“You never know. People tend to be blind to the faults of people they love.”
“I guess so.”
“I’m sorry if I ruined your evening.”
He shakes his head. “Not at all. Let’s be serious—spend the evening hanging with my buddies at a bar or go for a drive with a beautiful woman? I’m pretty sure I got the better deal.”
I laugh. “That’s a good point.”
“Anyway, Marty and his wife are separated, so that’s pretty much all he talks about.”
“That’s sad.”
“I guess. But the divorce rate among pro athletes is high, so it’s not unexpected. My gut tells me she’s cheating.”
“You think?” I’m surprised, simply because it’s usually the guys who cheat. That’s probably unfair, but that’s my experience.
“Marty’s a good guy,” Canyon said quietly. “Like, a really good guy. Solid. Reliable. A great dad. Generous with both money and time. A leader in the locker room. Never so much as looks at another woman no matter how drunk he gets when we’re partying. He’s the real deal.” He pauses. “He’s the kind of guy you should go out with.”
“What makes you say that? You don’t even know me.”
“I can tell. You’re beautiful, smart, and hard-working. You need a guy with a good head on his shoulders.”
“What about you?” I counter. “Are you saying you’re not the kind of guy I should go out with?”
“Definitely not. I’m kind of an asshole. I’m a good time, but only short-term, you know?”
“So, you’re one of those I-don’t-do-relationships guys?”
“Pretty much. I’m just not good at it, so why start something I already know is going to end badly? My focus is hockey. Maybe in ten years I’ll mellow and start looking for something more serious, but right now, I’m the personification of love-’em-and-leave-’em.”
“I think I’m ready for more than one-night stands,” I say slowly. “But I’m not willing to settle. I refuse to get into a relationship with someone who doesn’t fulfill my needs. I have money, friends, and a very satisfying career. The last thing I need is some guy who doesn’t love me and doesn’t make my life better.”
“I kinda feel the same way. Like, I have a great career, make a lot of money, have good friends, and enjoy life. I’m not interested in some gold-digger who doesn’t really care about me and is only interested in my money. I’m watching what Marty’s going through with his divorce and it makes me wary as fuck. I work too hard to give half of everything to someone who doesn’t care about me.”
“Exactly.” For someone who’s anti-relationship, he seems to have put a lot of thought into why he feels that way. “But it’s hard for someone like me to meet men. Everyone takes one look and makes assumptions about who and what I am. Men seem to be intimidated by a successful, independent woman. I don’t imagine you have that problem.”
“Not really. But meeting women with substance is something else. I don’t even try, to be honest. Slam, bam, thank you, ma’am.” He pauses. “Does that make me a dick?”
“Not if you’re honest about your intentions. Don’t pretend it’s more than dinner or sex or whatever. If she’s still down for sex, then it’s all good.” I sigh. “Hell, at this point, I’d be okay with just sex. Except, you know, most guys aren’t that good at it.”
Oh, hell.
Did I just say that out loud?
“I feel like I should defend my penis-wielding brethren,” he says, chuckling. “But I know what you mean. Nothing worse than hooking up with a pretty lady and then she goes down on me using her teeth.”
“Ouch,” I say, grimacing. “Or when a guy has absolutely no idea what a clitoris is, much less where to find it.”
“Or when they complain I last too long.”
“That’s a thing?” I ask, glancing at him. “Most guys have zero staying power. Two minutes and they’re done.”
“I feel like we need to set up everyone we’ve slept with, with each other,” he says.
“Sounds like they’re made for each other,” I agree.
“Well, if you’re ever interested in no-strings dinner and conversation, I’d be down. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”