Page 35 of Slap Shots & Sweethearts

Needing space, I get up to grab a second plate from the buffet. I join the line behind a guy with curly brown hair, who's a full head shorter than me. A lot of people are shorter than me, but it means I can look over the buffet easier. Things are moving along until he completely stops the line to meticulously count the number of broccoli florets on his plate. If I didn't want broccoli too, I'd just move around him. When he realizes I'm waiting on him, he has the decency to apologize.

"No worries," I tell him and as soon as the scoop is free, I scoop up enough steamed broccoli to fill half my plate.

"You're with Hannah right?" He asks.

His question made me pause. "You're asking because?"

He glances to the corner where a pregnant woman with a purple headscarf is eating by herself. "I used to date her. Didn't do right by her."

"Okay..?" I wasn't sure what he was getting at.

"She's a good person. She could have been mean and nasty when she found out her little sister is friends with my wife. She wasn't. I hope that you're worthy of a person like her."

"Well," I cleared my throat. "Sounds like she's moved on, and you should get back to your wife."

He ducks his head, grabs his plate, and returns to the corner with his wife. It was only then I continue through the line. I really don't like the idea of someone who had hurt Hannah being anywhere near her. So I vow to myself to keep him away from her the rest of the night.

When all the food is cleaned up, and the gifts are packed away into the cars, there isn't enough room for Hannah in Lou's car. The front seat, back seat, and trunk are all full.

"I can give you a ride." I offer her.

"I have to pick up my suitcase," Hannah tells me. "I'm staying at the hotel with the team tonight."

"I can grab that when I get mine," Lou tells us.

"I'd love a ride," She tells me.

After she hugs her family goodbye and they all pile into their cars, Hannah and I walk to my rental. It's a plain sedan and doesn't offer enough legroom, but it works for tonight. I see the twerp from earlier watching us. When he realizes I'm glaring at him, he quickly ducks away into his own car.

I chuckle to myself as I open the door for Hannah.

"What was that?" Hannah asks me.

"He asked me if I was good to you earlier."

Surprise is written all over her face.

"How long ago did you date him?" I ask.

"High school."

"Well he still feels guilty about something."

"Dumped me right before prom."

"Want me to punch him?"

She rolls her eyes and gets in the car. "Lou already offered."

I close her door before walking around to my side. I start the car and turn up the heat since I can see my breath in the cold night air. It's a mistake, as it swirls Hannah's perfume in the tiny space. She smells of pomegranates and cider and it's just one more reason I want to be near her.

"Do you want to go straight back to the hotel?" she asks me. "Or do you think you could stop by somewhere first?"

"My chariot is yours, madam."

She smiles and I know I've chosen right.

"In that case, take a left at the light," She tells me.

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