Page 88 of In My Hockey Era
I roll over, my hand skimming the empty space beside me.Warm, but vacant.
He ditched me.
Rude.
I shove the covers off and sit up, searching for something to wear other than my very wrinkled golden dress from last night, which is currently in a heap on the floor.My only option?The Stampede hoodie draped over the chair in the corner.
I tug it on—it smells like him—and wander barefoot into the kitchen.
Bennett stands at the counter, freshly showered, hair damp, wearing nothing but sweatpants that hang low on his hips.I almost want to tug him back to the bedroom.
He glances up, and the slow grin that spreads across his face nearly knocks me flat.
“Morning.”
I cross my arms, pretending not to notice the way my stomach flips at the sight of him.“You left me in bed alone.”
He smirks, pouring coffee into a mug.“Didn’t want to risk you waking up and realizing you made a terrible mistake.”
“Debatable.”I eye the cup he’s holding.“Is that for me?”
He walks toward me, handing it over.“Depends.Are you still pretending last night was no big deal?”
I glare, taking a sip.It’s rich and strong, the perfect balance of bitter and sweet, and I almost moan.
He watches me with a knowing look.“You’re so easy to please in the mornings.”
That’s when I see it—a brown paper bag from a nearby bakery, the top folded neatly, two muffins placed on a plate.
“What’s this?”
Bennett shrugs, leaning against the counter.“I like taking care of you.”
“Good.Because I require constant attention.”
His lips twitch.“I’ve noticed.”
I grab the muffin, tear off a piece and pop it into my mouth.We settle into an easy rhythm—me perched on a barstool, him leaning against the counter, both of us eating, sipping coffee.
“So, what’s on your schedule today?”I ask between bites.Max had a sleepover with Aunt Mia last night, so I don’t actually have to rush off.
He tilts his head, considering.“Well, I thought about locking you in my bedroom and never letting you leave, but I figure that’s frowned upon.”
I smirk.“Slightly.”
He sighs dramatically.“Then I guess I’ll settle for convincing you to spend the day with me voluntarily.”
I pretend to think about it.“Depends.Are more muffins involved?”
“Obviously.”
“And coffee?”
He gestures to the counter.“I have a whole pot, Quinn.”
“Well, damn.”I shake my head in mock defeat.“You really know how to tempt a girl.”
He grins, setting his coffee down and moving toward me.“You have no idea.”
