Page 64 of Cross Check

“What’s with the interrogation? It’s a good day because I’m awake and with y’all, obviously.” I roll my eyes. “Do I need more of a reason than that?”

“You’re hiding something.” Ethan lifts an eyebrow and gasps. “Wait a minute. Are you meeting up with someone in Denver? You are, aren’t you?”

“Who is Grant meeting up with?” Maverick asks around a yawn. “And why don’t I know about it?”

“While I appreciate the interest in my personal life, why are you badgering me when you could be questioning Liam about why he’s so goddamn smiley all the time?” I challenge. “It’s freaking me out.”

“Piper,” is all our goalie mumbles from two rows behind me.

“You all are exhausting.” I wave them off and pull out my phone, scrolling through my texts. “Go to sleep and stop bothering me.”

Maverick reaches over the seat and flicks my ear. Ethan sticks out his tongue and folds his arms over his chest, his snores starting thirty seconds later. I relax, glad to have them off my case, and type out a text to Amelia.

Me

On the plane to Denver. Can’t wait to kick your ass tomorrow.

She answers right away, and I swear it’s like I’m floating when I see her name on my screen.

AG

That’s funny, given our team has the better record.

Me

Still want to grab dinner later?

Totally fine if not.

I tap my foot, anxious for her reply and really fucking excited about the thought of spending tonight with her.

I’ve told myself this dinner isn’t a big deal, but it kind of is. Our hangouts have gone from accidental run-ins to intentionally planned meetups. We’re making a choice to show up at the same restaurant tonight, and being in public together toes a line I know she doesn’t want to cross.

There’s something exhilarating about it though. In the risk of being seen with her, in knowing she’s saying yes when she should be saying no. The same adrenaline that pulses through my blood whenever I take the ice starts to run through me now. I’m goddamn giddy when she texts me again.

AG

I’ll see you at seven.

I pump my fist in the air, glad my teammates have fallen asleep so they can’t see my excitement. Every day I get to spend with her is the best day ever, but I go with a touch of subtlety with my response.

Me

Can’t wait.

After a grueling practice that lasted until Connor puked and Ethan burst into tears, I have to keep my chin in my hand to stop myself from falling asleep at the restaurant later that night. I rub my eyes and study the menu, stifling a yawn and hoping I get a second wind.

A draft of cool air sneaks through the front door and wakes me up. I lift my chin and nearly fall out of my chair when I spot Amelia walking toward me.

In all the years that I’ve known her, I’ve never reduced her to her physical features, but, fuck.

Tonight I am.

Her navy-blue workout pants highlight curves made of carefully crafted muscles. I have to remind myself to breathe as she approaches the table. Her figure shows off how hard she trains to stay in shape, even today. I blush when my eyes travel to her hips.

Should I stand up? I’m not sure that’s possible right now, given the reaction I’m having to her form-fitting clothing, and I do mental math to get the idea of her out of my head.

Do I hug her? Friends hug. That wouldn’t be the weirdest way to greet her.