Page 90 of So This Is War
“He’s told us that. It’s why we have multiple equipment managers.” He gestures toward the front door, and I open it, stepping out first.
“I’m sure they’re not paid enough to handle your equipment.”
“They’re not,” he says while locking his door.
We both head to the elevator, where he presses the down button.
“You know, this building is an interesting find. Modern but also historic.”
I catch him lift his eyes from my chest as the elevator doors open. “Yeah, I wasn’t sure I’d like it at first because it doesn’t offer the same level of privacy that other buildings do, but the residents are really chill, and I like the parking situation. Plus, the layouts are much bigger. My unit is meant for a family of four, but I converted the one room into my office.”
“You did a great job. I love your place.”
“Thank you,” he says as the doors part to the parking garage. “The black Tesla right over there.”
“Oh, that’s right. You and the boys all have one.”
“Can’t remember who started it, but we all followed.”
He unlocks the car and, to my surprise, walks over to my door and opens it for me. I can tell the minute he realizes what he’s doing because he backs away from the door as if it’s on fire and stumbles to get away.
I inwardly chuckle as he rounds the front of the car and gets in on his side. When he’s settled, I say, “Thank you for taking me in. My friend Sandie picked me up from work, so we just left my car. I thought I’d be able to catch a ride, so I’m glad it all worked out.”
“Yeah, not a problem.” He clears his throat and puts his hand on my headrest, turns his body, and starts backing out of his carspace, which I think is funny because he has a giant screen in front of him, showing him if there are any cars.
Either way, I like that he put his hand on the headrest. If only he’d put his hand on my thigh next.
“Are you excited about the game tonight? You’re playing the Freeze, right? Kind of a big rivalry.”
“Yeah, should be an interesting game.”
“I dated a guy who the Freeze drafted.”
“Who?” His head snaps to look at me.
“He doesn’t play with them anymore, so no need to get defensive.”
“I wasn’t getting defensive,” he says as his grip on the steering wheel loosens.
Uh-huh, not defensive at all.
“His name is Rocco Allen.”
“Hmm.” Levi thinks about it. “Can’t say I know who that is.”
“Well, he hasn’t made an impact on the hockey scene like you, so I’m not surprised you don’t know who he is.”
“You think I’ve made an impact in hockey?”
Turning on the charm, I say, “Oh my God, yes. Are you kidding me? You’re one of the best defensemen in the game. I remember my dad talking about you once, saying how impressed he was with your footwork while under pressure, especially for being such a large man.”
“Huh, never heard him say anything nice about me before.”
“Really? He’s said a few things.”
“Was this before or after he’s blessed his underwear?” Levi shoots me a smirk, and it’s the most gorgeous expression I’ve ever seen.
“After, most definitely after.”
