Page 61 of Banter & Blushes #1

ETHAN

W hen I arrive at the Turtle Tide, I request a booth in back because it has an amazing view of the ocean and Mango Key Beach, where the restaurant is situated. Then I start second-guessing myself.

Mia grew up here, so of course, she would know about this place and the appeal of Mango Key Beach, one of the best rated beaches in the nation.

I’m originally from the landlocked state of Colorado, so moving to Florida when I got drafted by the Sun Kings was a significant change.

I love the mountains but discovered I love the beach just as much.

I run my hands over my face, check my watch—five more minutes—and stare out the window. Either this will go really great, or we’ll discover the magic only existed in the mystery of our texts.

Checking the time again, I glance toward the entrance. Maybe she’s running a little late, but any minute now, I’m certain the girl of my dreams will walk through that door.

Except she doesn’t.

I wait for half an hour, despite the questioning looks from my server, but still no Mia. She’s not answering my texts, either. I even tried calling, but when I heard her message, I hung up. Kind of surreal to hear her voice for the first time like that.

Maybe she’s not as into me as I thought. I may have to face the harsh reality that she blew me off. But I can’t see how that’s possible, considering all those conversations we’ve had, some lasting for hours. I’ve never connected with anyone like I have with her.

I don’t get it. Why didn’t she show up? Or, at the very least, let me know she’d changed her mind?

No point waiting any longer. I order a few dozen hushpuppies to go and leave my server a tip bigger than my tab.

Someone should come out ahead in this scenario tonight.

Then I head over to Elias’ place because he and some of the guys are playing NHL 25 on his PlayStation.

Even when we’re off the ice, we’re playing hockey.

But when Elias opens the door, he looks anything but pleased.

I hold up the bag of hushpuppies. “I brought game food.”

He waves me in. “Great, except we’re not playing.”

“Let me guess. Wade broke the game.” I laugh, pushing thoughts of Mia aside. As I walk in and scan the rest of the guys, more sour faces greet me.

Mathéo takes the bag from me. “Did you hear the news yet?”

“No.” I swing my gaze from his and sweep the room.

Payton shoves his hands into his shorts pockets. “They’re moving the team to another state.”

Every muscle in my body freezes, unable to process what I just heard. “That can’t be right. The new owner relocated here, didn’t she?”

Elias nods. “But Jack says it’s in the works. He said it’ll be easier to build a new fan base than to regain our old one.”

I drop down on the couch like a puck dropped to the ice, waiting for the next smack. “How soon?”

The guys shrug in unison.

Elias stands in front of us. “We only know because I overheard him on the phone. He said to keep it quiet for now. They’re still working out a deal.”

I attempt to swallow but my mouth’s so dry, it’s like swallowing sand. “Where?”

“San Diego.”

Wade lets out a soft whistle. “I wonder if they’ll keep our name. California is the land of sunshine, so Sun Kings still works.”

“Or we fight it,” I blurt out.

All eyes are on me now.

Elias’ surprised expression shifts to understanding. Or what he thinks he understands. “E 2.0 had a hot date with his puck bunny tonight and doesn’t want to leave Sarabella.”

I snort. “You’re the 2.0 in this duo, man.” Then I sober. “She didn’t show.”

Payton blows out a breath between his teeth. “Sorry, mate. That’s bloody awful.”

All I can do is nod. Better that it happened early on, though. I can get over infatuation way faster than getting my heart pulverized. And that’s all a bunch of texts could amount to anyway—infatuation, right?

Just wish that pang in my chest would get the memo.