Page 47 of Suck My Puck

A wave of guilt pummels me. I was such a jerk to her then.

“I’m sorry, Bella. I should have been nicer to you that morning we met.”

“It’s okay. I wasn’t very nice to you.”

“For good reason. My music was blasting and you had barely slept. I’m sorry for making your day worse when it was already so hard for you. Really.”

She flashes a small smile. “Thank you. And thank you for listening to me vent about my ex. That was probably really awkward. Especially after you played him tonight.”

“It wasn’t. I was happy to listen. And hey, I shoved him during the game and cussed him out. We can pretend I did it on your behalf.”

She laughs again, but this time it sounds lighter, happier.

“I’m sorry he treated you like that. I honestly can’t believe it.”

Bella waves a hand. “It’s not a unique story. Lots of pro athletes cheat on their girlfriends.”

“No, that’s not what I mean. I mean that I can’t believe Boucher blew it with you. You’re…”

I shake my head, the disbelief making it hard for me to think straight.

She blinks at me. “I’m what?”

“You’re way out of his league.”

She lets out a surprised laugh. “What?”

I tilt my head at her. “Come on. Don’t tell me you don’t see it?”

“See what?”

“Bella. You’re stunning. So beautiful. The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Her eyes are wide as she blinks at me, clearly shocked at what I’ve said.

“Wait, you’re serious?” she asks after a moment, her cheeks flushed.

I almost laugh. Does she really not know how stunning she is? And how much better she is than Boucher, and not just because of her looks?

I rest my elbow on the center console and lean closer to her. “My nickname for you is pretty girl. Of course I’m serious.”

That blush on her cheeks deepens as the most adorable flustered smile pulls at her lips.

“I don’t mean to make it all about looks,” I say. “You’re funny and witty and smart. And Boucher is just…not any of that. He’s an arrogant, obnoxious douche.”

She bursts out laughing and tucks a chunk of hair behind her ear. “Thanks for that,” she says, her voice soft and sweet.

I smile at her. “Anytime.”

I check the time. It’s almost midnight.

“Should I take you home? It’s getting late and I want you to get enough sleep if you’re working in the morning,” I say.

Bella shakes her head. “I’m not working in the morning. And I don’t want to go home just yet.”

Excitement flickers in my chest. I’m glad Bella wants to keep hanging out. I really, really like spending time with her. I’ll stay out the whole night if she wants.

“Where do you wanna go this late at night?”

---