Page 53 of Now That We Don't Talk

"You're trying to rile me up, and I don't find it amusing."

I press my lips together to keep from laughing. Unfortunately a giggle escapes.

“Ha. I knew it.”

“I still don’t know which team I’m cheering for,” I tell him. “I need to study stats, highlights, and make sure the players have integrity. This is just how my brain works.”

“Whatever you say,” he says. “Now here we go.”

He starts the game, and I make every effort to pay attention. It’s still surreal that he’s here, sitting next to me on my couch. I can’t deny he’s good-looking, and his passion for what he does makes him even more attractive. Every so often he’ll explain something that’s happening. It’s interesting to watch knowing that he’s on the screen.

“This next play is important,” he exclaims, moving closer to me on the couch. “Very intense. Are you ready?”

“I’m ready,” I say.

I watch as the puck hurtles toward the net. The fans are on their feet as a player on the other team unleashes a powerful shot making the puck fly. The goalie (Mac) leans to the side, extending his padded leg while his gloved hand flashes upward. The puck smacks against his blocker with the loudestthudthen ricochets against the boards.

“Wow,” I exclaim louder than intended just as Mac shouts, “Yes.”

“That’s what I’m talking about,” he says pausing the game. “Impressive, right?”

Yes.

“Okay. I’m a little impressed.”

“I told you,” he says excitedly. “You just had to witness the action.”

I giggle. “You were right.”

His mouth drops open. “Oh, please say that again.”

“You were right,” I repeat.

“This is the greatest day of my life.”

I snort. “Oh, I hope that’s not true.”

He shrugs and turns toward me. “It’s not far from it.”

Am I dreaming this? Mac and I are sitting semi-close to each other on my couch watching a hockey game. I feel like I’ve entered an alternate universe.

The chemistry crackling between us is undeniable, and if he kissed me right now, I wouldn’t mind one bit. It’s official—I’ve completely lost my grip on rational thought.

He clears his throat. “Shall we continue the game?”

I’m instantly snapped back into reality.

“Yes. Let’s do that.”

He shifts his position on the couch and restarts the game.I am a bit more interested in the game now despite the energy swirling around the room. Thankfully a fight breaks out on the screen distracting me.

“That was a cheap shot,” I blurt out.

“I know,” he says. “Cooper can handle himself though. He’s one of the best I’ve ever played with.”

“He looks mean.”

Mac laughs. “Everyone thinks so, but it couldn’t be farther from the truth. He just takes hockey very seriously.”

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