Page 47 of Now That We Don't Talk

Oh, Addi’s friend Claire. Honestly, I’m not thinking about any other woman at this moment.

“Actually I’m seeing her tomorrow—” I trail off.

I don’t know why I just shared that with her.

“I’m sure you’ll have a great time. You two seemed to connect well,” she says.

Sure, other than I couldn’t remember who she was a few seconds ago.

“We’ll see. I appreciate Addi’s help, but I wasn’t planning on dating when I came home. I needed a break after such an intense season.”

“What made it so intense?” she asks.

I tell her about team injures and a few shake ups in the Wolves administration. I’m not sure if she’s really interested or if she’s just humoring me. Either way, she’s still here and that’s all that matters. I have no doubt it’s going to take some time for things to change between us.

“I’m probably boring you with all the hockey talk,” I say finally.

She grins. “Maybe a little, but I asked.”

“Yes, you did.”

The sound of her phone buzzing distracts her. She looks at it, and her expression changes.

“Everything okay?”

“Yes, it’s Cash.”

I raise my eyebrows. “Tell him I said hi.”

She makes a face. “He’d probably be thrilled to hear that. He was asking us about you.”

“Really? Tell me more. I love my fans.”

“Well, Katie and Dallin were singing your praises.”

“And you?”

She shrugs. “I told him the truth—that we aren’t friends.”

“But we’re working on it—” I interject.

“Yes, now…”

“I look forward to meeting him.” I pause. “I’m assuming you’re bringing him to the twins’ birthday party?”

She shrugs. “I haven’t thought about it. Obviously Claire will be there.”

“Yes, I’m guessing she will.”

How long should I keep this going? While I’m enjoying our banter, I feel like we’re both dancing around the subject of our friendship. There’s an attraction whether she wants to admit it or not.

I’ve never been one to shy away from taking chances, so I decide to throw caution to the wind.

“Since you and I are making an effort to be friends, would you be interested in hanging out again soon?”

Her eyes grow wide. “Are you asking me out?”

I sigh. “Yeah, I guess I am. What do you say? How about dinner or breakfast—or any meal you want?”

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