Page 34 of Drop Pass

I looked down the row where her son, Eli was happily bouncing on Kendall’s lap. “I don’t think so. I think he likes this as much as you.”

She smiled. “I know I should be spending as much time with him as possible on my days off but he’s teething again and he’s been up all night crying for over a week. I’m so tired, and he’s got endless energy whenever he’s not crying.”

I squeezed her arm. “I don’t know at all what you’re going through, but no one is judging. I’m pretty sure any of us would be happy to play with him whenever you need a break.”

She smiled and relaxed. “Thanks. I needed to hear that.”

I was surprised I was able to have any effect on her, but also a little proud. Maybe I was belonged with this group more than I thought.

“I’m glad you could stop by.” Lucy bumped my shoulder and smiled.

“Thanks. Me too.” I was, truly. The reminder that I wasn’t the only one with insecurities and problems was something I needed to hear.

“They look ready for tomorrow’s game,” Addi announced and I looked to the ice. I couldn’t tell if they did or didn’t, but I nodded along.

“Nikolay is getting an award tomorrow, are you going to make it?” Lucy asked.

I shrugged. “I don’t know anything about it.”

“Well, he’s getting the ‘Rookie of the year’ award before the game. Since it’s a Friday, you can come right?”

I smiled and nodded as though I was pleased the timing worked out. Part of me felt like Nikolay should be the one inviting me to see his special night, but that was ridiculous. We weren’t exactly friends. He had no reason to think of me.

“I should be able to.” This was what the Pride did. They supported each other through the good and bad. I wanted to feel like I belonged with these women and this was what it took. Being there.

“Great. I’ll send you a ticket.” Lucy said with a wide smile.

My attention drifted to the ice. Nikolay was standing against the boards next to the bench, pouring water on his head.

There shouldn’t be anything remotely attractive about a man cooling off and wiping sweat from his face, but my heart was racing in a way that said it was ignoring all logic.

Sure, he was attractive in the traditionally tall, dark, and handsome way. His dark eyes held mystery and allure that I couldn’t get out of my head, and every time he turned, I longed to run my fingers through his long, shiny hair. I shouldn’t be having these thoughts.

Nikolay was gruff and blunt and clearly had no interest in me. I’d known that for weeks. I moved here knowing that.

For my own sanity I should be looking elsewhere. Actually, I shouldn’t be looking at all. I had a career to focus on. I was in the midst of building my reputation in a new state and a major city. Dating one of the hockey players wouldn’t do anything to aid my reputation as a serious meteorologist. They would think I was a jersey chaser.

Why didn’t my heart understand that?

Why did it race every time he was near?

I shook my head and focused on the players skating across the ice. They seemed to be running through plays, doing the same movements over and over again. I ignored the chatter around me while my thoughts drifted.

The first time we met, I was at Colin’s house with Lucy when Nikolay let himself in. I couldn’t lie and say I wasn’t immediately attracted to him. Lucy caught me staring and teased me about it relentlessly.

He gave me one long look then started talking to Colin like he hadn’t even seen me. I was no one to him. When we ran into each other again at Grant’s house he’d simply greeted me and went on to talk to Grant and Olli. I’d tried to talk to him that night. I knew my time was running out before I had to return to LA and Lucy hadn’t given up. She thought I should give it a shot, and I had nothing to lose.

He hadn’t given me more than ten seconds before turning back to the guys. He wasn’t interested. There was nothing else to it.

I’d given him several chances to make a move or even just talk to me, but he never had. When I realized we lived on the same floor, a teeny tiny part of me thought maybe this was it. Now was the time he’d make a move, but nothing. Zilch.

I needed to get over this stupid crush. I had no reason to hold onto it.

“Elena?” I turned at my name to see Lucy staring at me. “Did you hear me?”

I shook my head. “Sorry.”

She smirked. “I was just asking if you wanted to come out to dinner with us.”