Page 36 of In My Hockey Era
“At what?”
“Talking about hockey without it getting personal.”
He chuckles, low and warm.“Guess I ruined that for you, huh?”
I exhale, watching my breath curl into the air.“Yeah.A little.”
Max yanks on the leash, pulling me forward, and Bennett reaches out on instinct, steadying me with a hand at my lower back.It’s a small touch, barely there, but I feel it everywhere.
For a second, neither of us say anything.The streetlights flicker on, casting a soft glow over the sidewalk.
Bennett clears his throat.“You wanna know something?”
I glance at him.“What?”
“This is the most normal thing I’ve done in a while.”
“Walking a dog?”
“Walking a dog with you,” he says simply.
Something warm unfurls in my chest.I open my mouth to respond, but Max chooses that exact moment to lunge after a squirrel, nearly yanking my arm out of its socket.
Bennett laughs, catching my wrist before I stumble.“Guess that’s our cue to keep going.”
I shake my head, but I’m smiling.“Yeah.Before he decides to chase something bigger.”
We continue on, the evening settling around us in a comfortable hush.And even though we’re not saying much, it feels like something is shifting, something I don’t quite have words for yet.But I think I like it.
We circle the block and end up back in front of my building.Max looks up at me expectantly wondering what’s next.I pat his head, considering if I should invite Bennett inside, but he beats me to it.
“Come back to my place with me.”
“Okay,” I say before I can talk myself out of it.
13
THIRD WHEEL ENERGY
Bennett
Iunlock the door to my apartment, letting Lucy step inside first.She pauses just past the threshold, scanning the space.Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city skyline, and the open layout makes everything feel even bigger.She lets out a low whistle.
“Wow.Fancy.”She raises an eyebrow at me.“I was picturing something less… sleek?More hockey-bro chic.Beer fridge, leather recliners, a shrine to Wayne Gretzky.”
I smirk.“Sorry to disappoint.”
I’m super proud of my condo.Bought it last year when I upped my contract with Dallas.I’d wanted to put down roots after bouncing around from city to city for so long, and so even though it was a splurge, it’s been worth every penny.
The sound of the TV hums from the living room, and before I can warn her, Chase strolls in from the kitchen, a protein bar in hand.His gaze flicks between us before settling on Lucy.
“Holy crap,” she blurts out, eyes widening.“You’re Chase Remington.”
He looks vaguely amused.“Last time I checked.”
She actually looks starstruck, and it pisses me off more than it should.I’mthe one she’s been flirting with.I’mthe one who just spent the last hour walking her damn dog and listening to her talk about her day.But now, she’s staring at Chase like he hung the moon.
“That goal in game six against Los Angeles?Insane,” she says, excitement lighting up her face.“One of my favorite plays ever.The way you deked the goalie—”
