Page 65 of Cross Check

I could do the professional thing and shake her hand like we’re on the ice.

God fucking help me.

“Hey.” Amelia slides into the chair across from me. My palms are sweating, and I’m grateful I asked for a table in the corner for some privacy. “Glad you made it to Denver. Where did you fly in from?”

“Seattle. I had to suffer next to Ethan who snores like there’s no tomorrow, so sleep was minimal.”

“Did you ever buy those noise-canceling headphones after you got kicked out of your hotel room in favor of extracurricular activities?”

“What an extremely diplomatic way to say my teammate was hooking up with someone.” I laugh. “I did buy headphones, but they died in Phoenix. The charging cable I left in my kitchen is doing me a lot of good right now.”

“I hate when I forget things I need for a long road trip.” Her foot bumps mine when she tucks her legs under the table. “I could’ve brought you my headphones.”

“I’ll survive. Who doesn’t love sitting with their thoughts on a long plane ride?” I notice her flushed cheeks, and I push a water glass her way. “How was yoga?”

“Centering. I skate with the guys at practice, but I like more controlled workouts too.” Amelia reaches for the glass with a smile of appreciation and takes a long sip. It’s a good thing I don’t go into cardiac arrest when her jacket slips off her shoulder and reveals fair skin and a thin strap of fabric. “How was practice?”

“Brutal, so you can’t judge me when we get up to leave. My ass is sore in places I didn’t know it could be sore.”

“Brody didn’t give you a rest day?” Her chuckle is light. “I’m shocked.”

“Are you two close?” I ask. A flicker of jealousy sits behind the question.

I’d get it if they were. He’s older and a decorated former NHL superstar. I’m sure there’s some appeal there.

“We’re friendly in the sense that we’re in the same circles, but we’re not friends.”

“Probably for the best.” I let out a relieved breath. “I don’t know if that man has ever had fun.”

“At least he’s good at his job. And speaking of jobs, I saw some highlights from your game against Los Angeles last week. You played well,” she says, and the compliment makes me grin.

“I could always use an ego boost, but do we have to talk about hockey? We both know it takes up the majority of our lives. We both know the Stars are going to win tomorrow because we’re on the hunt for the Cup.” I scoot forward in my chair, fueled by her amused scoff at my statement. “Tell me a deep, dark secret instead.”

“Do you want to know a secret, Grant?” she asks, a scrape to her voice I swear is hotter than sin.

“Yeah,” I rasp. “I do.”

“I’ve been looking forward to our matchup tomorrow for weeks.”

“Because you wanted to see me, right? Am I always on your mind, Amelia?”

It’s harmless flirting. Something I say in jest, but I notice the way her cheeks turn pinker. How she takes another sip of water and averts her gaze.

Does she think about me the way I think about her?

“No.” The word is a breathy exhale. “Because I can’t wait to kick your ass. That’s all.”

The server brings over a basket of bread and breaks up the conversation. Amelia takes a slice and sets it on her small plate before reaching for the butter.

Carb lover. My fingers itch for the notebook in my pocket.

“I have a bone to pick with you,” she says, changing topics.

“I probably deserve it. What did I do?”

“The night you were in Vegas, I told you about my sisters, but you’ve barely mentioned yours.”

“Hannah,” I say. “She’s younger than me by about eighteen months and a world champion figure skater.”