Page 21 of Fear of Falling

A wide smile spread across my face at the mention of our conversation over an old nutrition bar. “I do.”

She grinned right back at me, the smile lighting up her entire face.

“I’ll be out in five minutes,” I said. “Wait for me?”

“Okay,” Josie nodded. Not wanting to waste another second, I gave her one last smile before pushing off the board and skating across the ice towards the locker room. I was going to regret not stretching and cooling off properly, but I had something more important waiting for me.

10

JOSIE

“Sorry to make you wait,” Wyatt said as soon as he came around the rink. I wasn’t sure what to do or where to go, so I stood there awkwardly, waiting until Wyatt was ready. The Zamboni driver kept giving me side glances the entire time as he cleaned the ice after the teams practice.

“No worries,” I replied with a quick shake of my head. Once again, he wore a pair of track pants that made my mouth water. Something about guys in track pants was insanely attractive. He wore a simple gray Nike sweatshirt over it, and though the outfit was simple, he looked damn good. Feeling myself blush, I pushed the thoughts aside as I looked at him.

“Where do you want to eat?” I asked.

“I actually know of a good burger place not too far from here. That okay?”

“Sounds perfect.” The sound of a good hamburger made my stomach growl, and I silently prayed he didn’t hear it. Judging from his chuckle, he did.

“I know we could just meet there, but how do you feel about riding in my car?” His blue eyes met mine as he spoke. “I promise to keep both hands on the wheel.”

I thought it was sweet of him to ask, and I had the feeling if I said no, he’d respect my decision. It made me want to say yes, all the more.

“Seeing as you could have killed me in the elevator, I think spending a few minutes alone in your car won’t hurt.”

“I don’t know…maybe it was all an act, and I’m now about to lure you into my trap,” Wyatt said with a nonchalant shrug.

“Let me eat my burger first. Then you can kill me. Deal?” I smiled up at him.

“Fair enough. Gotta let you have your last meal. Would be brutal of me to kill you with an empty stomach,” he laughed, leading us out of the practice arena towards the parking lot.

“Such a gentleman.”

We walked side by side out to the parking lot. With every step, the side of his arm brushed against mine. Despite our clothes, I swore I felt a tingle at his touch.

My eyes grew wide as Wyatt led me towards a sleek gray Tesla. It looked like it just came off the sales lot. Interesting he had a Tesla and not something a bit flashier. I was kind of expecting him to be driving a super expensive car like the Ferrari parked further down.

Good thing we didn’t take my car.

I grimaced at the thought. My run-down Hyundai was nothing compared to this.

“Nice car,” I commented as we reached it.

“Thanks. It’s actually the first brand new car I’ve ever bought.” Wyatt rubbed the back of his neck, a gesture I’d seen a few times now–one I was fairly sure meant he felt nervous. “Until a year ago, I drove an old, beat-up Ford truck that I bought for 1200 dollars,” he explained.

“1200 dollars, huh?” The corner of my lip quirked up. Don’t really expect a hockey star like him to be driving a cheap, beat-up truck. Especially when his contract is worth at least 12 milliondollars. I liked that he was humble enough to keep driving it even if he could easily afford five cars.

“And still runs like a champ,” he grinned back.

“Still?”

“My younger brother drives it now.” Like a gentleman he opened the door for me. I slid into the passenger seat and was instantly hit with the same smell from the elevator.

A smell that was all Wyatt. Albeit less sweaty and more wintery.

Marveling at how comfortable the seat was, I ran my hands along the seat. I was surprised at how big the car actually was. The dark brown leather seats and black dashboard suited Wyatt—everything about the interior screamed masculinity.

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