Page 31 of A Match Made In Fall

He slides an arm around Eloise’s shoulders, and she leans into him automatically.

Watching them together and Abby standing with Nick stirs something familiar inside me.

Sometimes I do miss having someone by my side. The person who notices when you’re tired without you having to say it. Who supports you in every aspect. Hmm…maybe my mom was right about Dexter not supporting my career.

“Dessert sounds perfect,” I say.

“Yes,” Austin agrees quickly. “I’m always open for dessert.”

I’m secretly relieved Brad suggested extending the night because I’m not ready for it to end yet.

Not even close because being out of the house has already felt like a gift, and the company makes it even better. Especially Austin.

This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time. At one point my foot starts throbbing again, but Austin immediately notices me wincing and helps rearrange the cushions on a chair so I can elevate it comfortably. The others jump in too, fussing over me until I’m laughing too hard to protest.

By the time someone finally checks the clock, it’s after midnight. And unfortunately, reality starts creeping back in. It happened to Cinderella.

“Oh wow, it’s late,” Abby says.

The rest of us murmur in agreement as everyone slowly stands and gathers jackets and purses.

“Can I give you a ride home?” Austin asks me.

The question is casual, but there’s something hopeful in his expression that makes my pulse speed up.

I glance toward Abby, who gives me an eager nod. I had asked her for a ride home, but clearly she isn’t bothered at all.

“Sure,” I say.

Austin’s smile appears instantly, warm and genuine, which causes an excited jolt to shoot through me.

We all say our goodbyes, and I give Abby a hug. “Thanks for planning tonight.”

“Anytime,” she says. “It was a blast.”

“And you’re coming to the game with us tomorrow?” Abby asks, making it sound like a demand instead of an invitation. Austin eyes me curiously, waiting for my response.

“Um, well, I don’t have a ticket,” I point out.

Abby waves a dismissive hand. “Oh don’t worry about that. We know where to find tickets.”

I guess that’s one of the benefits of being engaged to a player.

“Yeah,” Austin adds with a chuckle. “We’ll figure it out.”

“Okay,” I say with a smile. “Sounds good.”

Austin and I step out of the café and into the crisp night air. The cool breeze brushes against my cheeks, it’s the perfect fall night. After being stuck inside for weeks, even walking down the sidewalk feels freeing.

“Thanks for the ride home,” I say as we head toward his car. “Honestly, I haven’t driven myself anywhere in forever.”

He chuckles softly. “Well, you’ve been a little busy.”

“Yeah, but still.” I let out a long breath. “You have no idea how good it feels to finally be out of the house. I was starting to lose my mind. I’m not used to sitting still all day, and now I remember why I’m not a TV person.”

“I get it completely,” he says. “Hockey keeps me on the go constantly. When we don’t have games, there are practices, workouts, interviews, and appearances. Sometimes I feel like my life is scheduled down to the minute.”

I glance over at him, realizing how much I relate to what he’s saying. Well, except for the games. Most people hear about glamorous careers and think it’s all excitement and fun. They don’t see the exhaustion that comes with constantly performing for everyone around you.