Page 13 of So Pucking Over You

“What?”

The waitress approaches, saving me from making a fool of myself. “Our dinner’s here.”

CHAPTER 7

Oakley

That’s not what he was going to say. It also doesn’t match the look in his eyes. He was going to say something personal. I’d bet money it was about us.

In the cab of his truck, I was aware of every side eye he gave me. How he ran his gaze over me when he thought I wasn’t paying attention. I swear he almost reached for my hand once but instead fisted it on his thigh.

I’m not the most experienced woman out there, but could he be interested in me? If he has feelings for me what’s holding him back? I wonder if my brother threatened him with rule seven of the bro code?Don’t date your bro’s sister.

That issosomething Gordy would do. Hell, he’d still have me locked in my room if he could. I could ask Gordy, but he’d lie. If he did say something to Dash, he’d deny it. If he didn’t, he’d lie and say he did because he didn’t see it coming, or my interest in Dash.

This is something I need to figure out on my own. Handle my way.

By the time we head out from the diner there’s a good foot and a half of snow accumulated on the parking lot we need to cross.

Dash takes my hand and tugs me to a stop. “Let me carry you.”

“Are you kidding me? No way. You have to be able to play in three days and we need that win. You fall carrying me and we’ll both be out of a job. I have boots on. I can handle this. You be careful. Don’t you dare fall and bang up your knee.”

He shakes his head but reaches for my hand. “Let’s help each other.”

We make it to the motel door entrance without incident, but I’m damn cold. We should have layered more. “You want to warm up in the shower?”

“What?” he almost shouts and a faint flush stains his cheeks.

Humm, did he think I meant together? Now that’s an idea I could get behind. Soon, I promise myself. “Do you want to go first?”

“Ah, no, you go ahead. I-ah-need to call and check in on the ranch.”

Rifling through my suitcase I realize the only nightgown I brought is one that The Jerk gave me. I need to burn it when I get home.

“Do you have a T-shirt I could borrow to sleep in? I really didn’t pack enough. Once we get to Buffalo, I’ll need to get to my place and pick up more clothes.”

“Sure,” he grabs one from his bag and tosses it to me.

In the bathroom I place my phone and the shirt on the counter and climb under the warm spray. The heat feels good, relaxing, comforting. When I’m warm, I dry and hold his shirt to my nose. It smells like him—woodsy, warm, comforting.

Wearing his shirt I blow dry my shoulder length hair. The heat fills the room with his scent. All my girly parts pulse to life.

Does he even see me? How do I get his attention? His interest?

Grabbing my phone, I see a couple missed messages from my parents.

Dad: Your mother saw the posts on that social media place and showed me. That jackass Markel was never good enough for you, Oakley. Be glad he showed his true colors.

Dad: I talked to Gordy. He said you and Dash are traveling separately from the bus and that you were able to find a motel room to get out of the weather and you’re safe. Dash is a good man. I trust him to watch over you.

We got tickets for the game. Roads permitting we’re coming to town whether they play or not so we can see you, your brother and Dash. Happy New Year’s Eve. Love you.

Dad: Hold on, your mom wants to say something.

I laugh, tears filling my eyes. Mom and Dad are new to texting and I’m really proud of them for getting into it. We practiced over Christmas.

Mom: Honey this is mom on your father’s phone. Gordy said you got fired by that little weasel at the paper. Sorry, but I’m glad. He didn’t appreciate you. He also said you got hired by the Blades to work in Public Relations. That’s the kind of job I know you’ll love and be so good at. We are so proud of you.

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