Page 67 of Cross Check

“Glacier Freeze is superior,” Amelia claims.

“Orange is the only way to go, and I can’t believe you’d have such a horrible opinion.”

She doesn’t make fun of me when I ask for extra ranch, and when she orders a slice of key lime pie, I laugh at the whipped cream she gets on her nose.

“You really are a messy eater, Amelia.”

“I don’t care. It’s the only way to do it,” she says, licking her fork clean.

The check comes, and we reach for it at the same time. My fingers touch the back of her hand in an attempt to grab it from her, and she shakes her head.

“I was the one who invited myself. Let me pay.” Her gaze meets mine, defiant determination behind bright blue eyes. “Please?”

“That’s not how this works.” I manage to snatch the bill from her while she’s busy reaching in her purse. “You can get it next time.”

“You also paid for my sandwiches in DC! My IOU is growing by the day.”

“We’ll figure it out.” I count the cash in my wallet, setting it on top of the receipt with a thirty percent tip. “And if not, I’ll have to take it out on you on the ice.”

“That sounds like a threat, Everett.”

“Maybe it is, Green.”

She stands, and I do too. I give her a wide berth when I come around the table and plenty of space on our way to the door. Out on the sidewalk, we face each other. The smile she’s throwing my way is beautiful and bright, and I really fucking missed her.

“Thank you for dinner.” She rocks back on her heels. “It’s always good to see you.”

“Thanks for joining me.” I hold up my hand, going with a high five instead of a hug. A hug would mean feeling her body pressed against mine. It would mean dreaming about her soft skin for a month. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“You will.” Amelia’s palm connects with mine. Her hand is smaller, more delicate. “Don’t score a goal on us this time.”

“No promises. Let me know when you get home safe?”

“I’ll text you.” A breeze ripples through the air, and she brushes her hair out of her eyes. “Have a good night, Grant.”

There’s a message waiting for me by the time I make it to the hotel, and I heave a sigh of relief knowing she’s safe.

AG

Back home.

RE: body burying tools. My pick would be an excavator. Not suspicious at all.

I climb in bed wearing the dopiest grin. I’ve never been in love, but it can’t feel much different from this.

TWENTY-FOUR

AG

Good luck in the playoffs, Everett.

GE

Thanks, Green. I appreciate it.

And you all too! Still think it would be so cool if we played each other in the Stanley Cup final!

AG