Page 69 of Arresting the Hockey Player

“Who? Noah?” I haven’t mentioned the drama with my father. Which is weird that he stopped texting me. Apparently, in my drunken haze, I texted him that I’d be bringing Noah to the event.

Dad will be relieved when Noah doesn’t show up because there’s zero chance that I can convince Noah to do me any favors.

I don’t even bother asking him. I mentioned the event to him before the catastrophe between us, and I don’t dare consider reminding him of his promised date.

It would be a disaster, the two of us attending together. For starters, the charity auction is a fundraiser for the local children’s hospital. The majority of the special guests are Island Bruisers players.

“Yes,” Amber says, staring at me as I show her the black gown that is too form-fitting for my liking. She gestures for me to spin around for her to make a full judgment on the dress.

“This dress might split in half if I sit.”

Amber giggles at my response and gestures for me to wander back into the dressing room to try a different gown.

“I meant Noah,” she says, and I’m relieved that the curtain is hiding my expression as I stare at my reflection in the mirror.

“Noah?” I squeak. “There is zero chance that he’s going to attend. He hates me.” I unzip the gown and slide it off.

“He doesn’t hate you,” Amber quips. “He’s just… reserved, and you know it’s complicated. This week, he goes to court for custody of his son.”

“He does?” I peek my head out of the side of the curtain. “He didn’t tell me that.”

For the record, he hasn’t told me anything about Zayn since the night I royally mucked things up for him and his son.

“He doesn’t want to get his hopes up and get disappointed, but his lawyer thinks he has a solid case. You’re right, though. He’ll probably be too busy for the charity event if he’s got a son at home.”

There’s something in Amber’s voice that has me on edge. I slip into another dress. “I need you to zip the back of this one.”

“Ooh,” Amber coos excitedly and helps fasten the zipper.

The dress is black, like all the other ones I’ve tried on for the black-tie affair.

But this one flows out at my hips, leaving me more room to dance and move. Plus, the design has intricate stitching in the bodice which reveals an ample amount of cleavage. Just enough to piss Daddy off. It’s cute, fancy, and looks flattering on my figure.

“This istheone,” Amber says, already loving the dress on me before I’ve fully modeled it for her.

“I wish you could be my date for the charity event.”

“And deal with your father?” She shakes her head, her eyes wide like a doe. “I’d sooner walk across hot coals.”

“I don’t think that’s supposed to be that painful. I mean, don’t they do that at, like, spa retreats or something?” I ask.

“Have you ever tried it?” Amber asks.

“Well, no,” I say, and I can’t recall knowing anyone who has, either.

“Exactly. They may say it’s no big deal, but it’s hot coals! No, thank you.” Amber purses her lips together. “That’s the dress. Buy it.”

“Do you think so?” I twirl for her, and she smiles, tilting her head.

“Yes, please. I don’t think I can stand here another minute and watch you try on another black dress unless it’s for your funeral.”

I stick my tongue out at her. “Savage.”

EIGHTEEN

Noah

My head hasn’t been in the game, not in practice, and certainly not while we were playing the Wolverines.