Page 21 of Stick Handled

“Yeah, with that guy who talks like he’s in a 90s action movie,” I tease.

“He’s cute. And he actually knows how to hold a conversation, unlike some of the other losers I’ve been seeing.” She stands, slipping on her blazer. “Anyway, think about what I said, okay? Life’s too short to stay in your head all the time. And trust me, men notice you. You just need to noticethemnoticing you.”

With that, she gives me a quick hug and rushes out the door, leaving me alone with my coffee and my thoughts.

I finish my drink slowly as I look through the list of books in my journal. The café is quiet. There’s just the hum of a few of the patrons talking, machines, and the occasional clink of cups. I glance out the window, considering what to do next. Bookstore? Maybe. I’m not in any rush to get back to Rowan’s place.

Just as I’m about to grab my bag and leave, someone steps into my line of vision. I look up and see a familiar face. The guy from the rink yesterday. The one who’d been standing at the door while Damien was talking to me. He’d left before Damien could even go up to him, but there was obvious tension in his shoulders as soon as he saw the silent observer. That makes me instantly cautious.

“Hey,” he greets me, his blue eyes glinting.

I stare at him for a beat, surprised. “Uh… hey?”

“I’m Jake,” he says, as if that’s enough of an introduction.

“Avery,” I mutter out, still confused as to why he’s talking to me.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Avery. Mind if I sit?” he asks, flashing a grin as he slides into the seat across from me, not waiting for me to reply.

“Sure,” I agree hesitantly. I can’t exactly say no now.

“I saw you at the rink yesterday,” he notes, observing the look on my face. I immediately tense up.

“Yeah, I remember.” I keep my tone polite, but my guard’s already up. He’s got that look like he thinks he’s charming just because he’s here.

“So, you like hockey?” He sweeps his blond hair back and casually rests an elbow on the table.

“I…” Do I? I love watching the guys move. I love how thrilling it is. I love seeing Damien on the ice—I mean, I like watchingeveryoneplay. “I guess I do.”

His eyes have already darted to the counter, where the blonde barista is busy wiping down the espresso machine. His eyes glaze over her body, resting on her legs. It’s not subtle. Guys like him always think they can keep you hooked while scanning the room for something better. It makes my skin itch.

“Cool,” he replies a bit absentmindedly. “You uh, skate?” he asks, turning his attention back to me, but not before his gaze lingers just a second too long on the barista’s open cleavage.

“I used to,” I say flatly. He’s already lost me, but I figure I’ll give him a few more seconds before I make my exit.

“You should come to one of our practices,” Jake says, the smile back in place. “I could, you know, show you a few things on the ice.” His voice drops like he’s offering something tempting. Like, I’m supposed to be impressed.

I cock an eyebrow “Like what? Standing on the ice without falling? I think I got that covered” I say, draining the last of my coffee.

His smile falters for a split second before it recovers. “Here’s what.” He clears his throat. “My team and I are going to Soho this Friday.” He pulls something out of his back pocket and hands it to me. I take it slowly, my brows furrowing. His business card?

I look up at him again, confusion still etched on my face.

“I’d love for you to come with us,” he adds.

“I don’t know,” I say. My nerves are up, and the chair feels like a cage around me. “I’m not really into clubbing.”

“How about just a drink at a bar then?” he says, hopeful. “Nothing too crowded.”

Am I being asked out on a date right now? My mouth opens, ready to say no, but my conversation with Sarah resurfaces.

“I’ll think about it,” I reply, still hesitant. His lips stretch into a grin, showing off his white teeth.

“Give me a call once you’re done thinking about it and ready to do something about it,” he winks and rises from his seat. “I’m glad I saw you at the rink. And I’m looking forward to seeing you again, Avery.”

“Uh, yeah. You, too,” I say, my voice a bit too high-pitched, my smile a little too forced. And with that, he walks out of my line of sight toward the door.

Did he just ask me out on a date… after checking out another girl? What aDouch!

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