I shrug. “I’m not sure. I guess I’m not as vocal as Moon.”
“Do you need it? For the draft, I mean.”
“I don’t think so, but it would look good.”
“So, it isn’t necessary?”
“No.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
I hesitate for only a second. “I guess I wanted it. I wanted to feel like I was doing something good to further my career. Sometimes I feel like I’m stuck.”
I can feel her face move, and I imagine she’s confused. “Stuck? How?”
“I should have gone into the draft, but no one wants me yet. They want me to get some college under me or they want to send me to the EHL, which is one step up from recreational hockey. I want more. I want the NHL. I want to be just like my uncle.”
Wow, I hadn’t meant to unload like that. She stills in my arms, and she moves her hands over my chest to grip my biceps. Our breathing is in tune, and I can feel her heartbeat soothing my uneasiness. I didn’t want to admit all that to her, but in her arms, feeling her heart against mine, it doesn’t seem as awful as it had when I found out I didn’t make captain.
“Don’t they pick captain at the beginning of the season?” she asks.
I move my cheek up and down against hers. “Yeah, but our captain failed his drug test, so they are replacing him.”
“And you thought you’d get it.”
“Yeah.”
“Well, here is what I’m thinking.” She steps back some, and I almost pull her back in, but her hazel gaze captures mine. “This position wasn’t yours from the rip. So don’t let this get you down. This way, you don’t have to worry about leading a whole team. You can focus on you, get your game how you want it, and dominate. Don’t let this get you down, because I believe in you. I may not know shit about this sport, but I saw the passion on your face. You’re gonna make it.”
I move my hand up to her cheek as I stare into her sweet eyes, my heart throbbing in my chest. She’s absolutely right, and the funny thing is, she doesn’t even know this damn sport. But she does know how to be the best. “Thank you.”
Her lips quirk as she gazes up at me, her fingers wrapping around my arms the best they can. “You’re welcome.”
I lean in closer. “Let me take you out.”
Sofia’s lashes fall a bit. “You’re taking me to a game, remember?”
“Before that.”
She pulls her lip between her teeth, her eyes dark as she nods hesitantly. “A cup of coffee?”
“No, I think we’ve moved on from that.”
Her eyes sparkle. “True.”
“Tonight? Now?”
I sound eager, and I guess I am. I can see she wants to say yes, yet she says, “I can’t. I have that dumb paper to finish—”
“When is your next free day?”
Sofia bites her lip as she thinks that over. “I have Thursday morning open. I have the gym, but—”
“Can I take you after?”
She doesn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
Licking my lips, I lean in, my eyes searching hers as I say, “Can I kiss you now?”
“Are people watching?” she asks, though her eyes don’t leave mine, and I don’t think she really cares. I know I don’t.
“I hope so. I want everyone to know I’m kissing the most gorgeous girl on campus.”
Her lips curve even more, but she doesn’t say anything. Instead, she goes to her tippy-toes, pressing her lips to mine, and I swear, I’m flying.
Other than the “C” for my jersey, I’ve got all I want in my arms right now.
Sofia.