Page 35 of Head Over Skates

"Thank you so much for the help," I tell him sincerely. "I really appreciate you taking the time."

"Of course, of course," he says, hovering a little too close. There's that sly grin of his. The thing is, Cody is probably a nice guy. Probably. Maybe he’ll meet a girl who doesn’t mind bad breath and sweat that smells like pepperoni. That girl is not me.

"Well, I won't keep you any longer," I say pointedly.

But Cody doesn't take the hint. "So, now that I did you a favor, seems like you owe me," he says, raising his eyebrows suggestively. "How about I take you out to dinner tomorrow night so you can… you know, properly thank me?"

"Oh, uh..." I stammer, taken aback by his bluntness. I rack my brain for an excuse. "That sounds… interesting, but I just found out I have a rare condition where I'm allergic to awkward situations, and I fear that might trigger a flare-up."

Cody blinks at me blankly. "Oh sure, I get it. But if you change your mind..."

"Absolutely, I'll let you know," I lie, steering him gently but firmly toward the door.

Cody hangs around awkwardly at the doorway for a few more minutes, even though I keep dropping hints that I need to get going.

“Okay, thanks again,” I say. “But I have to go back to work in a couple hours, so…”

“You work at the Blizzard Dome, right?”

“Yeah. I really should get ready now, though.”

He nods, thoughtful. “I don’t really care for hockey.”

“Oh. Well, it’s not for everyone.” I push the door closed as much as I can with him standing in the way.

“That was some pretty good teamwork, you and me.”

“Yes, it sure was,” I say, still trying to close the door.

He lifts his chin. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at eight.”

“What?”

“Wear something sexy.”

Before I have a chance to say anything else, he runs away. I slam the door shut behind him and slide the deadbolt for good measure. I really need to be more careful to avoid Cody from now on. The last thing I want is to lead him on any more than I might have just done.

I'm still reelingfrom the bizarre interaction with Cody as I head into work at the Blizzard Dome later this afternoon. The arena is mostly empty, with just a few staff milling around, getting ready for tonight's game.

Making my way down the hallway towards the Zamboni garage, I hear Owen's voice coming from around the corner. I stop short, pressing myself against the wall. His low baritone is… bringing upthosefeelings again. The late-night caper. The thrill of discovery. The danger. That mind-blowing kiss.

He seems to be on the phone. I probably shouldn't eavesdrop, but curiosity gets the better of me (and also because hearing him talk makes me think about his lips). I inch closer, straining to hear.

"... I just want what's best for him, that's all," Owen is saying, an unfamiliar, gentle tone in his voice. "You know I care about Cyrus."

Cyrus? Who the heck is Cyrus? I wrack my brain, trying to remember if any of the Titan players are named Cyrus. No one comes to mind.

I hear an exasperated female voice, slightly muffled from Owen's phone. "Well, you have a funny way of showing it sometimes."

Owen sighs heavily. "Look, I know it's not ideal, but I'm trying here. It would mean a lot if I could get him for a night next week."

Get him for a night? Is Owen talking about a kid?

My eyes go wide. Does Mr. Bachelor of the Year have a secret love child?!

I lean in closer, hanging on every word.

"I just want to do something special with him," Owen is pleading. "Maybe take him to a movie or something. I'll bring him straight home, I promise."

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