Page 22 of My One & Goalie
Xander’s lips press together in a tight line and I worry I overstepped, bringing up yet another bad subject.
“Eh, at least it will remind them of how important I am to the team, right?”
“Exactly.”
We pull up to the Boathouse and Xander idles his car at the valet stand. The valet helps me out of the car and Xander hands over the keys, then slides his arm around my waist. Like it’s the most natural movement in the world, as if his hand was made to fit perfectly across the small of my back, my body tucked under his protective embrace.
The butterflies revive and heat pools in my belly. I may be too nervous to eat.
The hostess immediately leads us to a candlelit table tucked away in the back of the restaurant overlooking the bay. Moonlight dances on the flat surface of the dark water and boats bob in the harbor.
“Wow, Xander. This is a gorgeous view.”
“I requested the best table in the house.” He leans his lips close to my ear as he pulls my chair out for me, the vibration of his voice sending a ripple of pleasure skittering down my spine. “Guess this is it.”
“A bottle of Veuve for you and the lady. On the house.” A sommelier appears, popping the cork on the expensive wine I’d never buy myself. He pours each of us sparkling flutes of champagne and Xander lifts his glass to mine.
“To a lovely night with a beautiful lady.”
My cheeks flush as he stares across the rim of his glass at me.
I must be dreaming. This can’t possibly be my life right now. On a date with a beyond gorgeous hockey god, wining and dining me in my small town.
An absolute dream.
A waiter recites the specials and we order appetizers. The soft candlelight flickers, emphasizing all the sharp edges of Xander, the hard planes of muscle lying just beneath his clothes.
Clothes I seriously want to take off him right now.
“You okay?” He arches a brow and I clear my throat, clenching my thighs together to try to ease the pressure.
“Yeah. Great. When’s the last time you had a serious relationship?”
Oh wow. Real subtle, Rach. Maybe you should just propose right now.
Xander chuckles. “It’s been a while. Am I that out of practice on the dating scene?”
I run a finger up and down the smooth stem of the flute.
“No, not at all. If anyone’s out of practice here, it’s me.”
“How long were you married? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“It’s fine. Too long is the glib answer. Five years, eleven months, and six days is the actual answer.”
“Not that you were counting.”
“Not at all.” I sigh, shaking my head. “Charles was a mistake. But I can’t regret the entire relationship because I have Jett. He’s the only good thing that came out of that marriage.”
Xander reaches across the table for my hand and the gesture’s so sweet, so easy and instinctual, my breath catches in my throat.
“He’s a great kid, Rachel. You did good.”
“Thanks. He is pretty special. But he’s been through a lot already. That’s why I hesitated to see you tonight.”
Xander rubs the back of my hand with the rough pad of his thumb and sparks fly up my arm.
“I know. And you’re right. This is and will be complicated. But easy’s boring, right?” He winks and my heart skips a beat.