Page 12 of Date With Skates

Well, he’ll demand it. But that’s the same thing to him.

Léonie, the goalie for their team, is in the middle of telling me about the day she was told she was coming here when Nico interrupts.

“I’ll be right back.”

I stare at him. “Where are you going?”

He scrambles to his feet. “I’ll be right back.”

I roll my eyes and wave him off dismissively. If he wants to go off on his own, that’s his problem. He’s the one who will end up lost.

I continue my conversation with Léonie and Camille. They’re really funny. We talk about our homes and families. I tell them I’m a huge hockey fan, but prefer men over women, to which they laugh because they get the joke. They also agree that male hockey players are fun to watch, but of course they have to be supportive of other women.

I get it. I’m one hundred percent in support of other women. Men can be pigs.

When we’re done eating, they ask if I want to walk with them so we can keep chatting. Of course I agree because I love making new friends. I spot Nico at a table with Roman on my way out.

I should tell him I’m leaving, but he’s a grown adult. He can figure it out on his own, and he will never learn if I hold his hand all the time. I’m here as his personal assistant, not as his damn compass. The man has to learn the layout of the Village. I mean, it’s not even that hard.

A short time later, my phone rings, and I am not at all surprised to see that it’s Nico. With an eye roll, I answer.

“I’m heading back to my room. What building am I in?”

I shake my head. “Wow, really? C, you know, like for Canada.”

“Hey, that makes sense. Thanks, Étienne.”

His tone tells me it’s the first time he’s heard me say that. I’ve told him at least twice, and I know I’ll say it at least twice more.

The girls and I walk around for about thirty minutes, chatting away until it’s time for them to get some media stuff done. I say goodbye, wish them luck, and take off on my own.

And guess who is walking just a few feet ahead of me?

Connor McVoy.

“Wow, it’s almost like the universe wants us together or something,” I say as I step into stride with him.

He frowns down at me, but then smirks when he recognizes who I am.

The guy he’s with looks around him to see me and frowns.

“This is—”

“Damien Richtor,” I say. “I’m aware. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too…” he says carefully. “You know, you kind of look like—” Damien begins, but I cut him off.

“Nico Laurent. Yes. Unfortunately. He’s my cousin.” I sigh.

“Why is that—”

“Let’s not talk about him,” I say, cutting him off and waving my hand. “Let’s talk about you. Great game. I’m impressed.”

“Thank you,” they both say.

“It was a good start,” Damien says with a handsome grin. He could be a model with that facial bone structure.

“Definitely, but we need to tighten up a little,” Connor says.