Page 46 of Fear of Falling

Does he want to hang out? Does he just want to go home alone? Does he even want me to tag along with him and his friends?

As though he could seethe questions in my expression, Wyatt stepped forward, elbowing Trevor out of the way. I peered up at him unsure what his answer would be.

“Want to go out and celebrate with this dumb ass? If you don't, we can go somewhere else.” The idea of going somewhere where I could be alone with Wyatt was appealing, but I also knew how important it was for him to go and celebrate with his friends. Especially after breaking their losing streak. I was touched he’d even think about ditching his friends for me.

“We can celebrate. Why not?” I shrugged, a smile playing on my lips.

“Why not.” he echoed, smiling down at me as he draped his arm over my shoulders.

18

JOSIE

We all made our way out of the arena to the parking lot, other players from the team shouting at each other. Promises to meet up to celebrate the team’s win. The few that passed us slapped Wyatt on the back with wide excited grins. Thankfully no puck bunnies in sight.

Coming up to Wyatt’s car, a hand on my elbow drew my attention to Tasha.

“Sorry,” Tasha said, shooting me a sad smile. “Just a littleworkemergency.” Tasha didn’t even have to elaborate on who she was talking about.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, it’s all good. Will you be okay by yourself?” Her eyes silently communicating with me. Even though I wanted my best friend to come out with us I knew she had something to take care of. Plus, I’d have Mila there and I trust Wyatt despite barely knowing each other.

“I’ll be fine.” I gave her a reassuring smile.

“Wyatt,” She turned to the man by my side. “I’m leaving my best friend in your capable hands, so you’d better make sure she gets home safe.”

“You can count on it,” Wyatt said without hesitation.

“And you,” Tasha turned to me again. “Text me as soon as you get home.”

“Will do. Same for you.”

After she gave me and Mila a hug, Trevor stepped forward, arms open for one of his own.

“In your dreams.” Tasha shook her head at him before heading for her car just a few down.

“You’ll definitely be in my dreams tonight!” Trevor called out after her.

“We’ll meet you two there.” Bryton cut in a moment later. Wyatt gave a nod before putting a hand on my lower back, leading me to the passenger door of his car.

“So where are we going?” I asked as Wyatt drove out of the arena parking lot. “Going to meet up with the rest of the team?”

“Not exactly,” Wyatt shot a quick glance at me. “We’re just going to a local place we like to go to. It’s smaller, quieter. Less…ah…”

“Fans?” I supplied knowing he was talking about the puck bunnies.

“Yeah,” he smiled back. “This place we can hear each other speak.”

Admittedly, I loved the sound of that, until Wyatt pulled into the parking lot of what looked like a seedy dive bar. I got out of the car, as I looked at the place, suddenly thinking a loud overcrowded sports bar was appealing after all.

“Come on,” Wyatt said, taking my hand in his and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I promise it looks much better on the inside. We come here to get away from fans.”

“Never judge a book by its cover, right?” I joked.

“That’s the spirit!”

As he held the door open for me, I was pleasantly surprised that he was right.

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