Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 101505 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101505 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
“Are you planning to see Mia?” he asks.
“No,” I say, probably too quickly. “I mean, if she wants to hook up for old time’s sake, sure,” I add. I’m not sure if my indifference is convincing.
“Have you guys talked?”
Since the breakup. He doesn’t say that part, but it’s clear enough.
“Maybe. I’m not sure.” I’m positive we haven’t talked, but I don’t feel like admitting that.
“Think she’ll want a job at your restaurant?” he asks.
The question triggers a sharp jab of cold in my gut. “No,” I say, speaking carefully. “She’s probably still in New York. She left for culinary school, remember?”
“She’s back,” he says. “Andi was just telling me they’re meeting at some rental her Grams owns near the center of town. Tonight, I think.”
Another wave of ice creeps through me. Fuck.
Jake leans forward, eyebrows drawing together. “You good, dude? You look like you just saw Carter trying to sing that Gangnam Style song at Karaoke again.”
I lick my lips and shake my head. “I’m fine.”
“You didn’t know she’d be back?”
“I didn’t think about it,” I say. It’s another lie. “I’ve got more important things on my mind, like using nearly a year’s salary to start a restaurant, help figure out a menu, and everything else. Once the season starts, I won’t have to worry, but right now it’s kind of a big deal. Okay?”
Jake nods. “So you’re not going to surprise us and retire before next season starts to focus on this place?”
Ah. A bit of relief comes through me as I realize what Jake’s real concern was all along. He’s worried this business with the restaurant was a sign that I would be stepping away from hockey. Maybe he isn’t as tuned in with what’s really going on in my head as I was afraid of. “We’re good, Jake,” I say. “I want the cup as badly as the rest of you. Next season. The season after. I’m here until you assholes drag me away from the net.”
Jake eyes me for a long moment, then finally nods and sits back in his seat, relaxing a little. “Alright. Good. Good.”
I lay my head back, looking over the plane. It’s one of two private jets we’ve used all season. The team’s owner is filthy rich and likes to spoil us. The team logo is plastered all over the interior and bright blue lights make the cabin look like some kind of moody, expensive club. Music plays from the speakers and most of the team is still horsing around while we taxi for takeoff. Rookies ride in the back, team vets are up front, and the coaching staff are all on the other jet.
“Anything to drink, Sir?” The girl asking is young. I don’t recognize her, but her name badge says “Kiki.”
I casually run my eyes up and down her. Pretty face, a nice body. “Surprise me, Kiki,” I say. I give her the sort of look that I know she’ll see as an invitation. It’s almost a reflex, by now. It’s a game I’ve only really played the last two years, but it’s one I’ve already started to grow bored of.
Make eye contact. Use her name to show I bothered to read her name tag. Maybe find a reason to touch her, no matter how innocently. Nine times out of then, that’s all it takes. Most of the women I meet already know who I am. Nolan Saulters. Famous goalie of the Vermont Vandals.
It doesn’t hurt that girls have figured out they can wait at the bars near the rink after our games. Every night, there are more than enough women waiting for a chance to hook up with one of us that it’s practically shooting fish in a barrel.
Has it become boring? Sure. But when I need something to numb my mind, it does the job. It occupies the nights and keeps me from laying awake. It protects me from the sort of things I think about when it gets too quiet in my head.
“Surprise you?” Kiki says, blushing. “I think I could manage that, Nolan.” She practically purrs my name, popping her hip out subtly so it brushes my forearm as she walks to the back of the plane.
“You remember we’re heading straight to Frosty Harbor when we land, right?” Jake asks. “Your new friend is going to have to sit in your lap if you want to bring her. I’ve only got six seats in the rental. I mean, I guess you could find out if she’s desperate enough to lay on top of our bags in the trunk.”
I shake my head. “Just fucking around,” I say.
Jake leans closer, smiling out of one side of his mouth. “Maddox did say that one is wild in bed. I bet she’d have no problem sitting in your lap.”
I give Kiki another look over my shoulder as she waits for the bartender to mix my drink. I sit back and stare forward. I’ve been far from celibate these last two years. The guy who used to believe in taking things slow and looking for real love hasn’t been around lately. I know what most of my teammates think of it. They think I’m being self-destructive. Reckless. Maybe even heartless.