright orange sunglasses to the top of his head. He bought them at a store in the hotel lobby after we checked in because they matched his sneakers. “I’m fine with sitting outside.”
“How could you forget to pack underwear?” Sage’s baffled question rings out behind me.
Remy shrugs, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “It happens.”
Dressed in one of the twelve outfits he packed for the three-day trip, Maxim drapes his arm around Sage’s shoulders. “Not to us. Champion packers, here.”
“Over-packers, bordering on obsessive,” Jonas corrects.
Releasing Sage, Maxim stalks the few feet to Jonas and flicks his finger at the center of Jonas’s chest. “I’ll remember that the next time you forget a shirt or deodorant, and are begging me to help you.”
“I never beg.” He clasps Maxim’s finger in his fist. The two stare at each other like one is waiting for the other to blink first. Then Jonas smiles and pushes him away.
Sage stands beside me, his hand on my arm, and his gaze on my two friends. He’s been up with us for a little more than two weeks. With at least a point in each game, his goal streak continues, and he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. “Are they okay?”
“Yeah, they’re always like that with each other.” I slide my arm around him. Every time I do, something inside me settles.
Morgan, back with us now that an injury has claimed yet another of my teammates, nudges Remy with his elbow. “There are a few stores close to the hotel.”
“I’ll buy something when we get back, or in the morning. Forgetting underwear is nothing. Forgetting a passport is worse.” Grinning, he turns to our captain. “Isn’t it, Quinn?”
Quinn mock-growls at my peppy defensive partner. “Don’t act like that forty-five minute delay was a major hardship. You slept the whole time.”
“Iknow. But we could’ve spent that time in Canada. You delayed us getting to eat poutine.” He touches his chest like he’s wounded.
