Page 43 of Why Not Us?

I don’t bother to answer, they’re just saying this stuff to bug me, anyway. But I consider Zach’s questions as I take a quick shower and change back into my clothes. It has been a long time since I had a girlfriend. As for how long it lasted, I’ve never had a relationship last more than two months. They’ve always failed for one reason or another, usually because of me. I’ve been told I’m too standoffish, too uncommunicative, not invested. I end up pushing people away or making some stupid mistake we can’t recover from, and it ends the relationship.

Which is why I shouldn’t try to start something with Adalie. I don’t want to hurt her.

When I’m finished getting ready, I make my way to the door where Taylor is waiting.

“I sent the others out to the car with my keys,” he says. “You should invite her to the barbecue.”

We leave the locker room and there she is, waiting for me. She comes over, absolutely breathtaking in that purple dress covered in tiny daisies, her hair a wild halo around her face that is lit up with excitement.

“That was intense,” she says as she gives me a hug. “When you grabbed that guy at the end, I thought you were going to punch him.”

A rush of desire sweeps through me at the simple embrace. I can’t help but remember the way she’d gottencarried away, as she said, the night I gave her a ride home. The feeling of her lips, so soft and willing.

She pulls away then hugs my brother next. I want to pull her back to me, but I’m not a caveman. She’s not even my girlfriend. I really need to start remindingmyselfof that.

“He probably would have,” Taylor says. “If the refs hadn’t gotten there so fast.”

We head out to the parking lot.

“Well, he would have deserved it,” Adalie says with certainty. “That was a cheap shot. Is your teammate all right? He hit the boards pretty hard.”

“Nick’s fine,” Taylor answers.

“He’ll be coming to our place now,” I say. “A bunch of the team is. If you want, you could join us.”

I don’t know why I’m so nervous asking. It’s not like I’m asking her out on a date.

Then she smiles and I feel like I could take on another twelve idiots on the ice and win, and something suddenly occurs to me. I am completely fucked.

“Yeah? I could probably come by for a bit.”

“We’re having beers and burgers,” Taylor says. “I think a couple people are bringing some chips and salads or something. Nate should have told you earlier because the hot tub will be open, too. I’m guessing you don’t have a suit with you.”

She laughs. “I don’t. But that’s okay. Should I stop somewhere and get something to bring?”

“Of course not,” I say. “Just bring yourself.”

We reach our cars, and Taylor drops his gear in the trunk where Zach is waiting with his keys.

“You coming over?” he asks Adalie. Apparently, everyone wants a chance to grill her.

“I am,” she says, rocking back on her heels. “I guess I’ll see you there.”

He and Taylor go over to their bikes. When they’ve ridden away, I turn to Adalie. “They’re going to be nosy assholes,” I warn her.

She laughs again, holding her arms behind her back, grinning up at me in that way that makes me want to drag her against me and claim her mouth in a kiss.

“I can handle nosy questions. You should come hang out with me and my friends. See how nosytheyare.”

Then she turns and goes to her car. When we arrive at my house, the street is crowded with cars and a few motorcycles. Half the team is there, everyone with cups of beer. Taylor has the barbecue started, heating up. His bike is parked back here next to mine. When he sees me, he and the other guys go out front to grab their gear.

I take over at the barbecue, cleaning off the grill and turning down the heat.

Adalie comes up to me. “Do you need any help?” she asks.

“Sure. Come on.” I lead her into Taylor’s place, through his dining room into his kitchen. “There’s a bathroom there, if you need it,” I say, pointing toward it. “I’ll introduce you around once Taylor comes back to take over the grill. Can you carry this out for me?” I hand her the box of frozen burgers while I get the barbecue sauce, cheese, and onions.

She takes the box. “Patricia and Raine explained who a lot of people were at the game,” she says. “Of course, everyone looks kind of different without their pads, helmets, and jerseys on.”

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