Page 62 of In My Hockey Era
He didn’t expect anything to happen and if I reflect on that, it’s sweet honestly.
I didn’t either.
I thought we’d each have our own hotel room, for starters.I didn’t expect to want to hump him as desperately as I did.
Sorry not sorry.
But if we’re using baseball analogies, bases were rounded.
And even before that—laughing over beers, walking through downtown Nashville like we were an actual couple?It had been one of the best weekends of my life.
And now he’s gone again.Games this week, including a West Coast trip, which means I haven’t seen him since we landed back in Dallas.Just texts here and there, mostly teasing.One from last night that I read at least five times before falling asleep.
Can’t stop thinking about you, Quinn.
Heat creeps up my neck.
Ethan smirks.“Oh my gosh, you’re blushing.”
“I amnotblushing,” I snap.
His grin widens.“You totally are.What did he do to you in Nashville, huh?”
I shoot him adrop itlook, but he just chuckles, hands up in surrender.“Fine, fine.But, uh, when youdosee him again… you gonna wear his jersey this time?”
I scowl.Ethan cracks up.The patient groans weakly, reminding me that I do, in fact, have a job to do.
“Hang in there,” I tell him, squeezing his hand.
The hospital comes into view through the back windows, and I shove Bennett from my thoughts.At least for now.
The next few hours pass without any more intrusive conversations from Ethan, or Decker, or any of the guys.
I tuck my phone between my ear and shoulder as I flip through the patient files on my tablet.The rig is parked outside the hospital, and Ethan’s inside finishing paperwork, leaving me with a few rare minutes of quiet.
“So,” Mia drawls, her voice brimming with amusement.“Are you ever going to stop being weird about the fact that you’re dating a hot, famous hockey player?”
I sigh, rubbing my temple.“I’m not being weird.And we’re not dating.”
Mia snorts.“Lucy, you flew to another state with him.He gave you his jersey.And I can hear the panic in your voice, which means youlikehim, and it’s terrifying you.”
I roll my eyes, ignoring the way my stomach flips because, well… she’s not wrong.I don’t do serious relationships.Especially not with a guy like Bennett, whose rejection could literally crush me.“We’re hanging out.That’s it.”
“Hanging out andwhat, exactly?”She pauses.“You know what, never mind.I’m not ready for that level of detail.”
I grin.“Then stop asking.”
“Fine, but Iamready to finally meet this man and grill him over drinks, which is why you should invite him out on Saturday.”
“I think I could do that.”I clear my throat.“Maybe… him and his friend Chase.”
“Ohh, a two-for-one deal?”Mia teases.“Are you setting me up?”
“Absolutely not,” I say quickly.“Chase is… grumpy.”At least from what Bennett has told me.I thought he was positively delightful, though that could have been because I was starstruck when I met him.
Mia perks up.“Oh, Ilovea grumpy man.It makes breaking them so much more fun.”
I laugh.“Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
