Page 46 of Power Play

Layla:

And yes, I said you’re the best goalie in the NHL.

Me:

Then how about going somewhere with the best goalie the NHL has?

Me:

Maya, you, and me

The pause is long and dramatic. My eyes are glued to my phone; not even my teammates talking all around me distracts me. It’s been two weeks since we went to Angie’s shop, and while there wasn’t a day when we didn’t text, I haven’t seen her since. And I want to.

When my phone dings, I almost send it falling to the ground. My goddamn palms are so sweaty. I unlock it, read her text, and start shaking my head, smiling like the hopeless fool I am.

Layla:

Win this game, and then we’ll talk

Me:

You realize that’s not fair? I’ll be on the bench

Layla:

I’m sure you’ll figure something out.

This woman…

“Who are you texting?”

I lock my screen and look up, meeting Colton’s gaze. A taunting smirk is on his lips as he studies me.

“No one,” I say dismissively.

Thompson rolls his eyes and plops himself down on the seat beside me. We’re on our way to the hotel from the airport in Dallas. Our first neutral-site preseason game is tomorrow.

“Sure.” He nods. “Did you finally ask for your neighbor’s number?”

“Why do I need Dylan’s number?” I frown, eyeing him in annoyance.

Colt’s smile widens as he leans back in the seat, resting his head against the headrest and closing his eyes. “You don’t,” he finally says. “It just means you’ve been texting with a certain blonde whose name starts with L.”

Smart-ass motherfucker.

“I need to take my car in for a tune-up. My friend from Chicago suggested his uncle’s shop, so I’ve been texting with his cousin about the details.”

Colt opens his eyes and stares at me from under furrowed eyebrows. “Where is the shop?”

“It’s like a ninety-minute drive from my house.”

“You can’t find anything in Santa Clara?”

“Obviously, I can, but I trust Ethan, and if he says his uncle and cousin are good, I’m going to listen. Plus, supporting small businesses is great. You should know that better than anyone.” Ava runs an independent PR company for authors. Colt knows how important word of mouth can be.

“I do. And I think it’s awesome that you’re willing to drive so far to support your friend’s family.” Colt glances over his shoulder at Drake and Roman. They’re sitting together, engrossed in conversation. I’d bet a hundred bucks they’re talking about Nevaeh. Everyone’s so worried about Roman and Nevaeh’s accidental marriage that they’re not letting them breathe. I wonder how they can be so oblivious to the fact that the guy is head over heels for his new wife. Colt continues, “And I’m not going to snitch on you, you know that. You don’t need to keep everything to yourself. Talking things through can be good.”

My chest warms; a searing energy overflows my veins. I missed this when I was in Chicago. These talks and reassurances, undeniable support, and just having a friend therefor me when I need it—especially on days when I don’t think I can handle everything on my own.

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