Page 11 of The Import Slot
She’s the perfect height for me to kiss the top of her head while I wrap my arms around her, and her cleavage reminds me of a gift waiting to be unwrapped. I wonder when I’ll see her again and if I should ask her out.
No, of course I shouldn’t ask her out. I’m here to play hockey, not to date. Focus, Ryan. Focus.
I try to read my book again, but I only manage the first chapter before I eventually drift off with Jen at the forefront of my mind.
Chapter 4
Ryan
Idragmyselfoutof bed when my alarm goes and throw my running clothes straight on before heading to the bathroom.
Danny’s not awake yet, and I spot a pair of red and white women’s tennis shoes that weren’t there last night. I glance at Danny’s shut door and decide against knocking, making my way out to get a quick six miles in before my first practice.
I’m back in half an hour, sweating but more awake. The shoes are gone, Danny’s door is slightly ajar, and the sunlight spills out.
Danny’s in the kitchen, wearing nothing but his boxer shorts, and he gives me a wave when I walk through.
“Morning. Sorry, I’m so shit with getting up for those morning runs.”
“No problem,” I say, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. I debate asking Danny about the tennis shoes, but I feel like he timed it so the shoes’ owner could exit while I was out. After swigging the water, I put the bottle down as there’s a bang at the door. I head over to swing it open.
“Morning, fellas!” Johnny strides in. “How’s it going?”
“Not bad, thanks,” I say. Danny grunts as he gets the coffee machine going.
“Today is your lucky day, Ryan.” Johnny pulls a key out of his pocket and tosses it my way. “Danny, get your ass ready, or we’ll be late,” Johnny adds.
“Oh, he didn’t, did he?” Danny asks with a smirk.
“Who what now?” I look between them before I remember the day Johnny picked me up. “Ah fuck.”
“Ah fuck, indeed. It’s parked out front, and you’re driving us to practice,” Johnny beams at me.
“Let me get myself ready,” I say, heading back to my room, where I grab a quick shower and throw on some clothes before grabbing my hockey bag.
Danny finally pulls his finger out of his ass, and we head downstairs to the lobby. My new wheels have attracted attention, and a few of the guys are surrounding it, giving it the once over.
“It’s hideous,” Hutch exclaims, peering through the passenger window. “Actually, the inside looks okay, but the decals. Fuck me, I wouldn’t be seen dead.”
We all gape at the black Ford hatchback, complete with the team logo enlarged and plastered on the side and the bonnet.
“You’re acting like you’ve never seen a car before. Step away, fellas.” Danny snatches the key from my hand and gives Hutch a nudge. He unlocks the doors and swings the passenger side open. “Looks good. Modern. And you can’t see the outside when you’re inside,” he says, looking back at me.
“How do I get a hold of Kirsty?” I ask Johnny.
“It’s already done; besides, you only need to drive it locally. Fans will love it. It’s good promotion. It could be worse.” Johnny pops the trunk and throws his bag in before he rounds to the passenger side.
“How could it be worse?” I ask.
“It could have your face on the side. That would be hideous,” Johnny laughs as he climbs in, slamming the door. Danny and I throw our bags in too, before joining him.
“Just remember, you’re driving on the left.” Danny leans over from the back seat, patting me on the shoulder. I slip the car into first and pull away, leaving the rest of the guys standing outside our building, waving like idiots.
Johnny points out a few places of interest as he directs me on the short drive to the rink. I stop at the last set of lights and signal left, remembering my first glance at the rink when Johnny first brought me to the city. When I first saw it, I was disappointed, and to think this is one of the better rinks in the league; some don’t even have jumbotrons. Johnny directs me to the players’ parking lot, and we spot a welcome committee loitering by a set of double doors.
“Sorry, but they’re excited to meet you,” he says as we park.
As soon as we head over, there’s a camera in my peripheral vision. Johnny introduces me to the owner, general manager and head coach before the camera drops and Vicky waves.
