Page 6

"I’ve had a lot of crazy fan requests during my career, but this is probably the best one."

James Adler

I don’t even have time to call after Elizabeth before she’s gone. Pushing down my disappointment, I turn to the girls waiting for me and take photos with them.

“Great game tonight,” the brunette says before opening her arms for a James Adler hug.

“Thanks.” I offer a genuine smile before giving her a quick embrace. “Thanks for your support.”

“You were amazing,” the other girl says, waiting her turn to hug me.

As we chat about where they’re from, the purposeful glint in their eyes, coupled with the constant touching of my forearms, gives me a clear indication that they’re not just fans looking to catch up with their favorite player.

Most people assume guys love this, and maybe some do.

But not me. As much as I adore entertaining the crowd and interacting with my fans, I know these girls are only interested in dating James Adler, number eight of the New York Raptors.

They dig my looks, my fame—probably my abs too, thanks to that commercial—and weirdly enough, that’s a complete turn-off for me.

I like to pursue, not to be pursued. Which isn’t an easy task when you have my occupation.

I politely excuse myself, then hurry back to the private area.

“There you are,” Hawthorne bellows, apparently having been looking for me.

“Where were you?” Miles asks, readjusting his cap. “Flirting with innocent girls again?”

I just shake my head. “For your information, I was on the phone with Mark.” He’s my agent and the one who’s been helping me diversify my income by booking me commercials and endorsement gigs. “What’s up?”

He and Beaumont start arguing abo ut a play from earlier and suck me into the conversation. It’s always fun to put the blame on Beaumont.

After that, it’s one heated debate after another, until I feel a migraine coming on and head outside for some fresh air.

I can’t dodge another round of selfies and hugs as I make my way out, so I’m forced to put my James ‘The Hug’ Adler mask back on for a minute.

“Are you following me now?” Elizabeth’s voice hits my ears the moment I step outside the bar. She’s leaning against the wall, a finger twirling her hair.

“You caught me.” I smirk. “What are you doing out here alone?”

“Just thinking.” She sighs, a shadow of melancholy lingering behind her eyes. “Actually, I think I’m going to grab my stuff and head back to Aaron and Marissa’s.”

“Can I walk with you?”

She hesitates for a second, then nods. Good. I wasn’t about to let her walk home in the middle of the night by herself. Even if it’s only a fifteen-minute stroll.

“I’ll go grab the keys and let them know we’re leaving,” she says.

I wait outside for her, striking up a conversation with a dude wearing my jersey.

“Great game tonight,” he says with a grin. “Excited for the season?”

“Thanks, man. We’re pretty confident. Were you at the game?”

“Nah, we watched in here tonight,” he says, tipping his chin toward the bar. “Couldn’t get tickets, but we’ll be there tomorrow. Which is even better. It’s my girlfriend’s birthday, and I’m going to propose.”

“No way!” A smile lights up my face. “That’s amazing.”

“Actually, since I ran into you,” he says, twisting his mouth. “Do you think you could bring the ring?”

I wrinkle my forehead in surprise. “Really?”

“We’re both big Raptors fans. We actually met at a game, which is why I’m planning to propose at the arena. But you’re her favorite player, so it would be a dream come true if you were part of it.”

A feeling of pride washes over me. This dude, who I don’t even know, wants me to be part of his big moment. I’ve had a lot of crazy fan requests during my career, but this is probably the best one.

“I’d be honored. How are we making this happen? Where are you guys seated?”

“We have glass seats for the occasion, not far from the bench. You could skate over and give me the ring during warm-ups?”

I nod. “Are you sure, though? I don’t want to steal your thunder.”

He shakes his head vehemently. “No, no. She’s going to love it. Where can we meet so I can give you the ring?”

My eyes widen slightly. Right. I didn’t consider the part where a stranger has to entrust me with his most precious piece of jewelry. “Um, at the last possible moment would be best,” I say with a chuckle. “How about we meet at the player entrance around four p.m.?”

“Perfect. Thank you so much, man.” He starts moving toward the bar entrance.

“Absolutely. My pleasure. Hope it goes smoothly.”

“Are you kidding? With you bringing the ring,” he says, turning back with a smile, “there’s no way she’ll say no.”

I bark out a laugh. “Smart move, man.”

After the door closes behind him, Elizabeth comes back, and we walk home in silence. It’s a warm night for this time of year. There’s a slight breeze, but we’ve been having spectacular fall weather so far. She stares straight ahead, her gaze distant and unfocused.

“Are you okay?” I finally ask. I know, it’s pretty much the only question I’ve been asking her lately. But one look at her, and it’s all I can think about.

“You always ask me that,” she says, echoing my thoughts.

I arch an eyebrow. “Only becaus e you keep lying to me.”

She looks at me, then brings her gaze to the pavement before sighing heavily. “Fine, I’m not okay. But isn’t that to be expected after a breakup?”

“I think so.” Not that I’ve really ever dated. “But I also think you made the right decision.”

She rolls her eyes, smiling. “Of course you do.”

“I mean it. He wasn’t good for you, Elizabeth.”

She puffs out a laugh. “And let me guess, you would be?”

My heart quickens as I imagine us walking down this street hand in hand. “Absolutely. You deserve someone who sees you, who values you. Not a dumbass who jerked you around for all those months, never realizing how amazing you are.”

Her cheeks pink ever so slightly. “Thanks for saying that. I don’t know why I stayed with him for so long.”

Beats me.

“But it’s hard sometimes,” she murmurs. “You feel so many things about a person, you can’t even label them all.”

I shove my hands in my pockets. “And what are your feelings now?”

She glances at me, her grayish eyes piercing through to my heart. “Relief?”

I raise an eyebrow. “Is that a question?”

“Relief,” she repeats with mo re certainty. “Yes, that’s what I feel. I’m glad it’s over with Lucas, and I can concentrate on myself again. He was a bad boyfriend, and I won’t keep looking into the past.”

“Good for you. Now that you’re a full-fledged Raptors fan, maybe you can wear my jersey instead of that generic one you have on?” I tease, glancing at her top.

She shakes her head, smiling. “You’re impossible. I like this jersey, and I just got it tonight. Plus, I know how you guys get worked up when a girl you know wears your jersey. I don’t want to give you any false hopes.”

“There she goes breaking my heart again,” I breathe out, and she chuckles.

She shrugs. “What? How could I date a hockey player again after what happened with Lucas?”

“Wow. He really screwed this up for me, didn’t he?” I say it with a lighthearted tone to make her feel better, but deep down, I mean it.

“Yeah. I’m afraid that ship has sailed,” she replies.

“ Crab . I hate that guy—and his stupid name. Always made me think of mucus.”

I glance at Elizabeth, and her pupils dilate before she explodes into laughter. I follow along, her laughter contagious. “What? It’s true!”

“Oh my gosh,” she says, a han d on my forearm as she catches her breath. The contact makes my skin burn through my shirt. “I never thought of that.”

“Really? I see mucus pouring out of his nose every time I see his face.” That, and blood after I mentally punched him. But let’s not spoil the mood. I finally have Elizabeth laughing again, and that’s exactly where I want her .