Page 11 of Slap Shots & Sweethearts

"Is that why Mom complained about your date with Cinnamon?"

He shrugs and I know I've gone too far. Lou likes to put on the act of an easy going, fun-loving, serial dater. But I know he hasn't been the same since his ex. He keeps his dates at arm’s length for a reason, and while he is photographed with lots of women on his arm, I know none of them go further than that. He'd wine and dine them, and then drop them at their doorstep to make sure they got home safely.

My shoulders slump in defeat. "It's at six."

His face lights up. "Tux or jersey?"

I groan. "Don't make me regret this."

"I'm just watching out for you."

"T-shirt. I don't need all my Sweethearts promo going out the window because you're spotted at the bar."

"Need me to pick you up?"

"Nope. I'm picking up Maria on our way over."

He gets that glint in his eye that sparks whenever Maria is mentioned.

"No. Whatever you're thinking just don't."

He holds up his hands, "I wasn't thinking anything."

"And I'm a dumb blond."

"I'm not the one that said it."

I look for something to throw at him, and he slips out the door.

Sam stands by the cart in the hallway. "So do you want the flowers?"

I look over and discover Lou put them back on the cart. The petals look like they are barely holding on.

"Yes, I want my flowers."

I take my sad bouquet back to my desk where I shut down my computer, pick up my purse, and decide I am done for the day. After locking my office I check my texts as I walk toward the elevators.

Maria's message that Lou had flipped out about was letting me know that Charlotte was running late and might not make it.

My boss joins me at the elevators.

"Hannah, have dinner with your special someone?" He asks.

I tilt my head in question. "No."

He points at the flowers sticking out of my other hand. "Did Lou get you those?"

"Oh." I feel myself blush. "No. Uh..."

He pulls the card off of the bouquet, "A secret admirer then. I hope it's not someone on the team, you know there's that clause in your contract."

"I know Stuart."

"Good. I'd hate to lose you and your brother."

"My brother?" I knew Lou had something to do with my contract all along.

The elevator opens.

---