Page 35 of Hot Shot
His teammates would talk. They’d think he only got a spot on the team because of me.
That he only gets ice time because of who he’s dating. I don’t want that.
I don’t want to tarnish his rookie season with whispers and gossip that maybe he doesn’t belong on the team, especially not when he already doubts himself.
I refuse to be a distraction to him, so I keep my mouth shut and shove down the thought of what kissing him would feel like.
“Madison.” Hunter’s voice is soft as he reaches for my hand, and I let him take it. “What’s going on in your head?”
“I don’t know. I’m sorry, Hunter. I’m going to pour us some wine and go into the living room.” I go to pull away from him, but he surprises me by taking the bottle of wine and setting it on the counter before pulling me into his arms.
At first I’m stiff, but when he starts to stroke my back I sink into his embrace. He holds me for a couple of minutes, and like the hug in his truck earlier, it feels like we’ve been hugging for years.
Pulling back, he tilts my chin up so I have no choice but to look him in the eyes. “Never feel stupid for telling me what you’re thinking. I can’t read your mind.”
I nod, getting lost in his deep-blue eyes. The way he’s staring at me makes me feel like he can see me.
Can see into the depths of my soul. With anyone else that would make me nervous, but with him it doesn’t.
Hunter points at the sink. “I’m going to get back to the dishes. How about you pour us some wine. What do you want to do with the leftovers?”
I step out of his embrace. “We can leave them out for a while to cool.”
“I can do it. Go sit.” He shoos me toward the living room.
I do as he says and pour us each a glass of wine. Taking a long sip I lean back against the couch, closing my eyes.
Today was a whirlwind and it’s starting to catch up to me. I’m grateful that I don’t have to get up early tomorrow because I don’t know if I could.
“You okay?”
My eyes fly open, and I see Hunter standing next to the coffee table studying me. When did he walk in here?
“Yeah, I’m good.”
“I can go if you’re tired. I’m sure you had a long day.”
“I’m good. Come sit.” I pat the cushion next to me.
He studies me for a minute before taking a seat. His thigh brushes against mine and I shiver.
“You cold?” Hunter grabs one of the blankets I keep folded over the back of the couch and hands it to me.
“Thanks.” Even though I’m not really cold I take it and drape it across my legs, needing something to do.
“I was thinking we could go ice-skating tomorrow. If you still want to hang out. Then I’ll take you to my favorite taco place.”
“That sounds good. I’ll have to deal with my car in the morning.” I sigh, running a hand over my face.
“Do you need a ride? I can take you over there in the morning. Wait with you for a tow.” Hunter asks, picking up his wineglass.
“It’s fine,” I say with a wave of my hand. “I’m sure Judy will let me borrow her car.”
“Okay, but if that doesn’t work out, text me.”
“Thank you. Want to watch something?” I ask as I pick up the remote and pull up Netflix.
Hunter admits that he likes reality cooking shows like I do, so we settle on a new show neither of us have seen calledPressure Cooker.
