Page 39 of Nanny For My Brother's Best Friend

There’s a question in his voice and I stare down at the counter.

“I have plans and they’re great with her. She didn’t seem to mind.”

“You didn’t go at all this week.”

“One game, Miles. Lola seemed a little off that day, so we skipped it and watched it here on the couch. She’ll be there tonight dressed as your biggest fan, as usual.”

“I have to get to practice.”

He’s gone, and I look at the door as it closes.

“Moody asshole.”

I keep it a whisper and look at Lola as she plays with her puzzles on the living room floor. She likes my help with them and I drink the last of my coffee before joining her.

I dress her for the game and drop her off at the house for the pre-game dinner. They invite me in, but I’m meeting Colton at a bistro near the arena and beg off, kissing Lola before telling her to have fun.

I park in the small lot of the bistro, looking between the restaurant and the arena. What am I getting myself into?

I check my mirror, having made some effort to get ready and watch as my curls fall around my face.

“You need a cut.”

I leave the car and go inside, seeing Colton waving from a table in the back. He’s so good looking and I hate myself for not appreciating him more than I do.

“You look ready for the game. What’s the name on the back?”

He is wearing a jersey that looks new, and I smile at his outfit.

“Mine. I support Drew when I’m there.”

We sit down and order some drinks to start the evening off before glancing at the menu.

“They have some shrimp dishes here that sound incredible. We’re not on the ocean like I would be at school, but you can’t ruin shrimp.”

I look at him, and Colton grins.

“You’re going to school outside of Colorado?”

“Boston, home of lobster and everything delicious. I leave in a month.”

Huh. This could be a great brief fling or whatever you call it. I am not as bold as Alli with men, but we could have fun.

We ordered shrimp dishes, and he tells me about school in California while I share stories about my college years. Colton makes me laugh and I enjoy the conversation, but there isn’t one spark between us. It’s a pleasant evening at most, but my food is in a knot in my stomach when we walk inside of the arena.

The seats aren’t too bad for a fan. We can see everything, and I watch as Lola plays with everyone down on the first level before looking at the ice to see Miles skating around.

“You’re not too disappointed?”

“No. These are good seats. Is your friend a season ticket guy or just now and then?”

“Season, but he had a work trip, so here we are. Where do you usually sit?”

“There.” It’s close enough to see them, which means they can see me if they look up. These seats are in the front row.

“Is that little girl Lola? She’s cute.”

“Lola is an enormous ball of energy but smart as a whip. I love spending time with her and teaching her everything she wants to learn. The house is on a lot of property, so she gets outdoors a lot.”

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