A prolonged silence falls between us as I study him, staring at him as if he holds the key to all life’s mysteries. Finally lifting his eyes, they lock on mine, sending a jolt of electricity through me and stealing my breath. His gaze feels too invasive and intense, almost as if his soul is trying to speak to mine.
“Brenden?” someone says, gaining his attention. Relief washes over me and air rushes out of my lungs as he breaks his hold over me. I follow his eyes, landing on a young woman approaching the table. The smile on her face is so wide, it looks like it might crack open, but she isn’t looking at him the way the women in his class were. The look on her face is one of admiration, not lust.
“Hi, Callie. How are you?” I ask, both relieved and disappointed for the interruption. Callie’s son, Seth, came to me last year for some help and advice on getting into college, and she’s hasn’t stopped expressing her gratitude since.
“I’m good, thank you. I just wanted to come over to tell you Seth is doing great in school. He asked me to send his thanks again the next time I saw you.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m glad to hear he’s doing well. He’s a good kid.”
“I think so, but I’m probably a little biased,” she laughs. “All right, I’ll leave you two alone. I just wanted to say hi and pass along his message.”
“It was nice seeing you, Callie. Tell Seth hello for me.”
“I will. It was nice seeing you too, Brenden.” Smiling, she turns her attention to Lizzy. “You’ve got a great guy here,” she says, patting her arm. Lizzy’s eyes widen as she coughs, nearly choking on her drink, but she doesn’t say anything to correct Callie’s assumption before she steps away.
“Sorry about that. Where were we?” I ask, hoping in vain to sidestep our entire interaction with Callie.
“How do you know her son?” She gestures in Callie’s direction with her head, and I sigh.
“From the high school where I work.”
“I didn’t realize you worked at the high school. Are you a teacher?”
“No,” I reply, my tone flat. I know sharing yourself is part of getting to know someone and building relationships, but I’m not ready to share certain parts of myself yet.
“All right,” she says with a slight chuckle, raising her eyebrows. “Are you going to tell me what it is you do?”
“I’m the librarian,” I lie, my poker face in place.
She tilts her head to the side, narrowing her eyes as she studies me. “I can never tell when you’re bullshitting me. You’re too good at it, like you honestly believe whatever you are saying even when it’s a lie. It’s a little concerning.” She continues to study me as she squirms in her chair and I have to fight to contain my laughter. “Are you really the school librarian?”
“Maybe, something wrong with that?”
“No,” she sulks, drawing out the word. “I just can’t figure out how a school librarian could have helped her son so much. The woman clearly had a lot of admiration for you.”
“I’ll have you know librarians are societies unsung heroes. My librarian was an amazing woman. She not only helped me find my love of reading, but her kindness helped me hold onto my faith in humanity. She played a role in my desire to work with kids in the first place. I wanted to be the bright light in someone’s day like she’d been in mine.”
My answer is a lot more revealing and honest than I had originally intended, but something about Lizzy brings out the sides of me I try to keep hidden from the world. She remains silent for a moment, regarding me with an uncertainty in her eyes, and I resist the urge to fidget by gripping my drink and swallowing a mouthful.
“So, you’re really a librarian?”
“No,” I smirk, then laugh when she frowns in aggravation. “That sure sounded good though, didn’t it?”
“It is scary how good you are at that.” She shakes her head and lets out a sigh. “Will you at least tell me what it is you actually do?”
“Nope.”
Treading Thin Ice
“Who are you going to the game with again?” Cat asks, eyeing me as I put my coat on.
I purposely hadn’t told her when I asked her to watch the kids because I didn’t want to deal with her interrogation, but if Brenden and I are going to be friends, I’ll have to deal with her at some point.
“Brenden,” I answer, cringing inwardly in anticipation of her reaction.
It’s a little strange how easily my friendship with Brenden has fallen into place. He has this way of making me feel comfortable enough to just be myself, like there’s no need for airs, and it’s rare for me to feel so free with other people. Xander had been my best friend and the love of my life, but I still often found myself trying to be what I thought he wanted me to be instead of just being myself; I felt a need to be worthy of his love and admiration. With Brenden, I don’t feel the need to impress him and that’s what makes this friendship so perfect and easy.
“Brenden? As in Brenden Scott, the guy we met at dinner weeks ago?” she squeaks, her eyebrows shooting up right along with her voice as she follows me into the small foyer.
“That would be the one,” I reply, my eyes narrowing. I hadn’t realized she knew his last name.
“I didn’t know you were still talking to him.”
“Now you do.” I shrug my shoulders as I look at my reflection in the mirror by the door.
Brenden and I have been talking every night since Monday—not that I would be sharing that information with Cat. I’m still adjusting to him calling me every night, but our conversations flow so naturally, as if we’ve known each other forever, and it’s nice to have someone to share my day with.
“So, are you guys dating? Is he the reason you’ve seemed so much livelier lately?” she asks, waving her hands around me.
Brenden has played a role in my good mood lately. It’s been so nice having someone to talk and laugh with at the end of the day, but anytime I consider anything more than dating, there’s a tightness in my chest and a weight that settles onto my shoulders. It’s almost suffocating.
“No, we are not dating. We’re just friends.”
“So, you’re going to the game tonight, just the two of you, as friends?” she scoffs, her arms crossed and eyebrow cocked.
“Correct,” I huff, grabbing my purse from the entry table.
“Uh huh...I see. Well, have fun.”
“Will do. Thanks again for watching the kids. I’ll be home right after the game. Call me if you need anything.”
“We’ll be fine. You don’t need to rush home. I can stay the night, if need be.” She smirks.
“Bye, Cat,” I sigh, shaking my head as I walk out the door.
“Tell me again why you’re ditching me and our season tickets for some woman you aren’t even sleeping with?” Jon asks as he walks into the living room, where I’m perched, staring out the window waiting for Lizzy.
“Because she invited me. Besides, they are great seats right on the ice. So much better than our nosebleed seats.” I shrug, my eyes never meeting his. As soon as I see her pull into the driveway, my pulse quickens and I wipe my palms down my thighs.
I haven’t been able to get a hold on my nerves all damn day. Anticipation of seeing her this evening has kept me from being able to sit still or think straight. Things have been going so well between us, I’m terrified I’m going to screw it up somehow. I’d say it’s only a matter of time. I don’t know how to do relationships—of any kind, really. I’m convinced Jon and Allison either felt sorry for me or were afraid of me when they took me on as a friend and are too nice to kick me to the curb now.
Having someone to share my day with isn’t something I ever thought I wanted or would have, but now, the thought of losing that—losing her—makes my stomach knot and chest ache.
“Bullshit!” Jon says, stepping up beside me, watching with me as Lizzy approaches the house. “You love sitting in the Cell Block. This is about her,” he goes on, gesturing his head in her direction before turn
ing to look at me. “I think little Bren might finally be falling for a girl.”
“Fuck off,” I hiss, flipping him off as the sound of the doorbell echoes through the house. My body stiffens, and Jon pats me on the shoulder, laughing before walking into the kitchen.
Once he’s gone, I take a few deep breaths, shaking out and stretching my muscles on my way to answer the door. Cocky smile in place, I swing open the door, ready to quip out some clever line to trigger our normal playful banter, but as my eyes land on her, it feels as if the wind has been knocked right out of me. I wouldn’t think it possible for someone to be both adorable and sexy as the same time, but she pulled it off in her oversized player’s jersey, jeans, and converse with her long hair pulled up into a messy bun. I took Angela with me to a game once and she wore a tight-fitting jersey, high heels, and a ton of makeup. This is so much better.
“Are you ready to go?” she asks, brows raised as I continue to gape at her.
“Uh…yeah.” Shaking my head, I reach to grab my coat from the hook by the door. “Let’s do this.”
“Have you been to many games?” I ask, attempting to break the silence that’s filled my truck since we left the house.
“Yeah,” she sighs, continuing to look out the passenger side window. “It’s been a while, though.”
“Are you a fan by choice or was there someone who got you into hockey?”
Scoffing, she glances at me out the corner of her eye before leaning back in her seat and giving me her attention. Her arms cross as her lips curve into a frown.
“Let me ask you something, Brenden. If I weren’t a woman, would you still feel the need to ask me that question?”
I grip the steering wheel tighter, pissed at myself for already screwing this night up with my big mouth. I crack my window to let some cold air in as sweat beads on my forehead, my anxiety rocketing up about twelve notches at her reaction.
“Okay,” I relent, nodding my head in understanding, “I can see how that might sound bad, but I’ve just never met a woman who truly enjoys sports. Of course, I shouldn’t be surprised. You’re unlike any woman I’ve ever met.” Taking my eyes off the road for a moment, I turn to look at her. She no longer looks angry, her features soft and hands in her lap, but she remains quiet.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything by that. Honestly, I was just trying to find something to talk about.”
“And what about you?” she finally asks, putting me out of my misery. The tension in my shoulders eases as my heart begins to slow. “Have you been to a lot of games?”
“You could say that,” I scoff. “I’m actually a season ticket holder. I’ve got seats in the Cell Block.”
“What?” she screeches, smacking my arm. “Why the hell would you want to go with me and sit on the ice? I prefer sitting up high. You can see the entire rink that way and I’d much rather sit with real fans who enjoy the game.”
“Yeah, well…” I shrug as I look over at her again, “the seats on the ice came with your company and I wasn’t about to pass that up.”
Lizzy gives me a tight smile, her face reddening before she looks out the passenger side window again. “Maybe you could come sit with me in the Cell Block sometime. You can use Jon’s ticket when he can’t go. Would you like that?”
“No,” she taunts, her attention focused on me again. “I would fucking love it. Is it wrong to wish Jon ill?”
Laughing, I shake my head as I take a moment to look back over at her. She looks stunning in the pale light, a mischievous grin on her face. “No,” I answer, turning my attention back to the road, thinking I’ll personally ensure Jon doesn’t make it to at least one game if need be. “Perhaps, unnecessary though. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind letting you have his ticket.”
“Yeah right,” she huffs. “Jon is not going to willing give up going to a game just so you can take some woman with you.”
“True,” I reply, turning to look at her again as we come to a stop at the light, “but you’re not just some woman.” She averts her eyes, pink coloring her cheeks again as I smile at her.
“Oh!” she exclaims suddenly as she reaches for the radio, jarring me. “This is a perfect song to get us in the hockey spirit.”
I raise an eyebrow when she starts bobbing her head as she turns up Bodies by Drowning Pool and begins singing along to the music. Just like that, all the nervousness and tension I’d been feeling melts away and I join her.
Game On
“Hit somebody! Hit Anybody! Hit Everybody!” I chant along with the other fans, my blood pumping from all the excitement. It’s been so long since I’ve been to a hockey game, I forgot how much I love it. All of it. The loud chanting, the fights on the ice, and even the cold. We’re so close to the ice, my nose is frozen and my hands are numb, but the two beers I’ve consumed are keeping the rest of me nice and toasty. Well, that and the fact that Brenden is so close to me, it’s impossible to keep from touching him.
“Oh, come on, Ref, that was off-sides! Are you blind?”
Brenden laughs beside me, grabbing my attention. I’ve kept my eyes primarily on the game, but I’ve looked over occasionally to find him regarding me with drawn eyebrows, studying me the way he is now.
“What?” I ask, throwing up my hands.
“Nothing,” he answers, shaking his head. “I’m just impressed. You know the game really well.”
“Oh yeah? Is it my knowledge of the game you find impressive or that someone with a vagina is capable of liking and knowing a sport?” I retort.
“Both.”
I groan and he laughs as I elbow him in the side before turning my attention back to the game.
When the Predators score on the Red Wings right as the buzzer for the second period sounds, I shoot to my feet, cheering and celebrating with the rest of the fans. Feeling Brenden’s eyes on me again, I turn my gaze to meet his, my heart fluttering and a wide smile spreading across my face.
“Having fun?” he asks, leaning in so I can hear him over the crowd, his breath brushing across my neck, leaving goosebumps in its wake.
I shake my head, attempting to curve my lips into a frown as he leans back to meet my gaze again. His hearty laugh rings out through the arena as the crowd noise simmers, and I purse my lips, trying to hide the smile twitching to emerge.
“I’m going to hit the head during the break. Do you need to go?”
“I’m good, but I could use another beer.” I hold my finger up, asking him to give me a second as I tilt my cup back and finish off the rest.
“Another one? Are you sure?” he scoffs.
“Yep. I’m Irish, I can handle it.” When my attempt at playfully winking at him is a flop and I end up looking like I have something in my eye, I laugh at myself, but my laughter dies out quickly once I realize Brenden hasn’t joined me. Instead, he’s regarding me with an intensity that makes my heart accelerate and stomach flip. “What?” I croak, heat rising on my face as his features soften.
“Nothing.” He drops his head, giving it a slight shake before lifting it again to meet my gaze. “Doesn’t that break one of your friendship rules?”
“You getting me a beer?” I sneer, taking my seat again. “Nope.”
“Me buying you a beer,” he clarifies, smirking.
“Oh hell,” I sigh, waving him off. “I’ll owe you one, friend.”
“All right, fine. Be right back, sweetie,” he teases before jetting up the stairs.
I watch him as he goes, admiring the view a little too much while trying to ignore the flutter in my heart.
“Hello.” Startled by the unexpected voice to my left, I jump before turning to see an unfamiliar man.
The man leans in closer, invading my personal space. I suppress the urge to scrunch my nose in distaste of his overpowering cologne and push myself into the opposite corner of my seat.
“Um…hi.” I nervously look over my shoulder, hoping to find Brenden, but when his seat is still empty, I reluctantly turn my attention back to t
he unwanted visitor.
“I’m sorry to bother you,” he practically purrs as he places his hand on my arm. A chill runs through me and I glance back again, wishing Brenden would return. My creep-dar is reaching level ten.
His dark eyes appear soulless, his smile sinister, even though he’s well-manicured and groomed. He seems like the type of man who takes pride in his appearance, and I get the feeling he normally has no problem picking up random women. I sure hope he handles rejection well, because he kind of terrifies me.
“I’ve been watching you all night,” he states, as if I should be flattered rather than horrified. I lift my brows in surprise, my creep-dar reaching up toward twenty. “You’re easily the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I had to come over to ask if you might like to go out after the game.” He runs a finger over my jersey and I pull my arm away while trying to push myself as far into Brenden’s seat as possible without actually jumping into it.
“Uh...I’m here with someone,” I rush out, stumbling over my words. His smile grows in a way that reminds me of the Grinch and goosebumps rise on my arms. A tiny prickle moving up my spine has me wishing with all my might Brenden will come back so this guy will leave.
“Okay. Perhaps just your name and number then, so I can take you out another time. My name is Jim, by the way.”
Before I can respond, Brenden takes his seat next to me, placing my beer in the cup holder. A wave of relief washes over me. As he settles in his seat, he snakes his arm around my back and wraps it around my waist. His body now pressed into my mine, he places a soft, lingering kiss on my cheek.
“Hey, baby,” he coos, his breath tickling my ear. I know his term of endearment and possessive moves are for Jim’s benefit, not mine, but it doesn’t stop my heart from stuttering or my lower abdomen from clenching. I turn in my seat, wanting to meet his gaze and silently thank him for coming to my rescue once again, but when my eyes land on him, my entire body heats. There’s a fiery intent in his gaze as his chest heaves. One hand still placed around me, he brings the other to cup my face and tilts it slightly before crashing his lips onto mine.
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