Page 4 of The Import Slot
Johnny grabs a luggage cart and throws my bags on while we talk. It’s much warmer here than I expected, and I regret the suit now.
“Why the hell are you in a suit?” he asks, his brow furrowing.
“Habit.”
“Get used to wearing them a lot less,” he says. “I commend you anyway, bud. Not many people would give up their career in the NHL to help their brother out.”
“I’m not giving it up,” I say, but Johnny looks sympathetic.
“Do you want the good news or the bad news?” Johnny says, as he steers the cart toward the exit.
“Bad news, always bad news first.”
“Well, you’re sharing an apartment; but the good news is, it’s huge and has everything you need. It’s close to the rink, the building has its own gym, and yours truly is on the same floor. You’re sharing with a local. His name’s Danny, and he’s been on the team since juniors. He knows his way around the city and can help you settle in.”
Great. I’d only lived with Liam or my folks and was a bit of a hermit. I like to keep to myself. Hopefully, this Danny guy wouldn’t rely on me to be social, but I am too tired to argue.
“Thanks. As long as there’s a bed and a shower, I’m easy,” I say, besides it’s only for a season.
“Yeah, there’s a connecting bath and large windows. You’ll love it.” He steers my luggage toward his car and presses a few buttons, causing the trunk to pop. “I thought about having you share with me, but I think you’d be better off spreading your wings a bit.”
“Sounds good.” I pause for a moment. “Hey, will I need a car?” I ask, loading my bags into his Merc.
“Oh, you’ll love this. You can drive a stick, right?” he grins, slamming the trunk shut.
Furrowing my brow, I climb in.
“Kirsty, you remember. The girl from HR? She told me you’re one of the lucky recipients of a sponsored car.”
Fuck.
“I think they’re dropping the keys off to you within the next few days, once you’re settled in,” Johnny says.
“Great. Thank you, Liam Preston,” I say, my voice full of sarcasm.
“It’ll be fine; you’ll be fine. The guys are excited to meet you and see what they can learn from you,” he says, pulling out of the parking lot. “Just chill out for now; I’ll give you a nudge when we stop for a break. Close your eyes and relax. It’s a few hours’ drive.”
I close my eyes, but I don’t relax. Johnny’s singing along to the radio and sounds too chirpy for my liking.
After a comfort break and a coffee run, we’re back on the road, and after another ninety minutes, we’re heading into the city—my new home, at least for the next nine months.
“There’s the rink.” Johnny points at a building to our left as we drive toward some mid-rise apartments. At first sight, I’m underwhelmed, but I knew what to expect. It looks like the rinks I grew up playing at, not an NHL arena.
“There’s the nearest coffee place, excellent coffee, and they do food and stuff.”
He points toward a glass-fronted shop under an office block. “There’s a store right there for the essentials. Ah, there’s Danny.”
He points at a guy about the same height as me with dark, shaggy hair, wearing jeans and a flannel shirt. He’s standing on the pavement chatting with a brunette.
Her ponytail is high, and she stands tall, even with flats, wearing a figure-hugging coat that shows off the delicious curve of her hips. She laughs at something Danny says as she throws her head back; her smile warming me to my core. Fuck me. I’ve never seen anyone quite like her. She’s beautiful, and I’m finding it difficult to look away. She holds what looks like a laptop case and briefly hugs Danny before leaving. Of course, I’m not a hugger, except for my immediate family, but I wouldn’t turn down a hug from her. She rounds the corner, disappearing out of view, and Johnny stops the car.
“And this is home. There’s a parking lot out back, but we’ll park here to unload.” He cuts the engine, slips out of the driver’s seat, and I follow his lead.
He waves Danny over. “Danny, this is Ryan Pre—”
“Preston!” Danny interrupts. “I can’t believe you’re introducing me to Ryan Preston. Of course, I know who Ryan Preston is. Big fan, mate.” He offers out his hand, and we shake.
“Thanks. It’s great to meet you, Danny. Thanks for letting me share.”
