Page 29 of In My Hockey Era
Me:Is there something you’d like to say, Wilder?
Bennett:Just that your… friend seemed really into it, too.Hope he had fun.
I groan, dropping my head back against the pillow.
Me:Are you jealous?
Bennett:Obviously.
My breath catches.I don’t know what I expected him to say, but outright admitting it?That throws me.
Me:Ethan is a coworker.A friend.Nothing more.
Bennett:Good.
A slow warmth spreads through my chest, and I try to fight back a smile.
Me:You’re ridiculous.
Bennett:You like it.
I shake my head, but he’s not entirely wrong.
Bennett:I’d like to see you again.Properly.No PR, no book club.Just us.
My heart rate starts to gallop.
Me:Are you asking me out on a date?
Bennett:Took you long enough to catch on.
I stare at the message for a beat longer than I should, my fingers hesitating over the keyboard.Every logical part of me screams that this is a bad idea.He’s an athlete.He’s charming, cocky, entirely too good-looking.
But he’s also read a romance novel just to prove a point.And he somehow manages to get under my skin in a way I don’t hate.He told me he thinks I’m a badass…
Me:Okay.
Bennett:Damn, that was easy.Thought I’d have to beg.
I laugh out loud, accidentally startling Max.
“Sorry boy.”I pat his side.
Me:Don’t get ahead of yourself.
Bennett:Too late.I’ll text you the details.Sweet dreams, Quinn.
I don’t reply right away, just staring at his name on my screen, my heart doing something completely ill-advised in my chest.Max nuzzles closer, oblivious to the chaos in my brain.
I exhale and type out one last message before setting my phone aside.
Me:Goodnight, Wilder.
11
NOT ALL HEROES WEAR SKATES
Bennett
