Page 31 of Scoring Zone
Bex does a one-eighty and returns to us wide-eyed. “You live together?”
“Yes, as roommates,” I confirm, and stress the word.
“Pity. I knew you were a loser. It also explains how you used to plan your matching outfits,” she says as she flips her hair over her shoulder and flounces away.
“Ouch.” I set the ladle down and stretch. “She is not my biggest fan.”
“At least she doesn’t pretend to flirt with you to get a loaf of Italian bread.” He shakes his head, and his eyes skim my midsection where my shirt has ridden up.
His eyes zero in on my bare skin like a physical touch, and I drop my arms. If he keeps looking at me like that, I’ll get a hard-on in front of all these kids. Talk about a loser.
“What time are you leaving?” He meets my gaze, and there’s heat in his eyes.
I’m stunned speechless as I dissect the question for a hidden meaning. Am I reading too much into the casual touching and playful comments? Or is he suggesting something more?
Another group of kids enters the dining area, and I pay attention to them and learn their names.
“You could be a coach.” Austin pats my back, and I give him a questioning look. “You’re good with kids. You tease them, but don’t let them cross a line. I bet all the single moms and dads would fall all over themselves to sign up for your team. And you know a ton about hockey.”
“I’m pretty sure I let Bex cross a line when I didn’t call her out for saying I’m a loser.” I mindlessly ladle more stew for a volunteer.
“Bex is tough. If she insults you, she likes you,” the volunteer says. “We’re almost done, so you guys can grab some food if you’re hungry.”
“Thanks.” I scoop stew into two bowls for Austin and me, and he makes plates of salad and bread for us.
We find seats across from each other with Benz and King, then swap plates so we each have a full meal.
“Aww, cute lovebirds,” Bex sings obnoxiously.
“Don’t be jelly,” Austin says, and I almost choke on my savory stew.
“Did he just say jelly?” King asks.
“All the kids say it.” Austin shrugs. Our long legs tangle under the table, and he traps one of mine between his two. But he doesn’t look at me or say anything.
When his legs squeeze mine, I cough in surprise, and he raises an eyebrow.
Benz thumps me on the back. “We need you, Gray. Don’t have a choking accident.”
“Yeah, Gray,” Austin taunts.
Either I’m crazy or he is.
This could go either way.
Chapter 15
Austin
During the ride home, I panic. I don’t know what I’m doing. I do but I don’t. Because I’m a logical person with anxiety, I overthink things. I’ve made a million pros and cons lists of being together. I’m going to make the biggest mistake of my life or the best decision ever. Logic has left the building.
All the reasons not to be with him stand, but his quiet acceptance of whatever I’ll give him has worn me down. I have to believe I can be better for him. He deserves someone who will try their best, and I won’t give up if he doesn’t.
My nerves are a live wire that could power the city tonight.
I’ve been dropping hints all week, and he hasn’t picked up on them. Or he’s not interested, but I’m an optimist, and he basically said he wants a repeat of our night in Vegas.
My notes weren’t direct enough.
