Page 78 of Lucky Shot
“To watch a hockey game,” he says simply, walking over to my couch and making himself at home. “Wear something warm. The rink gets cold.”
A small huff leaves my lips. “I…” A dozen excuses are on the tip of my tongue.
Nick arches a brow like he’s silently daring me to come up with a single good one.
“I’m a mess.” I glance down at my cut-off shorts and then bring a hand up to smooth over my ponytail.
“I’ll wait.” He kicks his feet up on the table next to my laptop.
Twenty very rushed minutes later, we’re in the truck. The music is on but turned down low.
“Who’s playing?” I ask when I realize I didn’t get a lot of details beyond him taking me to a hockey game.
“Aidan.”
“Wait. Really?”
“Yeah, his club team is playing.”
He pulls up to a rink smaller than the one in Moonshot, but inside it’s filled with people. Nick walks with purpose and I lengthen my stride to keep up with him. As we’re going up the bleachers to our seats, I spot Travis, then Conrad, Danny, and Penn.
“Do they all have kids that play too?”
Nick chuckles. “Nah, they come for Aidan.”
Somehow it doesn’t surprise me. The limited time I’ve spent with them, I can see how close and supportive they are of each other. “That’s so nice.”
Travis stands as we get close.
“Ruby-Doo!” He holds his arms out to his sides, and I step into a hug.
“Hey,” I say with a laugh. I’m still not used to his easy charm and affection, but he’s sort of impossible not to like.
“Nick didn’t tell me you were coming. I would have dressed up, brought flowers.” He tosses a grin at his friend.
Impossible not to like and an incorrigible flirt.
I sniff the air, the scent of popcorn wafting from a concession stand somewhere. “Popcorn is the way to my heart.”
“Noted.” Travis releases me, then hugs Nick.
I move over, smiling and waving at the rest of the guys.
“Hey.” Danny is the only one that speaks, but the other two men acknowledge me with smiles and Penn lifts a hand.
Conrad scoots over and I take a seat next to him. Down on the ice, I look for Aidan.
“Number nine,” Conrad says, pointing to the right side. It’s possible those are the most words I’ve heard him say.
I find Aidan, then grin. He looks so much like Nick.
“Thanks.”
He nods.
“Do you all go to all of Aidan’s games?” I ask him, but then glance to the others.
“We make it when we can,” Danny says.
