Page 34 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
She was quiet for a moment. “You would, wouldn’t you? We’ve known each other for like a week.”
I nodded and paid for the bear. “People helped me out in university and high school. Now I can pay it back. Clothes? Makeup? Those goalie skates you’re saving for. Practical, ridiculous, whatever you want.”
While I didn’t want to push, I wanted to give her some small happiness. I took the bag with the bear and we left the register.
Her head ducked as we walked through the sumptuous store. “The guys are going to get me some clothes and shoes. Until then, I can get by fine with what I have or hit a vintage store, or something. Carlos’ friend is re-painting my goalie mask. Clark said he’d get me what my school didn’t equipment wise.”
“So you’re going to get him to buy you the goalie skates you want?” I prodded. I think the problem here was that she didn’t like asking for help.
She shrugged. “I… I don’t want to be a bother. I’ll probably just make do with what my school gives me until I can afford what I want.”
There it was. Shewantedhelp. She didn’t want tobotherpeople by asking for it.
“Gwen, Clark came to find you at the rink in the middle of the night. I haven’t met him, but I’m pretty sure if he offers to get you something, he means it. He’s probably going to ask his sponsor for what he needs.” I wasn’t sure if that was true, but it might make her feel better.
She laughed. “His sponsor makes boxers.”
I had one of those. Also, I might have asked my rep at Bowerman this morning about getting her a pair of goalie skates. While the company she liked didn’t sponsor me, the company that made that model she wanted to trydid.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” My alpha hated that she was so hurt, so used and wounded by that ex of hers. If I ever saw him, I’d punch him. Then when the media storm hit, I’d tell themexactlywhat sort of alpha he was.
Gwen was sweet and kind. Hardworking and dedicated. She deserved an alpha that would support and cherish her.
“I’m okay right now. Please don’t buy me skates, Tens. The ones I like are expensive,” she told me.
I gave her a look. “Do you know how much I make?”
“More than a rookie.” Her lips pressed together, fighting a smile. An alarm beeped on her phone. “I have to head back to the rink, but thank you for the wonderful afternoon and the treats.”
“Let me walk you to the subway stop.” I’d go with her to the rink, but I didn’t want to spook her.
After I saw her off at the station, I got out my phone and checked my email. They were shipping the skates tomorrow. Good thing I caught her size one day. They were excited she wanted to try them out.
Gwen
I had fun, thank you.
Me
I did as well. We should do it again, try another place.
Gwen
Sounds good. Let’s find the best muffins in the city. My favorite is blueberry.
Me
Me, too. I like that idea a lot.
There was a lot to like about Gwen. It was in her smile, her easy nature, her drive, her fierceness in the net, the way she worked with kids. If my heart wasn’t so broken by Morgan and the Lewises, it would be easy to fall for her. Hard.
Chapter Ten
Gwen
“Tens, this is incredible.” I watched the video he’d made, with clips of my games from this past season set to music, along with my stats. It was a work of art. Much nicer than anything Austin ever had.
“Thanks. I admit, I went through a few versions. Cooter liked this one best.” He gave me a shy smile.
