22. Darcy

CHAPTER 22

DARCY

Hayden appears in my bedroom doorway a week later and I slam my laptop closed.

"I didn't even hear you get home."

"I know." He quirks a curious grin at me, tilting his chin at my laptop. "Are you working?"

I'm trying to figure out why the Vancouver Storm are so bad at power plays when they use all their best guys on them.

While watching Hayden's games on TV this week, something about my old analytical models called to me. It's easy to get lost in the numbers when I'm concentrating, and I've found myself working way past bedtime almost every night.

This week, one thing has become crystal clear: they'll never get to the playoffs if they can't improve their chance of scoring during power plays.

"Just some paperwork thing," I lie.

They're just for fun, though, and it's not like I'll ever show anyone. The last thing I want is Hayden telling me to back off.

We stare at each other for a long moment, and I try not to think about the cuddling. We've carefully avoided it or any mention of Valentine's Day while we texted all week .

I also try not to think about the photo I gave him as a gift, and how, when I glanced in his open bedroom doorway, I didn't see it displayed. It's not in the living room, either.

He probably tossed it in a drawer and forgot about it. I don't know what I expected.

"So, I was thinking—" I start.

"What are you—" he says at the same time.

We both let out light, awkward laughs.

"Sorry." I gesture at him. "Go ahead."

He shakes his head. "No. You."

My stomach flutters. I don't know why I'm nervous. "I've been thinking about Valentine's Day."

"Oh, yeah?" There's a weird tone to his voice, and he's watching my face closely.

"Yeah." I frown, wiggling my toes against the floor. "I was really weird about the whole engagement ring thing."

He shakes his head. "Oh, Darce. Don't worry about that."

"But I have been. Imagine if I was on a real date with a real guy. Not that you're not a real guy." I make a face. "You know what I mean."

He makes a noise of acknowledgment, mouth slanted down.

"It would be totally weird." A sliver of anger cuts through me, because even after my relationship with Kit is over, he's still coming back to haunt me, and I'm desperate to shake him off. "If you're free tonight, I'd love to take you on another practice date." I give him a tentative smile. "I promise I won't freak out if any engagement rings get put on my plate."

"Uh." He makes a hesitant face, and my stomach sinks.

"You can't," I say quickly. "You're busy. Of course you are. That's fine."

"No, um. I got invited to a party."

"Nice." I'm nodding. I feel stupid. He's the hottest guy in the NHL. Of course he got invited to a party. "Awesome."

"No, Darce." He laughs lightly. "Sorry, I'm saying this all wrong. I got invited to a cast party for The Northern Sword . Miller posted a picture of me wearing the t-shirt you got me on the plane, and the production studio saw it."

"I saw it, too." Who didn't see that picture? The online book community lost their freaking minds at the idea of Hayden Owens loving The Northern Sword .

"Yeah, so," he blows out a breath, "what do you think?"

"I think you should go." I force a smile. "I bet there'll be lots of women there."

Hitting on him. Laughing at his jokes. Slobbering all over him while I sit on the couch at home and try not to think about it.

He gives me an amused look of disbelief, shaking his head. "Oh my god. Andersen, I'm asking you to go with me."

I blink at him. "Shut up."

He grins. "Is that a yes?"

"Really?" My voice goes very, very high.

" Yes ," he laughs. "Who else am I going to go with? Volkov?"

"Hayden." I run over and slap his shoulder, and he laughs again. "Shut up!"

"You don't want to go. I understand."

I make a strangled, choking noise, and he grins harder, eyes bright.

"I want to go!"

"Hmm." He inspects my face. "I don't know. You don't seem into it."

"I'm into it. I want to go. Please." I lace my fingers together and smile up at him. "Pleeease take me to the party."

"I knew I'd have to drag you out." He sighs before giving me a quick grin and heading to his room. "Let me change, and I'll meet you in the kitchen when you're ready. We can get dinner first."

I nod eagerly and race to get ready.