Page 39 of Tripped Up

Except after our afternoon together, I went home and started thinking. Elsy asked me, during the phone call she initiated, if I was dating someone. Is that her angling for something? She willingly spent the whole day with me, and we sat on that park bench for two hours talking. And I don’t do that with just anyone. Hell, I can’t think of a time I’ve ever done that before.

That day… it was fun. I didn’t have to think too hard. I didn’t have to force myself to have fun. It happened without trying.

When she’s not throwing barbs at me, I enjoy hanging around with Elsy. Fuck, even when she’s eviscerating me, I like to be around her.

“She’s looking good out there,” Henry comments as he strips off his gear.

“Fuck off.”

I won’t let him needle me. He’s an expert at it, exactly like I am. He knows how to get under my skin. But I won’t let him.

“I’m just saying.” Henry shrugs. “If she’s not your girl, you won’t mind if I ask her out, then?”

My stomach twists at the idea of Elsy and Henry. She deserves better than a sleazy playboy with pucks for brains.

And what if she falls for him? And it’s all a game to him?

A throaty growl rumbles through me. We’ve had this conversation before. I thought I warned him off enough. Clearly, I need to make sure everyone in this goddamn arena knows she’s off-limits.

Henry punches my shoulder. “If she’s not your girl, you better fix that, and fast. Otherwise someone else will swoop in and snatch her up. I’m guessing that dude won’t give you a heads-up.”

“She can date whoever she wants,” I grind out.

“Yeah, but you want it to be you.”

I blink. Do I? She’s fucking gorgeous, but as much as I like her, am I ready for dating and everything that comes with it? Can I handle a real, grown-up relationship, the kind that lasts forever?

Clarity settles in the pit of my stomach, wafting over me like the smelling salts we use to get our head in the game. I want to date Elsy.

Fuck. I want to date Elsy.

She hates me—and rightfully so, considering what a dick I was. How can I prove to her I’m not that insecure kid anymore? How can I convince her to give me another chance?

Elsy is waiting in the friends and family hallway. As I approach with Henry and Puppy trailing behind me, she gives me a radiant smile, her eyes bright.

“Good game,” she says, her eyes flicking behind me as if she’s dismissing me already.

Am I invisible to her? Or is she more interested in my teammates than she is in me? Either way, it stings, and I rub my chest like it will make the ache go away.

“Congrats on the goal.”

Puppy puffs up his chest. “Thanks.”

He scored another tonight, bringing his tally to three in six games. Not a terrible start for a rookie on the fourth line with limited minutes. One of these days, he’s going to get bumped up to the third line with more playing time.

Then again, the three of us play fairly well together, so maybe they’ll keep us on the same line after all.

“There’s this new club downtown I’ve been meaning to check out,” Henry says casually. He gives me a pointed look. I can’t tell if he’s goading me or encouraging me. Maybe both. “You want to come?”

I hesitate. The last thing I want to do is be at a club until ass o’clock in the morning and nurse a hangover all through our early practice tomorrow.

“Can I come?” Riley asks.

“Sure, Pup,” Henry says, and he scowls.

“Fuck off,” he mutters, but he doesn’t sound angry at the nickname. In fact, he almost sounds pleased.

“How about it?” I turn to Elsy. “You in?”