Page 85 of Here and Now
“Ethan has great aim,” I say.
“He really does. That kid is outside all the time hitting pucks into the net. He loves it, and he loves figuring out how to make them go where he wants. I’m pretty sure my brother is going to stop this drill now that Ethan is aiming for his balls.”
Practice stops and the boys filter off the ice.
“Mom! Did you see us?” Kai yells as he rushes to me.
“I did. You boys did so good.”
“Ethan is amazing. He was able to hit Coach Miles four times!”
Miles is heading toward us, his dark-brown hair is pushed back,and he has his gloves slung over his shoulder. There’s something incredibly sexy about a man a little sweaty and rugged after playing a sport.
“Eloise,” he says as he walks over. “Your son is trying to ensure I don’t have children.”
“Miles, you’re the one who taught him hockey. You only have yourself to blame.”
He turns to me. “Are you like this with your brother?”
I shrug. “Sometimes.”
Eloise links her arm in mine. “Us sisters have to make sure you boys know your place. Are you coming for dinner tonight?”
He looks to me. “Coincidentally, I have plans tonight. I’ll come by tomorrow, though, hang out with Doug, and watch the game.”
She jerks her head back. “Plans? With who?”
“None of your business.” Then Miles smiles. “It’s a nondate date.”
I can feel the heat flaming from my cheeks when Eloise’s gaze moves to mine. Her smile widens, and the knots in my stomach tighten. She totally looks as if she would break out into song and dance.
“A date?”
I shake my head. “No. Not a date.”
“She doesn’t date. Not on purpose at least.”
I huff and roll my eyes. Now he’s making me sound ridiculous. “That’s not what I said.”
Eloise looks intrigued. “How does one date accidentally?”
“It’s more of ... if we’re in the same place at the same time thing.”
“So you’re just going to stop by Penny’s house when she’s making dinner?”
Miles raises his brows with a smirk on his perfect lips. “It’ll be a happy coincidence if it happens.”
“If I’m making dinner.”
“Maybe I’ll find out in an hour.”
“Maybe you will.”
sixteen
Penelope
Miles should be here any minute and I’m back in my bedroom, changing my shirt for the sixth time.
