He’s Not My Type

“How does the ankle feel?” OC asks as he comes up to me in the training room.

“Good,” I answer while I wait for Grace to come over and wrap it.

“Think you can play more tonight?”

“I’m hoping for it. Up to this one.” I nod at Grace, who walks up with some pre-wrap in her hand.

OC smiles. “Hey, Grace. How are you?”

She glances over at him and gives him a curt smile. “Good.” She then turns to me and taps the edge of the table. “Scoot down.”

“Yeah, okay. I’ll catch you later,” OC says. I watch him wait for Grace to say something, but she doesn’t.

Interesting.

When he’s out of sight, I say, “What was that about?”

“What was what about?” she asks.

“It seemed like there was some tension there.”

“No tension.” She smiles up at me but then gets back to work.

Okay, I’m not buying it. I tuck away the information for now, though, because I don’t want to make her uncomfortable, especially when she holds the right to tell me to sit my ass on the bench tonight. And I don’t want to do that. I need to fucking play.

I have all of this pent-up adrenaline inside me that I need to take out on the ice.

And where is the adrenaline coming from? Blakely, that’s where.

Last night, when she came home from dinner, she took a while getting ready for bed, and when she finally came over to sleep with me, she was wearing pajama pants and a T-shirt. I told her it was unacceptable, stripped her out of it, and then proceeded to fuck her three times.

Each time, she asked for more.

In all of my life, I’ve never had sex like this.

Ever.

Point-blank, this is the most and best sex of my goddamn life.

And the thing about it is I can’t get enough of her. I can’t satiate this feeling I have inside every time I see her, and she’s the same way. We don’t talk . . . we just fuck.

I know that will come back and hurt me at some point because I have so much to say to her—so fucking much—but I feel like I’m on borrowed time. She’s still awkward. She’s still a flight risk. And I’m scared that with one wrong move, she’ll take off without warning.

So I’ll keep doing what I’m doing until she’s comfortable.

“So what do you think?” I ask Grace. “Think I can play more tonight?”

“I think so,” she says as she tears a piece of tape with her teeth and then lines it along my ankle. She looks me in the eye and adds, “But if you reinjure this because you’re going too hard, I’m going to be very upset with you.”

I chuckle. “You and everyone else.”

“Then you know what’s at stake. Good.” She finishes taping and then sets her things to the side. “Be careful, but you should be good. If it hurts even remotely, you come off that ice. Understood?”

I nod. “Understood.”

With that, I hop off the table and head to the locker room.

This is exactly what I need: a place to dispense all of this energy pulsing through me.

“THEY’RE TRYING TO HURT YOU,” Silas says as he tilts his helmet back on his head, the game playing out in front of us.

“You don’t think I fucking know that?” I say as I watch our second string take the puck down the ice. I squirt some water into my mouth and take a deep breath. “Every chance they get, they’re trying to slam me into the boards.”

“Posey is getting pissed,” Silas says. “He’s going to unleash soon.”

“Let him,” I reply. “This is fucking ridiculous.”

“Get up, boys,” our coach says, indicating we’re about to switch up the lines.

Silas and I both pull our helmets down and snap them into place.

“Change it up,” Coach calls out, and Silas and I are out on the ice immediately. I fall behind Pacey at the goal, grabbing the puck from him. Silas, OC, and I head toward our goal, shooting the puck back and forth and driving it forward.

It’s the third period, we’re tied one to one, and I know it’s because I’m not at peak performance. I’m good enough to be able to push it these last five minutes.

I flick the puck to the right, where Silas grabs it and then passes it to OC. I move toward the middle, slice to the right, and wait for the puck, only to be slammed right into the boards, the move knocking the air right from my lungs.

I crumple to the ice while the whistle is blown, and a commotion breaks out on the ice. I glance up just in time to catch Posey uppercutting someone in the ribs.

Fuck . . .

Silas comes over to me while the fight breaks out, and he places his gloved hand on my back. “You good?”

“Yeah,” I answer as I slowly come to a stand.

“How’s the ankle?”

“Fine,” I say as I rest my hands on my thighs and bend over. “Just got the wind knocked out of me.”

“Well, Posey is taking care of it.”

Under any other circumstances, I’d probably join him, but I don’t want to injure myself even more, so instead, I watch from a distance, planning my attack for when game is in play again. But fuck, is it awesome to be out on the ice again.

THE APARTMENT IS DARK AGAIN.

No surprise there.

The question is, what will she be wearing tonight?

After Posey was put in the penalty box, along with Rhodes from the other team, Silas, OC, and I drove the puck up the ice again. We missed a few shots, but with one minute remaining, we were able to score. An assist from me, a goal from OC.

Thank fuck we won because I would not have enjoyed losing that game.

I toss my keys on the end table and walk toward the bedroom. Blakely’s not curled up on the bed. Confused, I set my phone on the nightstand to charge it and go to the bathroom where I quickly strip out of my suit and brush my teeth. When I’m ready for bed, I check the bed again, and when I don’t see her, I head into the living room. She emerges from her bedroom, wearing a pair of black lace underwear and a lingerie top tied together just at her cleavage.

Jesus.

Fuck.

I wet my lips and ask, “That for me?”

She walks right past me and replies, “It’s for me.”

I follow closely behind, and just as she reaches the bedroom, I step up behind her and loop my arm around her waist, pulling her into my chest.

When her ass rubs against my growing cock, I whisper, “Wearing that was a bad idea if it was for you because my dick seems to think differently.”

I glide my hands up her stomach to her breasts and cup them. Her head falls back on my shoulder, and that’s all the indication I need. Green light.

I tug on the tie of her top until it loosens and her tits spring free. Then from over her shoulder, I stare down at her hardened nipples and start playing with them, loving the way she rocks against me as I play with her.

She’s so fucking responsive to everything I do to her. I never have to question if she likes how I play with her because she shows me.

“How do you want my cock tonight, Blakely?”

“I . . . I don’t know,” she answers breathlessly.

“I want to play,” I say as I leave her top on but keep it open. I sit her on the bed and then reach into my nightstand to pull out two vibrators and some lube. I toss them on the bed and watch her look them over, a curious gaze in her eyes.

I shed my boxer briefs and then bring my cock to her mouth where I run the tip along her lips. Being the good girl she is, she parts her lips and swirls her tongue around the head before moving to the underside and dragging her tongue up and down my length.

Christ, that feels so good.

“Sinful fucking mouth,” I say as I pull away from her and then lie on the bed. “Ready to play?”

I pick up the thinner vibrator and put some lube on it, then hand it to her and say, “Play with me.”

Her eyes light up when she realizes what I want.

“Really?” she asks, her breath picking up.

“Do whatever the fuck you want to me, just make me come.”

She switches the vibrator on, straddles one of my legs, and then she drags the vibrator over just the tip of my cock and across my balls. I spread my legs for her and place my hands behind my head. I see her swallow right before she moves the vibrator down lower. Smiling, I watch as she finds her way, and when she reaches my ass, I groan in anticipation.

Her unsure eyes flash to mine, and I give her a nod. “Give it to me, Blakely.”

Fuck, I can’t remember the last time I did this, but hell, do I want it more than ever, especially with her. I want her to know she can play with me any way that she wants. I’m open to everything, and she never has to be shy around me. Showing her this vulnerability is a step in that direction.

She slowly inserts the vibrator inside me, and I mentally relax, letting the vibrations calm me as she pushes it in.

“That’s it, baby, make me so fucking hard.”

When she lets go of the vibrator, leaving it where it is, she sits back on her heels as her eyes transfix on my cock, which is growing, twitching, and seeking satisfaction as it stretches up my stomach.

“I love your cock so much,” she says as she leans forward and presses her tongue along the length.

“Your mouth is going to make me come.” I take deep breaths. “I want you to come with me.”

“How?” she asks.

“Grab the other vibrator,” I say through gritted teeth as my entire body starts firing off with pleasure. Fuck, it feels so damn good.

So.

Fucking.

Good.

She placed it in just the right spot and there’s no way I’m going to last long.

When she grabs the vibrator, I say, “Straddle my cock.”

She moves over me, her tits swaying with her every movement. And when she’s settled and lowers her wet pussy along my length, I feel full satisfaction. She’s turned on by me being turned on. Not sure anything is sexier than that.

I take the vibrator from her and slide it along my length, directly under her clit so we sandwich it between us and experience the vibration together as I turn it on.

Immediately, her hands fall to my chest as her head dips forward.

“Oh God, Halsey.”

Her fingers dig into my pecs. I grip her breasts as she starts to slowly and carefully rock over the vibrator. Between the vibrator and the friction, I’m seconds away.

I squeeze her breasts, loving how she’s so urgently seeking her pleasure.

“Oh my God,” she moans, her nails now digging deep into my skin. “Oh fuck, Halsey. It’s . . . it’s too much.”

“It’s so hot when you’re on top of me.”

She sucks in a sharp breath of air. “I . . . I’m going to come.” That was quick.

I toss the vibrator to the side and witness her anger as her eyes widen.

“I want that drenched pussy squeezing my cock when you come. Sit up.” She lifts just enough for me to position her over my cock, and then I slam her down.

“Oh my God,” she screams, her head falling back, her tits pressed up.

“Fuck me, Blakely. Fuck me hard.”

And she does.

She lifts up and slams down on me, rocking her hips, twisting them, swirling, going absolutely feral. Fuck, she’s breathtaking.

“Harder,” I say through clenched teeth as a bolt of pleasure shoots up my spine thanks to the vibrator. My cock begins to swell, and I’m right on the precipice. “Jesus fucking . . . Christ,” I shout as my cock explodes inside her. I shoot my cum so hard that I black out. Everything around me fades into nothing as I hear her cry of pleasure in the distance, followed by my favorite feeling in the entire world—her pussy clenching around my cock.

“Fuck!” I yell as I feel myself double down, my orgasm still ripping through me.

“It’s too much,” she says as she rocks her hips hard. “Oh fuck. Oh God. Ohhhhhhh . . . fuck,” she cries as her nails break my skin.

My God, her passion. Her fire. Nothing is better than this. Nothing will ever beat this feeling of euphoria. She’s mine. Fucking mine.

When she collapses on top of me, I roll her to the mattress and then pull the vibrator out of me and toss it on the ground. I then spread her legs and bring my mouth to her pussy where I start lapping at her clit, tasting every last bit of her until she’s writhing again, her head flailing back and forth, and her voice hoarse from screaming.

“Fuck,” she says softly, almost as if she’s on the verge of tears. When she slowly opens her eyes and stares up at me, a look of wonderment in her expression, I know at this very moment that there’s no way in hell I’m ever letting this woman walk away from me.

Never.

“MORNING,” I say as Blakely emerges from her room, fully dressed, ready to avoid me this morning, just like every other morning.

And just like every other morning, she takes my breath away as she tentatively walks toward the kitchen.

This morning, she’s wearing high-waisted, wide-legged black trousers and a long-sleeved crop top that shows off about an inch of her stomach. Her hair is tied back into a ponytail, and she’s wearing that red fucking lipstick again.

“Good morning,” she says as she walks into the kitchen, avoiding eye contact.

Either she’s completely embarrassed by what we’ve been doing, or she has no idea how to react to it. Either way, I need those eyes to look at me. I need them to see me for who I am, not just this man who keeps fucking her over and over again.

I don’t want to scare her away, but I also don’t want her thinking I’m a sex freak who’s only using her for that.

I have to leave today for a short away trip, and the last thing I want to do is leave with this awkward tension between us.

But breaking that tension is going to be tough.

“This is for you,” I say to her as she grabs a protein shake from the fridge.

She turns around and takes in the folded-up shirt in my hand.

“What’s that?” she asks.

I set my coffee down and unfold it. “To wear to bed when I’m gone.”

Her eyes meet mine as she says, “You’re giving me one of your shirts to wear at night?”

“Yes,” I say and take a step forward. I tilt her chin up with my finger and say, “You better wear it.”

Her eyes search mine for a moment before she says, “I will.”

“Good.” I close the little space between us and press a light kiss to her lips before pulling away. Like I said, baby steps. I want her to know I’m thinking ahead, but I’m not pushing her too much, too hard. “You look absolutely beautiful today, Blakely.”

“Thank you.” She glances at her outfit. “I’m glad I grabbed a number of work outfits before I left my apartment.”

That’s a good reminder to check if her landlord has actually fumigated her apartment. Not that I want her going back there. I don’t want her going anywhere.

“Me too. I have to pack. Have a good day, Blakely.”

“Safe flight.” I start to walk away when she calls out, “Halsey?”

I look over my shoulder to find her holding my shirt close to her chest. “Yeah?”

“Thank you for this.”

“You’re welcome,” I answer before I walk back to my bedroom with a huge smile.

Maybe I’m doing everything right after all.

“I THINK I ate some bad bologna,” Posey says as he clutches his stomach on the plane. “Not feeling too great.”

“Maybe you should stop eating bologna,” Silas says.

“I second that idea,” Pacey adds.

We’re sitting at a table for four. Silas, Posey, Pacey, and me. Across the aisle is Hornsby and OC. We’re attempting to play cards, but Posey keeps stopping to take deep breaths.

“Dude, if you’re going to puke, can you not sit across from me?” Silas asks. “Maybe go hang out by the bathroom or something.”

“I second that idea,” Pacey repeats.

A sweat breaks out across Posey’s forehead. “Yeah, maybe not a bad idea.” He stands from the table and shoots back to the bathroom.

“He’s an idiot,” Silas mutters as Hornsby shifts into the seat where Posey was sitting.

I glance over at OC, whose head leans against the side of the plane, his eyes closed.

Hornsby whispers, “Did you guys see this?”

He flips his phone toward us so we can see the screen.

“What is it?” Silas asks.

“A job posting,” Hornsby replies. “For Blakely’s job. A friend just asked me if it was a good job or not.”

“What?” I say as I snap the phone from his hands and read the posting.

My eyes scan it so fast that I barely process what it says.

My heart hammers in my chest as I realize that, yes, it’s a posting for her job.

“What the fuck . . .” I whisper.

“She didn’t say anything to you?” Hornsby asks.

“Does it look like she said something to me?” I ask as I set his phone down and lean my head back, my mind swirling with every thought conceivable.

How long has she known?

Did she know at the wedding?

Is she only fucking me, knowing that she’s leaving?

Is that why she’s grown detached? Why she leaves every morning before we can actually talk? Because she’s fucking leaving for a new job?

“Dude, are you okay?” Pacey asks.

“No,” I shout. “I’m not fucking okay.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “She took another job and didn’t tell me. Is she moving? Is that why . . .” I clench my jaw. “Is that why she’s been so emotionally distant?”

“She’s still avoiding you in the morning?” Hornsby asks.

“Yes, and I did what you told me to do. I kept fucking her. What I thought was good advice. Now, I’m fucking a girl who’s probably leaving. No wonder she’s not talking—she doesn’t want to grow attached. I’m dispensable to her.”

“You don’t know that,” Pacey says softly.

“Then explain to me what’s going on.”

The boys all exchange glances, silence falling among us.

“That’s what I thought,” I say as I stand. “Fuck . . . this.”

I walk to the back of the plane where I can be alone.

BLAKELY

“WAIT, have we really drank a bottle and a half of wine?” I ask Penny as I reach for the bottle to refill our glasses.

She scans my apartment, taking in the empty to-go boxes from The Garbanzo Bean, the one empty bottle, and the child-free space, thanks to Penny’s parents who are watching Holden.

“I think we did.” She wiggles her glass at me. “Fill ’er up.”

I chuckle and finish off the bottle, filling our glasses for us both.

“So is there a reason you lured me into your sex-pad with wine and good food?” Penny asks.

“Can’t a girl just hang out with her friend?”

“She can,” Penny replies. “But you also have this look on your face like you need to tell me something. Are you in love with Halsey? Because I approve.”

I shake my head. “No.”

“Shame.” She sighs heavily. “He’s perfect for you.”

“I don’t want to talk about Halsey right now.”

“Well, that seems loaded, but I’ll put that on hold. What did you want to talk to me about?”

Here goes nothing.

I take her hand in mine and lift her glass of wine to her lips. “Take a sip, and then I’ll tell you.”

Her brow creases.

She stares for a moment.

And then her eyes widen.

“Did you take that job?” I wince, and that’s all the confirmation she needs. “No, seriously?” Her eyes start to well up with tears. “Are you leaving me? Moving away? I can’t be a mom with a baby daddy who is in and out on away trips. I need you.”

I squeeze her hand to calm her panic. “I took the job, but I’m staying here.”

“Wait . . . like, you’re not moving?”

I shake my head. “No. I don’t want to move, and I told Huxley that. I want to stay here. I like it here. I’m comfortable here. And how could I leave you, Penny?”

“That’s what I’m saying, how could you possibly leave me?” She tips back her glass and slugs it all back before lowering it and huffing. “Jesus, don’t scare me like that.”

I chuckle and take a sip of my wine. “I thought you were going to be mad that I was leaving my job, you know, since I won’t be at the arena with you.”

“I mean, that sucks, sure, but I care more that you stay here. And from what you’ve told me, the job seems amazing, so I don’t blame you for wanting to make a change.”

“Yeah, Huxley made it hard to turn down.”

“Yeah, he seems like a man who gets what he wants. I wonder what it would be like to be married to him.”

“I’m sure he demands a lot in the bedroom like Halsey.”

Penny’s eyes widen again with intrigue. “Oh yes, tell me more about that.”

“I thought we were talking about the job.”

Penny waves her hand in dismissal. “You took the job, and you’re not moving. We covered that. Now . . . let’s talk about Halsey.” She wiggles her brows.

“I told you—”

“Do you really think I’m going to sit here with wine in my hand—well, an empty glass of wine in hand—and no baby and not talk about the man you’ve been fucking?”

“No, but I was going to put up an effort to avoid it.”

“Nice try. Now, tell me why you’re just having sex but nothing else. I thought you guys were getting close. Wasn’t he your pretend boyfriend for the wedding?”

“He was,” I say, “but ever since then, I don’t know what to say to him. He’s different in my eyes.”

“How so?” Penny asks.

“I told you,” I groan. “He shook me. I can’t look at him the same. He’s a completely different man, all alpha and demanding. It’s like one night unleashed an entirely different human.”

“Yeah, but have you even given him the chance to talk to you? Aren’t you avoiding him?”

“Yes,” I answer before tipping back the rest of my wine. We’re going to need to open another bottle.

“Then how do you know what it would be like with him if you’re just fucking each other and not talking? You need to talk to him.”

“How do I even do that? I can barely look at him when we aren’t in the bedroom.”

Penny thinks about it for a second, then when her eyes land on my phone, she says, “Text him.”

“Come on.” I roll my eyes.

“I’m serious. This is a great way to break down that awkward boundary.”

“Uh-huh, and what do I say to him?”

“I don’t know, maybe be direct. Ask him if it’s always going to be awkward with him.”

I’m about to tell her that’s the most ridiculous suggestion I’ve ever heard, but then I think about it for a second. The idea has merit. Just ask him. No beating around the bush, no small talk, get straight to the point.

Then again, is that what I want? What happens when we do talk? Where do I want this to lead?

“I don’t even know where I want this to go with him.”

“Valid.” Penny nods her head. “Do you like him?”

I roll my teeth over my bottom lip as I avoid eye contact. “I mean, I think there’s always been a small piece of me that liked Halsey, even when I first met him. I always thought he was sweet and kind and not ruggedly stupid like the other guys. He was soft-spoken, which I found fascinating for a hockey player. More subdued. And of course, it’s hard not to look past how handsome he is.”

I pull my legs into my chest and rest my arms on my knees. “And then when I started living with him, I found out that he has a great sense of humor. We joked around a lot, and he became a good friend. So yeah, I think I’ve always liked him.” As a person. Never thought I’d want to date the guy.

“Then the sex should be the cherry on top of the cake.”

“But . . . I don’t think I know him.”

“What do you mean?”

“Sure, I’ve gotten to know him while living with him, and he’s talked about his brother, but a side of him comes out when we’re intimate, a side I never expected. I think about what the boys have said, what you have said, that he used to be more lively, more energetic before his brother passed. Makes me wonder, do I actually like the real guy? Or do I like a veil of the man he portrays himself as?”

“Wow,” Penny says. “I guess I never thought about it that way. Eli has mentioned how different Halsey used to be.”

“And with this change I’ve seen in him when we’re intimate, it just makes me believe there is so much more to him that he’s not showing. I’m nervous it won’t be the man I like.”

Penny slowly nods her head. “Well, I guess there’s only one way to find out.” She picks up my phone and hands it over to me. “Text him. Worst-case scenario, he’s not the man you started to like, and you can move on. But you can’t keep fucking and not talking. If you like him, find out if you like all of him.”

She’s right.

The sex is amazing, but I can’t keep avoiding him. There are only so many times I can go into work early, and when I start the new job, there will be no escape, not until I find a new place at least.

Might as well text him . . .

HALSEY

I TOSS my bag on my bed, then flop backward, my hands covering my face as I feel the need to scream.

She took the fucking job.

I can’t believe it.

After everything we’ve done together. It wasn’t enough.

It wasn’t enough for her to stay.

I’m not fucking enough.

And isn’t that a tough fucking pill to swallow?

Knock. Knock.

One hundred bucks says that’s Pacey checking in on me.

I lift from my bed, open my hotel room door, and sure enough, it’s Pacey.

“Not now, dude,” I say, shaking my head.

“Posey wanted me to check on you. He’s still nursing his stomach.”

“Tell him I’m fine.” I go to shut the door, but Pacey puts his hand out, stopping me.

“I know you’re not fine.”

“Okay, how about this? I want to be left the fuck alone.”

Pacey nods. “Yup, that works.”

And then I shut the door, moving back into the room just as a text dings on my phone.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” I mutter, knowing it’s probably Posey.

Wanting to shut them all up, I grab my phone to text the group but pause when I see Blakely’s name.

Immediately, my stomach flips, and I sit up on my bed as I open it.

Blakely: Will it always be this awkward between us?

Okay, not what I was expecting to read. Then again, I don’t know what I expected her to say. We haven’t said anything to each other since we started having sex.

For a brief second, I consider asking the boys for help on this, but in all honesty, I think I’m in this goddamn mess because I’ve been doing this whole thing their way. Far too many cooks have been in the kitchen, and I think it’s time I handle this relationship with Blakely on my own.

No more “main hole” comments.

No more advice on how to make her fall for me.

And no more group texts that give me more anxiety than help me.

If I want Blakely, then I’m going to do this on my own.

Halsey: No. I don’t want it to be awkward.

I kick off my shoes and sit back against the headboard, waiting for her to text back.

Blakely: I don’t want it to be awkward either. I miss talking to you.

“Fuck,” I mutter as I rub my eyes. I should have been talking to her this whole time, but this is also not something I want to discuss over texts.

Halsey: I miss talking to you too, Blakely.

Blakely: Then maybe we can have a conversation about . . . everything.

Halsey: I’d like that, but not like this. Not over text. When I get back, we’ll talk.

Blakely: Okay.

Halsey: But have you had a good day?

Blakely: Yeah, it’s been good. Penny’s over tonight. Child free. Someone opened a few bottles of wine.

Halsey: Someone might have a headache come tomorrow morning when her baby wakes her up.

Blakely: Ha ha. Most likely the someone who supplied the glasses too.

Halsey: That would be my guess as well. I’ll be thinking of you wearing my shirt tonight. I’ll miss having you next to me.

Blakely: Same. I look forward to when you come back. Until then . . . I’ll take care of Sherman.

Halsey: Thank you. Have a good night.

Blakely: You too, and good luck tomorrow.

I toss my phone to the side and drag my hands over my face.

Fuck . . . this will easily be the worst away trip ever because now I have to wait. Thank God it’s only one game. If this was a longer road trip, I’m not sure I’d be able to wait that long to talk.

Now I have to figure out what I want to say to her.

First things first, she’s going to find out how I feel.

Second thing, ask her out on a real date.

Third thing . . . get her to stay somehow.

“DRIVE SAFE,” Posey calls out to me as I get into my car and slam the door.

I’ve never loved a five thirty game time more now than ever. After crushing our neighbor team, the Beavers, we were able to take showers, hop on the plane, and take the quick one-hour flight, giving us plenty of time to get home, which is exactly what I’m doing.

I’m racing home.

The adrenaline from the game still pumps through me, and I want nothing more than to go up to Blakely and tell her exactly how I feel.

Especially after the game we had. A win of four to two, I don’t think I’ve ever skated better, even with my ankle feeling slightly sore. I tore around the ice, tracking the puck, feeling the presence of my teammates, and connecting with them harmoniously on the ice.

It felt good, and I’ll play off that feeling and take what I want.

The boys—especially Posey—have tried to talk to me about Blakely but I’ve shut it down. All of it. I’ve buried myself in my book, ignored the outside world and chatter, and I’ve remained composed as I’ve planned what I’m going to say to Blakely when I see her.

My hands grip the steering wheel tightly as I pull out onto the main road. It’s not that far from the private airport to my apartment, but it’s long enough for me to feel itchy with anticipation.

I just hope she’s still awake. If she’s not, I plan on waking her up. What I have to say can’t wait. I can only hope that once she knows how I feel, that she’ll see why I’ve tried so hard to win her. I’ve fucked up time and time again, but I hope she’ll see past those blunders, see past my awkwardness, and know that she means the world to me.

And that I hope she feels something similar for me too. And that she’ll stay . . . with me.

As I drive through the empty roads, the streetlights casting over me like a spotlight, I feel the presence of Holden fall over me.

He’d think I was such an idiot, the way I’ve handled this entire situation. He would have told me from the beginning to ask her out. From the moment I first laid eyes on her, he would have told me to wiggle myself into her life, even if she did have a boyfriend. Not the best advice, but I know right now he’d be saying, “I told you so. Should have been honest with her from the beginning.”

And it’s times like this, where I feel so disconnected, that I miss him more than ever. He was the guy who’d help me pull it all together. He grounded me.

I love my guys, and I know I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them, but sometimes, it isn’t the same as having my twin brother . . . or my big brother, Hayden. Or my parents.

My throat grows tight thinking about the loss our family has suffered. Not just from losing Holden, but the disconnect between my family after he passed. Holden and I were so close with Hayden, and now that he’s in California with his wife and their kid, I’m . . . I’m so far removed that I don’t even know how old my nephew is. I know nothing about him. Is he playing hockey?

If Holden were alive, he’d be ashamed of all of us.

He wouldn’t want it like this.

“Fuck,” I grumble as tears spring to my eyes. “Not now.” I wipe them away, and I take a deep breath.

I can’t focus on my family, and its pitiful demise. I need to focus on Blakely.

And that’s what I do. I set my mind on her and her alone, blocking out the rest of the noise.

When I pull into my parking spot at the apartment, I barely put the car in park before I’m out the door. I grab my duffel bag, sling it over my shoulder, then head straight up to the apartment, thankful there’s an elevator ready for me.

Nerves pulse through me as I reach my floor and walk to my door.

You can do this.

She deserves to know how you feel, and she doesn’t want it to be awkward anymore, so this is it.

Take your shot.

I open the door to a dimly lit apartment. Blakely is curled on the couch with the TV on. When she sees me, she lifts to a more seated position.

“Oh . . . wow, you’re back fast.”

I shut the door behind me and set my bag on the ground. “Short trip,” I answer.

“I can see that.” She rubs her eyes, then turns off the TV. “I guess I didn’t realize what time it was. I had a cup of coffee because I slept during the game and wanted to stay awake. I think it’s done its job.”

I nod but don’t move because fuck, I feel frozen. Now that she’s here, right in front of me, I’ve lost all of my words, everything I’ve prepared to say to her.

She looks me up and down and says, “Well, I guess I should get to bed.” She stands from the couch and folds her blanket before draping it over the couch’s armrest.

Say something, Halsey.

Tell her how you feel.

Don’t let her walk away to get ready for bed when this sits heavily on your chest.

But as she starts to head toward her room, I know I’m losing it.

The moment is slipping from me.

And panic starts to set in.

“I like you,” I call out, pausing her retreat.

Slowly, she turns around, her hair floating over her shoulder as her surprised eyes connect with mine. “What?” she asks.

Jesus Christ, Halsey, be softer.

I let out a heavy breath and take a step forward. “I like you, Blakely. I’ve liked you for a very long fucking time. Since the day I first met you. And I, fuck . . .” I pull on the back of my neck. “I never made a move because I respected the fact that you had a boyfriend, even though it pained me, so I kept to myself.” I take another step forward, keeping my gaze on hers, trying to read her neutral expression. She’s giving me nothing to work with. “But that entire time you were with Perry, I felt like you belonged with me. And when you broke up, I felt like I had a chance, but I didn’t handle it properly.” I push my hand through my hair. “I actually handled it in all the wrong ways. I should have just asked you out on a date, but instead, I tried . . . I tried to show you that I have potential to be someone you could like and, Jesus, it was stupid.”

“Is that what you want?” she asks. “To ask me out on a date?”

“Yes,” I say, feeling the desperation in my voice. “I want to take you out, Blakely. I want to talk. I want to have a relationship more than what we do in the bedroom. When you said you missed talking to me, I felt the same thing, deep in my soul. And I know I should have said this sooner, but fuck . . . I want you to give me a chance. Desperately. I want to see where this connection between us could go.” I close the space between us, growing so close that if I reach out I could take her hand in mine. I could press my palm to her cheek. I could hold her close to my chest. “And I know that you took a new job, that you’ll be leaving, but I would—”

“I’m not leaving.”

“What?” I ask.

“I took the job, but I’m not moving. I’m staying here.”

“R-really?” I ask, hope surging through my chest.

She nods. “I’m not going anywhere other than trying to figure out where to set up a home office. I didn’t want to leave Vancouver. I love it here.”

“Fuck, seriously?” I ask as I drag my hand over my hair.

“Seriously.” She smiles.

“Jesus.” I let out a heavy breath.

“Does that change anything that you said?”

My eyes snap up to hers. “No,” I say quickly. “It changes nothing. It only makes it easier on me. I was trying to figure out how to do this long distance.”

She smiles that gorgeous smile that I fell for the first day I met her. “Well, no need to worry about that. I’m not going anywhere.”

I’m a little shocked and having a hard time processing everything. Relief floods through me, but there is one thing I know, and it’s that I want to date this woman. I want to show her that we’re perfect for each other.

So I reach out and take her hand in mine. Looking her in the eyes, I say, “Then can I take you out on a date tomorrow night?”

Her fingers tighten around mine. “I’d like that.”

A euphoric feeling beats through me. She said yes. I had the fucking courage to ask her out, to take my chance with this amazing woman, and she said yes, which means the opportunity is there.

The opportunity to make her mine.

I lift her hand to my lips, and I press a soft kiss to her knuckles. “Then it’s a date.”

She smirks and then leans in. Standing on her toes, she kisses my lips softly before pulling away. “It’s a date.”

She releases my hand, and she walks off to her bedroom, where she shuts the door.

I grip my hands together on the top of my head and let out another deep breath.

Fuck, I did it.

A large smile spreads across my lips.

I fucking did it.

Turning away from her, I grab my duffel bag and head into my bedroom, where I strip down and get ready for bed, thinking how proud Holden would be. If he were here right now, I’d text him that she said yes, and he’d probably say something like, “Finally, you dickhead. Took you long enough.”

Just the thought of it makes me chuckle as I finish brushing my teeth.

I turn off the light to the bathroom just as Blakely walks into my bedroom wearing the shirt I gave her to wear.

My mouth goes dry as I take in how the fabric nearly swallows her up, draping well past her elbows on the sleeves, and the hem hits her mid-thigh.

I move my hand over my mouth, looking her up and down with a slight shake of my head.

“That looks amazing on you.”

“It’s my favorite shirt to wear.”

“Good,” I answer as I take her hand and lead her to her side of the bed. I pull back the sheets and comforter and help her into bed. That makes her smile.

I lean down and kiss her head before moving to my side of the bed and slipping under the covers. I turn off the light and roll toward her. I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her into my chest, where I nuzzle my head against her neck.

“Is this okay?” I ask her.

“Why wouldn’t it be?” she asks.

“I don’t know the limits now that I’m taking you out. I feel like the paradigm has shifted. I want to make sure I’m not doing anything that’s crossing the line.”

She chuckles. “Halsey, your face has been buried between my legs, so snuggling is not crossing a line.”

I laugh and kiss the side of her neck. “I don’t want to assume I can touch you.”

“Touch me all you want,” she whispers as she brings my hand under her shirt. “I love feeling you against me.”

Fuck, and I love feeling her. Every inch of her.

But I’m also afraid that if I have access to her body, we’ll be in the same position we were before, when all we did was fuck and not talk. And even though that was so goddamn amazing, I know that there’s so much more to us than that.

“I think I want to take it slow with you.”

That makes her laugh again. “Slow? I’d be interested to see what your fast is, if this has been slow.”

“What we were doing was feral desperation to feel what I’ve wanted to feel for over a year. But I don’t want our intimacy to define who we are as a couple. I want to talk, date, and get to know you on a deeper level.”

She turns so she’s on her back and looking up at me. “So do you want me to sleep on the couch then?” My brows pinch together, which causes her to laugh. “Just kidding. I don’t want to have that argument again.” She cups my cheek, and her thumb rubs over my scruff. “I can be good with slow. As long as this cuddling doesn’t stop.”

“Do you think I could have you in my bed and not hold you?”

“I’m thinking no,” she answers.

“Exactly.”

Her hand falls to my chest as she says, “This feels so surreal.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“I was just talking to Penny about you and how I’ve missed talking, and I know it’s been my fault. I haven’t even given you a chance to talk to me before I’ve bolted out of here.”

“And why were you bolting?” I ask.

Her eyes bounce back and forth between mine. “You changed me in a way I wasn’t expecting.” She wets her lips. “God, this feels embarrassing to talk about.”

“You don’t need to say it,” I say.

She shakes her head. “No, I want to be honest with you. I said I wanted to talk, so I’m going to talk.” Her fingers dance along my bare chest as she says, “I didn’t know sex could be like that. It was shocking to me and, I know it seems stupid, but I was under the impression that I was madly in love with a man I thought I was going to marry. The love I shared with Perry is what I thought was the precipice of what I could feel. The intimacy we shared had felt like it was . . . enough. I didn’t think it could be any different, but then . . . then we shared the night of the wedding, and it flipped my entire idea of sex upside down. It was confusing to me and hard to process, which is why I bolted the first morning. I needed to catch my breath. And then when I came home, and it happened all over again, I felt like my brain was short-circuiting, and it seemed easier to leave than to tell you how you altered everything I ever knew.”

I lightly stroke my thumb over her jaw. “You weren’t the only one altered that night. I understand the feeling, Blakely. I wish you would have talked to me because I could have told you it felt the same for me.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” she asks.

“I was nervous that I’d scare you away if I said something. You were already fleeing the scene, so I thought that if I could keep fucking you, you’d continue to come back, and that’s how I could hold on to you. I see that was a very stupid idea now.”

“Well . . . the sex wasn’t stupid,” she says with such a beautiful smile.

“The sex was the best I’ve ever had,” I say.

“Same,” she says shyly, which just makes me like this woman that much more.

I lean down and press a kiss to her forehead as I continue to stroke her jaw.

When I pull away, she says, “So basically we were both altered that night and didn’t know how to handle it.”

“Yeah, sounds like it,” I answer. “Sorry that I handled it so poorly.”

“You didn’t.” She shakes her head. “I was the one who didn’t handle it well.”

“Maybe we both could have handled it better.”

“Maybe more me than you.”

I shake my head. “That’s not who I am, Blakely. I’m not cold like that. I’m not the kind of man who just fucks, and that’s it. Sure, I was rabid to have you, but after, I wanted so much more than to just hold you before you fell asleep. I wanted to talk, I wanted to kiss you until you were so comfortable that you could pass out in my arms. I wanted to cherish you, but instead, I was a cold, demanding man.” My stomach seizes from the thought of it. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,” she says. “Please, Halsey, don’t apologize. Okay? I wasn’t hurt by it. I was so turned on every moment you whispered into my ear and demanded what you wanted from me. If that isn’t how you normally—”

“That part of our intimacy was true,” I say, wanting to make that clear. “It’s the after and between I wasn’t proud of.”

“Oh.” She bites her lower lip. “So . . . all of the command in the bed, all of the ways you twisted me and fucked me, that was real?”

The corners of my lips tilt up. “Yes, Blakely, that was real.”

She glances away before saying, “Well, good to know.”

I chuckle and lean down, pressing a kiss to her neck, and then work my way up to her jawline. “You good with that?”

“Very good with that.” She shifts under me and wraps her arms around my neck. I lift my head and press my lips to hers. She parts her lips and swipes at my mouth with her tongue.

I groan against her. “Blakely.”

“Hmm?” she asks.

“Slow, remember?”

“Yes, I remember. Slow sex, I’m all for it.”

I laugh and pull away. “Not slow sex, slow pace with intimacy.”

“Coming from the guy who told me to use him like a sex toy.”

Laughing some more, I flip her to her side and pull her into my chest. “I can’t be held accountable for what I say when you ride me.”

“If you were, I’m pretty sure you’d be arrested for that filthy mouth.”

I nuzzle into her. “You like it.”

“I do,” she says softly while holding on to my arm that’s holding her.

I kiss her ear and situate my head next to hers. “I’m glad you texted me and that you’re staying here, Blakely. I like you a lot, and I want to prove to you that I’m serious about dating you. Worth your time.” You mean everything to me.

She’s silent for a second. “From the first day I met you, Halsey, I knew deep in my soul you were worth my time.”

POSEY: Listen, I’m starting to get nervous. You’ve sunk back into old habits of not talking, and I don’t want to lose you to books again.

Pacey: I’m leaning toward feeling nervous about it as well. I know the new job isn’t what you were expecting, but dude, we can figure something out.

OC: I don’t have much to contribute other than I’m here for you.

Eli: Is this a new text thread? Has Penny been removed?

Silas: Do you want to get together tonight? We can figure something out, come up with a new plan.

Halsey: Can’t tonight. I have a date.

Posey: Lord, fucking help me. Are you going out with someone random? I swear to God, Holmes, I can’t take this shit.

Silas: He wouldn’t do that.

Posey: Oh really? Because I’ve seen him do it. You were too busy with Ollie when he started feeding his yearning with random women at bars.

Pacey: Yeah, I remember that. It was Ollie’s birthday, right?

Posey: It was a disaster. I can’t go through that again.

Silas: Oh yeah, I recall something like that.

Eli: Was I there?

Halsey: The date is with Blakely, you fucking idiots.

Pacey: Really?

Posey: Wait . . . seriously?

Silas: Dude, you asked her out?

OC: Okay, is it weird that I just got butterflies?

Halsey: She’s not moving. She’s staying here. I told her how I felt last night, that I’ve been pining after her for over a year. And I asked her out. She said yes, then she fell asleep in my arms.

Posey: **Jaw drops to the ground**

Silas: Holy shit.

Pacey: Well, that’s a fucking 180.

Eli: Oh yeah, Penny told me she wasn’t moving this morning. I was too busy with Holden to relay.

Posey: Jesus, Eli!

OC: Okay, the butterflies have now turned into shivers of joy.

Pacey: Do we need to go over date options?

Halsey: No, I’m good. Taking it from here . . . on my own.

Posey: Uh, what?

Silas: Dude, that’s harsh. You’re just going to cut us out like that?

OC: You seriously can’t do that to me. I’ve become invested in this.

Eli: It seems like he has a handle on it.

Posey: Shut up, Hornsby, no one asked you.

Pacey: Eli is right.

Posey: Or you, Pacey!

OC: Is this how it always is in this group? You reel us in and then hang us out to dry? If so, I don’t think I can handle it.

Eli: Nah, we just shift focus. So . . . how are things with Grace, OC?

Posey: WHAT? Grace, our trainer? Dude . . .

OC: You’re a dick, Hornsby.

Silas: And . . . the focus has shifted. Enjoy your date, Holmes.

Halsey: Thanks, I will.

OC: Uh, I did not sign up for this. How about we talk about Posey and the girl he’s been crushing on?

Silas: He’s not crushing on anyone.

Pacey: Do you mean his bologna?

Eli: Lady Bologna and her mistress mustard. Yup, let’s discuss.

OC: He hasn’t told you about his girl? Interesting . . .

Silas: Posey, what the hell is he talking about?

Eli: If you’re seeing someone, I’m going to set your bologna stash on fire.

Pacey: There’s no fucking way.

Halsey: Who is she, Posey?

Levi Posey has left the conversation.

Silas: The motherfucker.

I STAND in the entryway of the apartment, rubbing my hands together in a nervous tic while I wait for Blakely to emerge from her bedroom.

I planned the whole evening out, wanting to make sure I gave us time to talk and enjoy each other rather than take her to a movie or show, which limits our ability to converse. I told her it was a casual evening, so nothing too fancy and to wear shoes she was comfortable walking in.

I opted for a pair of worn black jeans, a white shirt, and a denim button-up with the sleeves rolled up to my elbows. I considered wearing a hat to somewhat disguise myself, but I don’t like how I look in a baseball cap, so I styled my hair and stuck a pair of sunglasses in my shirt pocket—hoping for the best.

The door to Blakely’s bedroom opens, and she steps out into the main living room. She looks so fucking beautiful.

She chose a pair of white skinny jeans that fall just at her ankle. She paired them with matching white shoes, a tan shirt that’s tucked into the front of her jeans, and a black faux-leather jacket. Her hair is curled into waves and half up, half down so there aren’t any strands in her face. Her lips are painted in a neutral color, and her captivating eyes are more pronounced from the makeup she applied.

When she looks up and sees me waiting, her eyes briefly scan over me before she smiles and walks up to me, placing her hand on my chest. I wrap my arm around her lower back and pull her in tight as she presses a kiss to my lips.

Fuck, she smells amazing.

She smiles against my mouth, then pulls away just enough to look me in the eyes. “I’m nervous.”

I take her hand in mine. “No need to be nervous. We’re going to have fun.” I step away and force her to spin around. When she faces me again, I say, “You look beautiful, Blakely.”

“I’m pretty sure I’ve worn better.”

“Yeah, well, I like casual. You look really good.”

Her cheeks blush as she curls into my chest. “You look really good too.”

“Thanks.” I move toward the door. “You ready?”

“Yeah, ready.”

We head out of the apartment, and I lock up before putting my keys in my pocket and walking her toward the elevator. “What I’m about to say is going to come off very douchey, but I have to say it.”

“Ooo, I can’t wait to hear it.”

We step onto the elevator, and I turn toward her. “I was going to wear a hat to try to disguise myself, but I don’t like wearing hats all that much, so I brought sunglasses. I’m sorry if people recognize me and take up a piece of our night.”

“Because you’re so famous,” she coos in a joking tone, which causes me to roll my eyes.

“Yeah, something like that.”

“Something like that? Uh, you’re like the crowned prince of Vancouver. People fall at your feet, and frankly, I’m here for the show. I’m excited to witness Halsey in public.”

“We’ve been in public together before.”

“Hmm, I guess we have. Well then, why the warning?”

“We’re going to a more public space.”

“Okay then, bring it on. I’m excited. Think grown men will cry? I hope they do.”

“I hope they don’t.”

“WAIT, are we going to Granville Island on the aquabus?” Blakely asks as we walk down the dock toward a brightly lined boat.

“We are.”

“Aw, I’ve always wanted to do this. Perry gets seasick very quickly, so we never got to experience the aquabus, and I don’t know why I just mentioned my ex-boyfriend on our date. Please forget I said anything about him, and let’s move on from this comment.”

I laugh. “It’s okay.”

“I know he’s not your favorite human.”

I flash our tickets to the boat captain and lead Blakely to the head of the boat where we sit on one of the benches. It’s small so we don’t have a lot of room to work with, but thankfully, we’re the only ones on board for the moment.

“Would I be friends with Perry? Probably not,” I say as I place my arm behind Blakely on the bench. “But I don’t hate the guy. I think he’s a moron and, fuck was I a jealous asshole when you were with him, but I’m sure he has good qualities. I just don’t care to find them out.”

She chuckles. “That’s a very honest answer.”

“That’s the point of this, Blakely. Getting to know you, being honest, and not holding back on anything.”

“I appreciate that,” she says and turns toward me. “So then, tell me about the first time you met me. What were your thoughts?”

“My thoughts?” I ask. “As in what did I think when I first saw you?”

“Yes,” she answers.

I tug on a strand of her hair and twist it around my finger as I say, “Well, I thought ‘holy fuck, this woman is gorgeous.’”

She gives me a get real look. “Seriously, Halsey.”

“I’m being fucking serious. You stunned me. It was your eyes that captivated me first. And then you smiled, and I was fucking gone. I honestly don’t think I heard one thing the entire time you talked to me. I was so caught up in the fact that I was feeling something for someone. I hadn’t felt anything since my brother died.”

She sits taller. “Really?”

“Yes,” I answer. “I was pretty dead inside, Blakely. I shut down after Holden passed, and when I met you, I felt this sudden zap of life inside me. Like this fog had momentarily parted and let me see something, someone outside of my dreary life. You rocked me, and I knew I needed to learn about you. I didn’t talk that much that day, but what I did say, I know it was more than I’d said to a stranger since losing Holden.”

“Oh my God, Halsey, I had no idea.”

“How would you know? It’s not like I told you. And when I was signing all those things for you, I just kept thinking, how can I ask this girl out? I was fucking nervous, but I felt this deep need inside me not to part without giving it a shot. That was until you mentioned you had a boyfriend.”

“No, stop, I did?”

I nod. “You don’t remember?” When she shakes her head, I continue. “You were talking about how you were playing fuck, chuck, and marry with Perry, and you chucked me and felt bad about it since you met me.”

“Why the hell would I say that to you?”

I laugh as the boat starts, and we pull into the water.

“I don’t know,” I answer. “But it was the subtle hint that I needed that you were off limits. I swallowed my crush, and I sat on it. The boys found out at one point, and once they did, they started dropping hints like . . . asking how I thought you looked that day, in front of you.”

“Really?” she asks with such a cute smile. “I don’t remember any of this. What would you say?”

“That you looked beautiful. That the color you were wearing looked really good on you. Just little things here and there.”

“I hate that I never picked up on it.”

“You had a boyfriend, so why would you?” I shrug. “Either way, when Posey found out you were single, he practically did a backflip into the locker room to spread the news. From there, it was a giant mess of the boys trying to get me to ask you out and figure out ways to get you to look in my direction. That’s when Posey said I had a spare room for you to stay in.”

“Wait, did he say that so you could get closer to me?”

Feeling shy about it, I smooth my hand over my forehead. “Yeah, and I know it sounds pathetic, so don’t hold it against me.”

“I think it’s sweet,” she says as she plays with the buttons on my undone shirt. “Also kind of funny that Posey did that.”

“He loves inserting himself into our lives.”

“So when I came over that morning and the curtains were wrinkled . . . was that because you tried to straighten up your apartment for me?”

“Yeah. Posey helped me make your room look presentable, or at least we tried. Unfortunately we had a mishap when moving the beds.”

“What happened?” she asks as the boat picks up speed.

“I don’t think I can say this to you. You might be heartbroken.”

She taps her finger on my chest. “Remember what you said. You were going to be honest.”

“You’re right,” I say. “So you know how Posey said it would be a great solution to move in with me because you’d have a place to stay and Sherman wouldn’t be alone?”

“Yes . . .” she drags out.

“Well, Sherman wasn’t a thing. I didn’t have a plant. That morning before you came over, I went to the store and picked one up.”

“No . . . stop, that’s not true.”

“Sorry.” I shrug. “It is.”

She clutches her heart. “But that was one of the things I liked about you. You had a plant, and I thought that was so cute.”

“Well, I have a plant, and I do care about him. I think I know more about bonsai trees than I ever wanted to know. And I do have feelings for him now, but at first, he wasn’t real.”

“That is damaging.” She shakes her head. “I’ve lived a lie.”

I chuckle. “Well then, you might not want to know that’s the second Sherman, not the first.”

“What happened to the first?”

“When Posey and I switched the bed, the mattress slipped from our hands and knocked the original Sherman over. It was a fucking disaster. I had to call in reinforcements to clean up, get a new plant, and help set up the rest of the apartment. It’s why the curtains and bed sheets were wrinkled. We were in a mad dash to make the apartment nice before you got there, and soil from a dead Sherman wasn’t going to look good.”

“Poor original Sherman. He never even had a chance.”

“Sorry, he didn’t.”

“Wow, so is there anything else you deceived me about?”

I shake my head. “That was it. Anything that happened has been bad advice from the group, which . . . Penny was a part of.”

Her eyes widen. “What?”

“She was trying to help me get close to you.” I feel guilty saying that since they’re friends, and I’m sure that betrays Penny’s trust, but like I said, I want to be honest with Blakely. I don’t want any secrets or anything to ruin my chances of being with her.

“She was helping you?” I slowly nod, and she looks away. I can’t tell if she’s angry, upset, or happy. “Wow,” she says, shaking her head. Fuck, she’s angry. When she brings her eyes back to mine, she adds, “You would think my best friend would have been a better help. Goes to show how much she knows me.” She smirks and leans in to press a kiss to my lips.

Another wave of relief floods through me.

“You’re not mad?”

“How could I be mad?” she asks. “I am speechless. Halsey . . . you have no idea how complimented I feel right now. To think that you’ve had feelings for me for so long . . . that you pursued me so decisively. I don’t think anyone has ever treated me with so much devotion and respect. I’m in awe. If I’m mad about that, then something is wrong with me. I’m just sorry you had to suffer through bad advice.”

“Trust me . . . so am I.”

“THIS PLACE IS SO ADORABLE,” Blakely says as she holds my hand, taking in the public market. “I’ve always wanted to come here.”

“I’m glad you like it,” I say just as I’m tapped on the arm. I turn around to find a father and daughter duo, both wearing Agitators shirts.

The little girl stares up at me with wide eyes. “Are you Halsey Holmes?”

I release Blakely’s hand and squat down so I’m eye level with her. “I am,” I say. “What’s your name?”

“Annabelle Markey.”

I smile and take her hand. “Annabelle, it’s very nice to meet you. I see that you’re an Agitators fan.” I point at her shirt.

She nods. “You-you’re my favorite player.”

“Am I?” I ask. “That’s such an honor. Thank you. Can I ask why I’m your favorite?”

“Because as Daddy says, you leave those sons of bitches in the dust.”

“Annabelle,” the father scolds, looking mortified.

I chuckle, and so does Blakely. “They’re pretty slow compared to me, huh?”

Annabelle nods her head. “Yeah, you’re so fast.”

“Well, thank you.” I then glance back at Blakely. “I’m on a date. Think we can take a picture real quick so I can go back to trying to impress this girl?”

Annabelle glances at Blakely, then back at me. “She’s pretty.”

“I know. Very pretty. I’m lucky, don’t you think?”

Annabelle shakes her head. “She’s lucky.”

That makes me smile, and I stand. “Want a pic?” I ask the dad.

He nods, and Blakely steps in to take the dad’s phone. We take a quick picture, I give Annabelle a hug, and then shake the dad’s hand, and we part ways.

Blakely rubs up against me as she says, “That was really sexy, Halsey.”

“Sexy?” I ask.

She loops her arm through mine and holds me close. “Really sexy, seeing you interact with that little girl. Made me all weak in the knees. You’re a good man.”

“Keep that in mind when you’re considering a second date.”

“I can pretty much guarantee you there’ll be a second one.”