Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
“Willa, oh my God,” Brittany whispers, her eyes wide. “If you don’t jump all over that, I’m going to disown you.”
I roll my eyes. “Britt, stop. He’s just helping with the kids.”
“Yeah, but he’s a Greek god, remember? And so nice! I wonder how old he is.”
My defenses rise because I’m embarrassed I looked him up online last night. He’s only twenty-five and I’m not sure what it says about me that I found such info disappointing. Not that I have any business even thinking of King in a way other than as an assistant coach, but he’s far too young for my thirty-three years. “I have no clue and get your mind out of the gutter.”
“Okay, but surely you’re feeling the I want to fuck you vibes he’s throwing your way, right?”
My jaw drops wide open even as a flush of heat sizzles through me. I glance over my shoulder at King who’s holding the bag for Izzy as she skates from puck to puck to pick them up. Turning my head back to my sister, I hiss, “What in the hell are you talking about?”
“Oh my God, you are so dense. That guy is into you.”
“He is not,” I scoff.
“He is too,” she says adamantly.
“He’s too young,” I whisper harshly, shaking my head.
“Aha! You did look up his age. I knew it. Well so did I, and it appears he doesn’t have a girlfriend. At least I couldn’t find anything online when I stalked him. I think you should make a move.”
“A move?” I growl at her, lowering my voice. “I’m here to coach hockey, not get laid.”
“Which is why I’m the smarter sister and you’re stupid.” Brittany’s voice lowers further. “It’s not like you’re morally opposed to having a little fun with a man.”
That’s true. “I’m not interested in a relationship.”
“I know and to hell with relationships. I’m right there with you. But how about having a no-strings hookup with him? I bet he fucks like an animal.”
“Jesus, Britt,” I hiss, looking back to make sure we’re not heard. “Are you crazy?”
“No, I’m not. And you’re crazy if you pass up this opportunity.”
“Willa,” King calls out, and I feel like a zap of electricity just fried my every nerve ending. Did he hear any of that? Does he know we’re talking about him?
I pivot from Brittany and walk over to where King stands near the gate, the equipment bag for the pucks over his shoulder. Izzy breezes past me, heading to her mom.
“Thank you again for helping today,” I say when I reach him.
“It was fun and I’m looking forward to doing more. In fact, I was wondering if you were interested in grabbing a bite to eat right now so we can go over the rest of the schedule and figure out what practices and games I’ll be able to attend.”
I glance back at Brittany, who watches me expectantly. I can read her expression loud and clear. It says, Make a move, girl.
She’s freaking crazy. I mean… it’s ludicrous for me to make a move.
Although admittedly, I have been in a rut for the last few months and I sure do miss sex.
No. It’s crazy to even think it. I’m an established doctor. He’s a young, virile, gorgeous… young… way too young, professional athlete. I shouldn’t even consider a hookup. That’s just… wrong.
Right?
On the other hand, a meal would not be weird, especially to discuss our mutual endeavor to coach these kids. And this is the twenty-first century, after all. Woman power and all that. There isn’t anything wrong with having sex to feel good, and I stand by the decision to be that type of woman. Brittany is certain he’s throwing off vibes that say he’s interested in far more than dinner, but I’m not sure about that.
But no!!!
This would just be dinner to discuss coaching. That’s all.
Jeez, I hate how unsure I am about a simple dinner invitation. I can thank my ex-husband for that. Scott did a number on me. He was always demeaning, knocking my confidence. The fact he cheated on me and then said “It’s just sex” crushed me. Not because he betrayed me, although that hurt, but because that implied he was going somewhere else for better sex. It was all very confusing.
But maybe I need to take some power back for myself. I’ve been on autopilot since the divorce, immersing myself in work and refusing to consider getting close to another man.
I think at the very least, dinner with a handsome, genuine and kind man isn’t a bad place to start.
Smiling at King, I say, “Sure. That sounds like a good plan.”
CHAPTER 7
King
“There’s a little bistro a few blocks down that has great sandwiches, quiches and stuff like that.” I hold the door open for Willa to precede me out. Her sister, Brittany, and niece, Izzy, had already left by the time we finished turning in the equipment to the management office.