Page 26 of King

“Aha! You did look up his age. I knew it. Well so did I, and it appears he doesn’t have a girlfriend. At least I couldn’t find anything online when I stalked him. I think you should make a move.”

“A move?” I growl at her, lowering my voice. “I’m here to coach hockey, not get laid.”

“Which is why I’m the smarter sister and you’re stupid.” Brittany’s voice lowers further. “It’s not like you’re morally opposed to having a little fun with a man.”

That’s true. “I’m not interested in a relationship.”

“I know and to hell with relationships. I’m right there with you. But how about having a no-strings hookup with him? I bet he fucks like an animal.”

“Jesus, Britt,” I hiss, looking back to make sure we’re not heard. “Are you crazy?”

“No, I’m not. And you’re crazy if you pass up this opportunity.”

“Willa,” King calls out, and I feel like a zap of electricity just fried my every nerve ending. Did he hear any of that? Does he know we’re talking about him?

I pivot from Brittany and walk over to where King stands near the gate, the equipment bag for the pucks over his shoulder. Izzy breezes past me, heading to her mom.

“Thank you again for helping today,” I say when I reach him.

“It was fun and I’m looking forward to doing more. In fact, I was wondering if you were interested in grabbing a bite to eat right now so we can go over the rest of the schedule and figure out what practices and games I’ll be able to attend.”

I glance back at Brittany, who watches me expectantly. I can read her expression loud and clear. It says,Make a move, girl.

She’s freaking crazy. I mean… it’s ludicrous for me to make a move.

Although admittedly, I have been in a rut for the last few months and I sure do miss sex.

No. It’s crazy to even think it. I’m an established doctor. He’s a young, virile, gorgeous… young… way too young, professional athlete. I shouldn’t even consider a hookup. That’s just… wrong.

Right?

On the other hand, a meal would not be weird, especially to discuss our mutual endeavor to coach these kids. And this is the twenty-first century, after all. Woman power and all that. There isn’t anything wrong with having sex to feel good, and I stand by the decision to be that type of woman. Brittany is certain he’s throwing off vibes that say he’s interested in far more than dinner, but I’m not sure about that.

But no!!!

This would just be dinner to discuss coaching. That’s all.

Jeez, I hate how unsure I am about a simple dinner invitation. I can thank my ex-husband for that. Scott did a number on me. He was always demeaning, knocking my confidence. The fact he cheated on me and then said “It’s just sex” crushed me. Not because he betrayed me, although that hurt, but because that implied he was going somewhere else for better sex. It was all very confusing.

But maybe I need to take some power back for myself. I’ve been on autopilot since the divorce, immersing myself in work and refusing to consider getting close to another man.

I think at the very least, dinner with a handsome, genuine and kind man isn’t a bad place to start.

Smiling at King, I say, “Sure. That sounds like a good plan.”

CHAPTER 7

King

“There’s a littlebistro a few blocks down that has great sandwiches, quiches and stuff like that.” I hold the door open for Willa to precede me out. Her sister, Brittany, and niece, Izzy, had already left by the time we finished turning in the equipment to the management office.

“Sounds good to me.”

I help her slip into a wool coat she had draped over her arm. She reaches up to adjust the collar, her hand brushing against mine, and I swear prickles of electricity dance across my skin. We head out into the twilight, chatting about tonight’s practice. Both of us are quick to mention our gratitude that we didn’t have to deal with little Theo’s dad.

When we reach the restaurant, we’re led to a small wooden table in the back corner, bordered by windows on either side. Pedestrians hustle by, bundling up against the late-November chill. We’re in a vibrant area near downtown with lots of restaurants, so it’s busy for a Monday night.

Helping Willa out of her coat, I hang it over her chair after pulling it out for her. She murmurs a thank-you as she grabs a menu the waitress had left.

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