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“Not thin?” I repeat with confusion

“We have substance Put the insane sexual chemistry and attraction aside, we’re two people that have found out that we really like each other on a deeper level We’re two people that weren’t right for each other five years ago, but we’re finding real joy in spending tiether now It’s certainly not too much to buy you and Billy a jersey”

“But it’s a little weird for you to buy s when you hardly know me,” I point out “I mean…for Pete’s sake…you don’t even know my middle name”

“I watched you rideuntil you made yourself corin “I know you well enough”

“Fair point,” I concede with a dull ache fors at that wicked reminder, then incline my head “Then by all e”

Erik throws his head back and laughs, but it only lasts ame into him with his hands atbut when I slip ue inside to touch his, it’s not funny anyht there in the middle of a Houston sidewalk as people walk by

With a growl of frustration, Erikmy cheek to whisper in ht, Blue?”

“Yeah,” I hter to hi into my stomach

“Soon,” he promises and kisses me on my cheek “Let’s head back”

When we step inside, there’s a few of the younger players hanging out in the bar that sits just off the lobby They beckon Erik and me in but we decline I know other players probably hit up soans The plane doesn’t leave until 8:00 AM and they have a full day tomorrow to rest and recuperate outside of the practice skate which usually goes no longer than forty-fivefor the teaa

“What floor are you on?” Erik asks as we enter the elevator

“Tenth,” I tell hi my room key out of my purse

Erik taps the appropriate button “I’ll walk you to your room first I’m on the fifteenth”

There’s no stopping the dopey grin onreal “boyfriend” stuff for the first tih school and less relationships When I returned to Phoenix to take care of Billy, I didn’t even have tiot him settled into the Cresson, moved into my new home, and started a new job