Page 6 of Daring the Hockey Player
Kyler's jaw tightens. "Do you think that she won't?"
I've never seen my older brother actually look worried. He's usually got his shit together, and when he doesn't, he hides it pretty well from the rest of the world.
We walk up to the front of the building, and there's a cute brunette with red highlights in her hair. I try not to stare, but I recognize her. She was completely brunette the last time that I saw her, and her cheeks had been bright red.
She's the girl from the bar—the cute, young brunette who asked me to save her. Actually, more specifically, she had asked for my help.
I doubt that she remembers me.
The brunette gives a quick wave and a smile. She pulls her jacket closer and tighter. The air this morning is chilly. "Hi, I'm Amber," she says.
"Thanks for meeting with us, Amber. I'm Kyler, and this is my brother, Jasper."
Does she recognize me?
"It's nice to meet you," Amber says, and I'm guessing she doesn't remember me. I guess I didn't make a lasting impression.
"Likewise," I say and hold out my hand to introduce myself. She takes my hand and shakes it, and I hold on to her hand a moment longer than necessary, trying to see if there's any recollection on her face.
She smiles and lets go of my hand, grabbing the door handle. "Should we go in?" she asks.
Amber steps inside first, and I'm one hundred percent confident that this is the same girl I rescued months ago during her date from hell. I'm curious what she's been up to, if that meth head has bothered her since, and a number of other fleeting questions.
"Jasper, are you listening to a word I'm saying?" Kyler asks.
"Clearly not," Amber says with a grin.
I clear my throat. "Sorry, you both have my undivided attention," I say.
Kyler is looking at rings and is interested in Amber's opinion on what she thinks her sister would like, mostly the style and cut. He has Amber help with the sizing, and other than knowing her fingers are slender, he's not really confident in her ring size. Apparently, she doesn't have any cheap rings at home that he could borrow to determine her size.
I glance around the shop, but the fanciest rings are brought out for Kyler to admire and choose from without being locked behind the glass.
The price tag nearly knocks me on my ass when I hear the jeweler tell Kyler the value of the ring.
"My sister has never been one for anything flashy," Amber says, "but I think she'll like it."
"You think?" Kyler repeats, and sweat glistens from his head. He grabs a handkerchief from his pocket and dabs his forehead. "Bro, I need your opinion."
I stalk across the floor and glance at the ring Kyler has picked out for Emerson. It's a huge rock and clearly costs a boatload, but money hasn't been an issue for my older brother. He's a billionaire and in the NHL.
Flashy is expected when you're an NHL wife.
"I think it's great," I say and add, "for the two of you." I really don't have much of an opinion on engagement rings. I'm sure that's why he brought Amber. I'm just around for moral support.
Kyler chuckles under his breath. "You wouldn't be caught dead buying one, am I right?"
I smirk. "Yeah, you know me too well."
"While I finish up here, do you want to grab us three coffees from the place down the street?" Kyler asks.
Amber stands. "My work here is done. I'll join you," she says.
I quirk a grin. "That'd be nice." We leave Kyler to finish with the jeweler and pay for the ring. I open the door, heading into the brisk autumn air with Amber at my side.
"So, you and your brother, you both play for the Ice Dragons?" Amber asks.
"We do," I say. "I'm guessing Emerson told you."
