Page 36 of Game Misconduct

“What’s your favorite movie genre?”

The question came from nowhere, but I answered automatically. “Action.”

She shifted, her knee brushing up along my thigh. I felt the heat creeping back into my cheeks. “I should have guessed.”

“What’s yours?” I stared at her eyes, telling myself to ignore the fact that she was now, in fact, touching me.

“I like comedies and romances.” She glanced away, to my relief, and I let out a breath. “What’s your favorite food? Oh, and your favorite treat?”

Were we playing twenty questions now? “My mom’s lasagna. I don’t know what she does differently, if it’s extra cheese or a special sauce, but I’ve never had one at a restaurant that comes close. And I love maple donuts.”

Her eyes lit up when they met mine. “Really? That sounds amazing. You should get the lasagna recipe from her, and we can try to make it.”

“Okay.” I agreed. “What are yours?”

“Mine’s close to yours. I love cheese and spinach ravioli.” She bobbed her head. “My favorite treat is probably cookies-and-cream ice cream.”

I gave an approving nod. “That’s a solid choice.”

“Most embarrassing moment?” She was grinning like a madwoman now.

“Ugh, do I have to?”

She chuckled. “As your best friend, it’s something I need to know.”

“Oh, we’re best friends now?” I teased, feeling pretty proud of myself. I was getting more comfortable with her, and I liked it.

“Yes, I thought I made that clear earlier. You have to tell me.”

I sighed. “Fine, I was eighteen, and my coach told me some scouts would be at the game. I got in my head and psyched myself out. I ended up missing passes, being way out of position, and basically screwed up the whole time. But the worst part was when I accidentally scored on my own team.”

Her brows shot up. “That happens?”

“Not normally.” I let out a chuckle. Something I couldn’t do for a long time. I’d been devastated back then. “It went viral, and I didn’t live that down until I got traded to Anaheim.”

She covered her mouth, but I could see the smile reach her eyes.

“It’s okay. You can laugh.”

That was all the permission she needed to burst out with uncontrolled laughter. “I can’t believe it.” She kept laughing until she sat straight up. “Is it still online?”

“No!” I reached across her for her phone. Her silky, soft hair tickled my arm as I snatched it away.

“Give me that! I need to see this!”

“No! You’ll make it resurface and then the guys will see it and I’ll suffer all over again.”

She gave me a pretty solid attempt at puppy eyes. “Please?”

I shook my head and tucked the phone behind me. “Not a chance.”

She leaned toward me, but the doorbell rang. She narrowed her eyes and pointed at me as she stood. “This isn’t over.”

I watched her answer the door and laughed. That woman knew how to keep me on my toes.

Thirteen

Vivian