Page 16 of Puck You
“It’s so nice to see you out of that sweaty uniform or workout clothes,” she said, taking my outstretched hand.
Of course, I thought, my body tensing at the snark behind her words.Kate couldn’t help but continually remind me how I chose hockey over her.But now wasn’t the time to start a fight.Instead, I grabbed her hand and led her through the lobby and into the ballroom.The place was decked out with fancy chandeliers and cocktail tables piled high withhors d’oeuvres.Waiters wandered in and out of the crowd holding trays topped with champagne flutes.A few people had already moved to the dance floor and were swaying with their partners to the soft notes playing from the piano stationed at the back of the room.The annual fundraiser was always held at the historic Vincent Hotel.Thoughthe ballroom looked identical to last year’s event, something felt different.I couldn’t put my finger on it.
“Do I look nice?”Kate asked, stepping into my line of vision and giving me another spin.
“You always look nice,” I said, glancing around the room as I tried to work out why the atmosphere felt off.Not a single thing looked out of place.
“You’re not even looking at me, Sebastian.”
I let out a long sigh, still frustrated at her earlier jab, and turned to face Kate.The disappointment etched into her features felt like a punch to the gut.I felt guilty all over again for picturing Grace in the shower.
“I’m sorry,” I said, pulling her close.“You are especially ravishing tonight.I’d kiss you if it wouldn’t mess up those perfect lips.”Even to my own ears, the words sounded rehearsed, like I’d said them a million times before.I’m sorry I can’t spend more time with you.I’m sorry you wasted so much time on someone who can’t give you what you want.It wasn’t healthy to spend more time apologizing than enjoying each other’s time, and we both knew it.But neither of us had the strength to pull away.
Kate assessed me with an expression that was hard to read.“Macy and I are going to get drinks,” she said after a moment, then grabbed Macy’s arm and pulled her away from Bishop, who was busy amassing a large pile of appetizers on a tiny silver plate.They disappeared into the crowd, Kate whispering into her friend’s ear, no doubt complaining about my lack of enthusiasm.My stomach let out a loud growl.I turned to appraise the food and found that the closest display happened to be a spectacular charcuterie board loaded with every cheese, meat, and nut possible.I was almost within reach of the plates when a hand fell ontop of my shoulder.
“Sebastian, great to see you,” Elijah Peters said, a smile stretched across his bearded face.
He was still a handsome man, even at sixty-six years old.Despite the wrinkles around his eyes and mouth, there was something genuine in his expression that brought forth a warmth in his features.
“You as well, old man,” I said as he pulled me into a brief hug.
Elijah was a close family friend and an alumnus of Dallard University.He was the reason I’d chosen this hockey program in the first place.Not only was he a fellow Raven, he was a regular donor to the program and the university.He and my stepfather had worked at the same company for years before Elijah left to start a private consulting firm.
“You were incredible last weekend.I was glad to see you back on the ice.The team is looking fantastic.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I’m confident you’ll lead the team to another championship this year.”
“That’s the plan,” I said.
“I’ll get in touch with Bill to see what games he’ll be attending this year,” Elijah said.“Hopefully we can see one together.”
Suddenly, someone slammed into me from the side.My reflexes kicked into gear, and I reached out to steady them.The eyes blinking back at me in surprise made my pulse jump.
Not again.What the hell is she doing here?
Grace quickly pulled away and righted herself.Her hands shook as she wiped them along the front of her silky green dress.The material followed the lines of her body, outlining the shape of her curves in all the right places.My mouth watered at thesight of her thigh peeking through a high slit in the material.She was more done up than I’d ever seen her, eyes outlined in dark makeup and cheeks dusted pink.I forced my expression to remain neutral despite the spike in my pulse.
“I’m sorry,” she forced out the apology through gritted teeth.
“Do you normally throw yourself at men?”I asked, unable to help myself.There was nothing I could do to avoid the girl when she was so keen on colliding with me.I deserved to have some fun before she undoubtedly stormed off.
“I tripped, you imbecile,” Grace said.“I would much rather have fallen into the cheese table than you.”
Beside me, Elijah cleared his throat.
“I’m so sorry, sir,” Grace said, reaching out to shake Elijah’s hand.This time, the apology was genuine.“I’m Grace.As you can tell, I don’t wear heels very often.I’m not the steadiest in them.”
“Please, no apologies are necessary.I take it you and Sebastian know each other?”
He was looking between us with a bemused expression.
“She plays for the women’s team.Transferred this year,” I said stiffly.
“Ah, I hear you ladies are some of the best in the NCAA.”
“Yes, we’re looking to bring Dallard a fourth national title.”She turned to me with a sweet smile that promised nothing but trouble.“I guess it’ll be five if you count the single championship won by the men’s team.”
