Page 11 of Busted Dreams

“Ah, hell. I can see Michigan is a higher choice for you, but don’t count DU out yet,” Tom growled, but smiled heartily.

“Oh, I won’t. I’m just excited to meet both of you.” Another comment was on the tip of my tongue about reviewing all of my options, but I didn’t want to come across as entitled. Or arrogant like my father, so I left it at that.

“We won’t keep you. I’m sure you have much better places to be than talking to us old men.” Travis laughed and slapped my shoulder enthusiastically. “But don’t worry, we’ll both be at the Fort Collins game tomorrow.”

Coach and I waved them off, and I watched dumbly as they made their way out of the locker room, stopping only a couple times to have a little small talk with a couple of players.

“I think they’re both interested. I’m proud of you kid.” Coach nodded at me before stopping at the other seniors’ lockers. Did they get an introduction? Did I even want to ask in case they didn’t?

Grabbing my bag, I ran out to where Astrid and the others were still waiting on me. Without thinking, I dropped my hockey gear and picked Astrid up, swinging her around.

“It went well, I take it?” Her voice was muffled in my neck, but it just made it all the sweeter.

“Hell yeah.” My gruff tone was unavoidable with this much adrenaline running through my body. “Let’s get out of here. We need a celebratory dinner.”

Thatcher shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Let’s go back to my place. We can grab a couple of pizzas and hang out. That way we can relax. And honestly, man, you don’t need to be out too late tonight. Tomorrow is just as big of a game for you.”

Damn, he was right. If I went out with them this hyped up, I doubted I’d want to call it a night any time soon. And if anyone recognized me? All hell would break loose. It always did when the scouts were in town.

“Sounds good. But Astrid rides with me.” Snatching her hand, I pulled her to me so I could transfer my hand to the small of her back. With her slender body close to mine, the adrenaline seemed to turn to electricity that arced between us.

“See you guys there.” Astrid waved over her shoulder.

Light hearted grumbling trailed behind us, but I didn’t give a fuck. Tonight was my night.

There were only a few people still hanging out inside the arena. The time it took for Coach to give us a debrief and shower seemed to be enough to clear everyone out. Which was perfect, because fans were the last thing I wanted to see right now.

We made it to my SUV without any distractions. Opening the door for Astrid, I let my hands linger on her hips a minute before helping her into the seat.

“What in the world, Rhys? I have no idea what’s going on, but this side of you is not what I’m used to.” Her laugh was nervous and a little on the high side.

Jogging around the front, I climbed in the driver’s seat before I answered her. And when I did, it was with a hand to the back of her neck, pulling her into me for a slow, delicious kiss. The smell of her mint lip balm tickled my nose.

“This is me after a great fucking win,” I whispered against her lips before I sat back.

Fuck it. I was doing this here and now. If I waited until we reached Thatcher’s, I might not get the chance to get her alone again and there was no way I was going to ask her out on a date with the other guys there.

Twisting in my seat, I leaned into her, hoping she saw how much I loved being around her.

“Astrid.” I loved her name on my lips.

She blinked, then glanced down at her lap, where she fiddled with her edges of her gloves that she still wore. This perceptive girl probably sensed what was coming, and I loved that she saw everything before I even said the words.

“Astrid,” I repeated, just because I could. “I think you know that I like you.”

The corners of her mouth twitched, like she knew but didn’t want to acknowledge it. But she did bring her gaze back to mine.

“And I know you like me too.” Outside of the kiss we shared that one time, we’d danced around each other constantly at home. Snuggling on the couch, a hand to her hip as I moved around the kitchen. All these little things building up to what I wanted us to be.

“You know I do.” She rolled her eyes, but a bit of apprehension entered her gaze

I’d address that in a minute, but I needed to ask her out officially. I needed to know if everything that’d happened between us was something real and not just superficial on her side.

I knew it wasn’t, but I still needed the verbal confirmation.

“Will you go on a date with me?” Tracing my fingers lightly down the outside of her arm, over the smooth black material of her jacket, I waited.

And waited.

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