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“You remember turning down a ride offer from the Blades captain. Let’s just say, I’ve kind of known the guy for a while, and I’m not sure he’s ever made an invitation like that.”

Collins fluffs out her hair. “Oh, no, I remember the offer and interpreted it as a potential booty call. That’s why I turned it down.”

“But you just said it’s been a while?” I counter.

“He’s not my type,” she immediately responds. “He must be ten years older than me, and—I dunno—he sealed the deal when he reminded me of how famous he was. Like I wasn’t already aware. Hockey fan or not, Sawyer Bryce is known.”

“You called him a stranger?”

“Did I?” She smiles, clearly remembering that she did. “Did it dent his ego?”

I roll my lips together to prevent the evil giggle I want torelease. “I’m not sure what it did to his ego, but I do know he’s been asking about you. Wanted to make sure you got home all right.”

She downs the last of her coffee. “I go for younger guys. Generally, there’s less baggage.Generally.”

I rest my chin in my palm and study her. “So, what’s your plan? Find another job and stick around so we can meet for more random coffees and bitch like two old women? Or will you be loving and leaving me?”

She picks up her phone from beside her and checks the screen. “Can I answer that question in a couple of hours? I have an interview at another bike shop. If I don’t fuck it up and they aren’t bothered with previous employer references, then my tiny apartment and I should be golden for another few months.”

She slides off the stool and grabs her leather jacket. “I like you, Kendra. I think you’re in danger of becoming the first friend I’ve made in a while.”

I tip my head to the side and smile. “Better make sure you’re offered the position then, right?”

She gives me a little salute. “Doing it for you and me and our blooming love story. See ya!”

When she pushes out of the café and passes by the window in front of me, she blows a kiss before disappearing out of sight.

I sit there in a daze for a few seconds. She’s like a whirlwind but in the best way. The kind of person you meet and then wonder if that actually happened.

I’m still staring out the window when my phone buzzes on the bar, and I swipe it up, knowing all too well it’s too soon for a Collins-related job update.

Jack

So, our flight got delayed. It’s going to be tight between landing and the game tonight. I’ll call you when I can, Kitten.

P.S. Away series suck.

P.P.S. You looked beautiful this morning.

Me

*picture of teapot*

When are you taking me to the UK so we can stock up on Yorkshire tea bags?

I thought you’d never ask.

I’m typing out a response when the text chat disappears, and my happy mood instantly shifts to kind of pissed.

“Aren’t you boarding a plane soon?” I answer, not bothering to say hello.

“Don’t hang up on me,” Tyler says quickly. His surroundings sound quiet, and he’s whispering.

Feeling uncomfortable, I push off my stool and grab my bag, waving to Ed on my way out. “Well, that depends on why you’re calling. If it’s to ask if we can be friends, then no, we can’t. You set any chances of that alight when you acted like a prick the other day. Jack told me what you said to him in the gym. No one is preying on anyone.”

There’s a short pause as I step out onto the busy sidewalk and head back to Jack’s apartment.

“Believe it or not, Kendra, and despite the fact that you hate my guts, I still care about you.”