Page 18 of Just My Puck
I scrunch my nose. “Um, I’m not sure. Not a fan of the first one.”
“Me neither. I really like Aria, though. I think it suits you. There’s a kindness about it, but also the fire of someone with resilience. Two things we definitely know about you.”
My chest warms. “Really?”
“Oh, yeah. This is a tough situation, yet you make it look so easy. I can tell you’re a fighter, Aria.”
The name resonates in my brain like an echo, and I smile. “Aye, captain. Looks like we have a new name.”
He offers his hand. “Nice to meet you, Aria.”
8
“Yep. I’m pretty transparent, aren’t I?”
Caleb Hawthorne
When she takes my hand, the contact sends thousands of sparks dancing up my arm. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that in my life. Maybe once, back in college, but that was a long time ago.
“Likewise,” she says, her cheeks flushing red.
“So, Aria.” I smile, loving the way the name rolls off my tongue. “I was thinking you could meet my friends Marissa and Beth tomorrow. The ones I mentioned this morning? They own a coffee shop, andthey close at noon on Sunday. They’d love to go shopping with you.”
She sits on her hands, her confidence wavering. “Um, no. I think I’m good here. But thanks for offering.”
“Come on, Aria. They’re super nice. I’m sure you’ll get along well.”
Her gaze flicks to the floor. “Really, I’m good here. I enjoyed staying in today.” She refuses to look me in the eye.
“Don’t you need clothes? We can’t wash yours every day, you know,” I tease. “And my stuff is definitely too big.” Not that I mind letting her wear my clothes.
She continues to avoid my gaze, her voice soft, almost reluctant. “It’s all right. It’s not like I have any fabulous parties to attend. For now, I’m fine hanging out here or at the therapist.”
I perch on the edge of the couch. “Come on. You’re not going to stay cooped up inside until you get your memory back. The doctor said it could take months. I brought you home with me to live your life, not to have you confined in my house.”
Finally, she glances at me, her eyes brimming with worry. “What if I have zero pennies to my name and can never pay you back? You already got me a phone. I definitely don’t feel wealthy. And it’s not like I can work right now.”
I relax a little, now that I knowthe cause of her resistance. “Don’t worry about that. I make a good living. Besides, you’re in this situation because of me. When I said I wanted to help, I meant it. Please.”
She lets out a breath, and I see the tension easing in her shoulders. “Fine, I’ll go.”
I smile. “Good. Breathing some fresh air and seeing other people might help jog your memory too. But if it doesn’t, that’s okay. You have time. At least you’ll make new friends and have a nice day out.”
“Yeah, I guess.” She clears her throat. “So, tell me more about hockey,” she says, clearly eager to change the subject.
I arch an eyebrow, intrigued by her curiosity. “What about it? You want to know the rules?”
“More like, how did it become your job? It’s not every day you meet a professional athlete. At least, I’m pretty sure it’s unusual for me.”
I breathe out a chuckle. “I’m honestly relieved you don’t want to get bogged down by the rules, because it’s not that simple to explain. If you ever do want to learn, though, I have the full rulebook in the closet right there, behind the third door.” I gesture with a smirk. “Anyway, hockey’s been a part of my life since I was three. My dad is a fan, and he put me on skates the first chance he got.”
A smile builds on her face. “Wow. Is he a player too?”
“Nope. He owns a construction business in the tri-state area. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.”
“Ohh, so that’s where you got the construction bug,” she says, her eyes twinkling.
“Yep. I’m pretty transparent, aren’t I?”
