Page 20 of Trade Deadline

I know I’d told him he’d have to work beyond his charm for me, but I didn’t think he would actually take my word for it. I didn’t expect to see him again. I’d just put it down to one of those weird moments in life where you bump into a super hot guy once and then they disappear, like it was all an illusion, never to be seen again. A story to retell over drinks when you’re old and wrinkly.

“I’d like to take you on a date.”

Surprise chokes me. “A date?”

“Uhhh, yeah... You know, the thing you do when you want to get to know a person.” He shifts from foot to foot, his hand going to the back of his neck again.

He’s nervous.

“You want to take me on a date?”

Maybe he hit his head last night during the fight against that St. Louis player, because surely this isn’t really happening right now.

Goose bumps ripple up my arms at Blaine’s laughter. It’s rich, slightly husky. It’s pure sex, just like him.

My breath catches in my throat as he leans closer. “What do you say, Alex? Let’s go out for dinner.”

Seeing him again has completely thrown me, but him asking me out? Anxiety swirls in my stomach like a whirlpool as I try to read his face to pick up on any clues that he’s joking around, playing me.

Is he only asking because I turned him down?

I’m not under the illusion that Blaine isn’t enjoying the thrill of the chase. A fun game of cat and mouse. It’s clear as a bright summer's day how attracted I was—and still am—to him, and I doubt many people would turn down a guy they're this into. Also, Blaine Olsen’s been voted one of the sexiest men in the league on a number of occasions, so having to chase someone must be new for him.

And I’m not naive enough to think I’m special.

I want to say yes badly, but I also don't want to come off as easy.

Am I being cruel? Maybe. But I’m just trying to be cautious.

“I’ll think about it.”

His eyes go wide in surprise, clearly not expecting that answer. “Oh ... Okay.”

Nate smothers his laugh with his hand. Over Blaine’s shoulder, Elliot lifts his head, his eyebrows almost touching his hairline with shock as his mouth drops open.

“Can I at least get your number?” Blaine asks.

“Why?” Cocking my head to one side, I peek my tongue out of the corner of my mouth. “Did you lose yours?”

Another sheepish grin appears on his face. He has a good sense of humor, that's for sure.

“You know it, baby.”

I roll my eyes, but I can't contain the smile that takes over my face. Holding my hand out for his phone, my inner cheerleader goes wild when he passes it over.

Blaine Olsen just asked for my number!

I fill in the blank contact page with my phone number, putting a fire emoji next to my name, then hand it back.

“Could I get some of the maple glaze donuts and a couple of the strawberry sprinkle cupcakes, please?” Zach’s quiet voice distracts me.

For a big guy, he’s incredibly gentle. I’ve heard him speak at interviews before, but didn’t know whether his softer tone was from exhaustion after the game.

“Of course.” I smile.

While I box up his selection and ring through his order, he thanks me endlessly, letting me know these are his favorite treats and how he often gets them delivered on GrubHub.

“Make sure to pop a note in your order next time, and I’ll put in some freebies. We can have a code word or something, so I know it’s you.”

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