Page 3 of Huge Pucking Play

I grab the cloth napkin on the table and reach around to dab at my back trying to mop up some of the beer. I then sink into the plush leather seat, grateful to be off my feet. Garrett slides in across from me, his broad shoulders filling the space. Damn, this guy is enormous.

The waiter approaches, handing us menus. I scan the options, my stomach growling again.

"You really are hungry, huh?" Garrett chuckles.

I nod, sheepish. "Starving. I haven't eaten since...God, I don't even know."

"Order whatever you want," he says, waving his hand. "My treat."

I hesitate, not wanting to take advantage. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. Consider it my apology for dousing you in beer."

I can't help but laugh. "Fair enough."

As we peruse the menu, I keep glancing around the restaurant, hoping to catch a glimpse of Sophie or the other girls.

"Still no sign of your friends?" Garrett asks, following my gaze.

I shake my head. "No. I'm starting to worry I’m not going to find them."

"I'm sure you will," he reassures me. "Probably went to dinner and will come back to find you when they get no response to their texts."

The waiter returns and we place our orders. Garrett opts for the filet, medium rare, with a side of garlic mashed potatoes. I choose the salmon with roasted vegetables.

"So," Garrett says, leaning back in his seat. "What brings you to Vegas? Girls weekend?"

I grin. "Bachelorette party, actually. My best friend Sophie is getting married next month."

Garrett's eyes light up. "Ah, a bachelorette party. That explains the chaos. I hope you're having fun despite the...setbacks."

I roll my eyes. "I really just got here but it's been an adventure so far, that's for sure."

“I just can’t believe I lost my phone. I’ve never done that before. I’m always so careful with it. These things are just our lifelines these days, you know?”

“So true. I’ve never lost mine, knock on wood,” he raps his thick knuckles on the table. “But I’ve had plenty of friends lose them, especially somewhere like Vegas where there’s lots of booze and a ton of distractions.”

“Alcohol isn’t even really the issue for me. I’ve not been here that long and have barely even had anything to drink so far.”

Garrett raises his eyebrows. “You’re definitely in the minority then. I would say 95% of people here are totally wasted. Just par for the course here.”

Just then our drinks arrive—a bourbon for Garrett and a much-needed glass of white wine for me. I take a long sip, savoring the crisp taste.

"So, Garrett," I say, setting down my glass. "What brings you to Vegas? Business or pleasure?"

He grimaces slightly. "A bit of both, I suppose. I'm here for a hockey conference."

My eyebrows shoot up. "That's awesome," I gush. "I love hockey.” I leave out the fact that I work for the Chicago Blades as a physical therapist.

Now it's Garrett's turn to look surprised. "No kidding?”

I nod enthusiastically. "Oh yeah, I'm a huge fan. Been following the Blackhawks since I was a kid."

Garrett's eyes light up. "The Hawks, huh? They've had a tough season so far."

"Don't remind me," I groan, taking another sip of wine. "But hey, at least we're not the Coyotes."

Garrett laughs, a deep, rich sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "True enough. Though I have to say, I'm impressed with how the Coyotes are doing in only their sixth season."

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