Page 104 of Heartbreak Hockey

A satisfied smile beams across his lips. “With you I am.”

My body fizzes with warmth. As I’m stargazing into the cornflower blue of his eyes, there’s arguing near our table.

“You ask him.”

“No,youask him.”

“No,you.”

It’s two young men, maybe in their late teens. Skinny with some wild heads of lettuce. Must be hockey players. They’re at the table next to us with their parents.

“Can we help you?” Mercy says.

Their chairs slide against the carpet as the tumble out of their seats to stand beside our table. “Um, sir? We’re big fans of your uh … boyfriend? Can we have his autograph?”

Aw, shit. I didn’t think I was that famous. It’s pretty funny they’re asking him like he’s my bodyguard or something.

“Let’s ask him,” Mercy says. His smirk is way too smirky. “Mr. Leslie? You wanna sign some … what do you want him to sign?”

“Uhhhh, we didn’t get that far.”

“Toldja we shouldn’t have intruded. We’re sorry.”

“No, wait,” I say. “Give me your addresses and I’ll send you a signed card.” I have a few hundred my agent was able to get for me for just such an occasion. Doesn’t happen that often though.

“Guess I have to get used to that,” he says once I’ve taken down their addresses and they’ve returned to their table.

“Naw. Happens once in a blue moon. More often when I’m here.”

“Not once you get drafted. You’ll be famous and I’ll have to attend therapy to calm the murderous rage inside because everyone will want to fuck you.”

I’m about to say my standard, “if I get drafted” but he’s trying too hard to keep a straight face.

“You know something I don’t,” I accuse him.

He smiles. “I can’t keep it from you any longer. Vancouver’s got a ton of injuries, which is bad news for them, but good news for you. They’re pulling you up to play a few games.”

“Holy shit, really?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, you’re gonna be there, right?”

He frowns. “Not for all of them, but I’ll make one.”

Dammit. I made him feel bad. That he can even make one is a shot in hell. I’m Rhett right now. Fuck. I change my tune real quick. “Three, I’m gonna play three games for Vancouver? This is a dream come true. Best Valentine’s Day surprise ever.”

He’s back to smiling again. “That one’s not from me. You earned that all on your own, baby.”

“But still.” I’m floored. I can’t wait to tell everyone. My family’s gonna be so proud of me. The guys are gonna be proud of me. I know this doesn’t mean drafted, but it does mean they’re ever more seriously considering it and I’ll probably get actual ice time.

“On that note, let’s get back so that I can give you your real gift and I can win Valentine’s day.”

“Not a fucking chance, Merc. I knew it was my night and it keeps proving true.”

“Guess we’ll see, Leslie.”

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