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"Will do. We look forward to seeing you there."
"Thanks." The line goes dead, and I'm left with thoughts of possibilities that could be.
I pocket my phone and take a moment and turn back toward the Sand Dunes.
"Careful there, big guy," a voice chirps up. I glance down to see Jayden, our waitress, maneuvering around me with a tray of empty glasses. Her green eyes gleam with a challenge that stirs something within me.
"Didn't take you for someone who'd eavesdrop," I shoot back, the corner of my mouth twitching in spite of myself.
"Hard not to when you're practically shouting out your love life—or lack thereof—to the moon and back." She sets the tray on the outdoor bar with a clink.
"Trouble on the dating front?" she prods, leaning against the polished wood, all casual curiosity.
"Something like that," I admit, reluctant but intrigued by her audacity. "I'm at the end of my rope with the whole scene."
"Ah, the elusive perfect match," she muses, tapping a finger to her chin. "So what’s your type? Must love dogs, long walks on the beach, and tolerate brooding hockey captains?"
"Ha-ha," I mock, rolling my eyes. "More like must understand why I'm married to the ice first and foremost."
"Sounds like a tall order," she says, her tone light but eyes studying me with an intensity that makes me feel seen in a way I hadn't expected tonight.
"Guess I'll find out this weekend," I say, more to myself, already regretting mentioning it.
"Ooh, got a hot date already lined up?" There's a sparkle in her gaze, a mix of genuine interest and playful teasing.
"Something like that," I repeat, realizing too late that I'm enjoying our banter more than I should.
"Good luck then," Jayden winks, scooping up her tray. "Not that you need it, Mr. Popular." She winks, backing away toward the door, and I watch her return to the vibrant life inside.
I shove my hands into my pockets and let out a breath.
"Mr. Popular, huh?" I mutter to myself, shaking my head with a ghost of a smile.
Back at my seat, my friends continue to talk about stuff that I’m not paying any attention to. I lean back against the booth, arms crossed over my chest as I watch Jayden weave through the tables. I think back to when the guys and I met her at the beginning of last summer when she started working here.
She’s got curly fiery red hair and freckles that seem to highlight her always happy personality.
"Ryder, you're staring," Kaleb teases from across the table, his grin wide enough to split his face.
"Am not," I retort.
"Bro, you've got it bad for the waitress," Dakota chimes in, nudging me with his elbow.
I roll my eyes, crack my knuckles and shake my head. "No way. She’s incredibly bright. Too smart for my tastes."
"Since when is being smart a turn-off?" Asher asks with his brow raised.
"Since always," I snap, maybe too quickly, "Smart means complicated. Complicated means distractions. Distractions mean mistakes on the ice."
They all share a look, one that says they don't buy it, but thankfully, they let it drop. I take a swig of my cold and bitter beer.
"Whatever you say, Wolf," Dakota says, raising his glass in a silent toast to denial.
Jayden catches my eye, as if sensing my attention. She offers a quick, knowing smile before turning away to deliver another round of drinks to a nearby table.
.
Chapter 3
