Taking Shots (Assassins) Read online

  “My God, that’s good.”

  “Told ya,” he said with a wink, and the waiter walked off with a grin on his face. Elli took another sip and smiled when she saw that Shea was still watching her.

  “So, what are you going to get?” she asked, hoping he would look away. He didn’t.

  “Chicken Parm, that’s what I always get.”

  “I get the tilapia.”

  “Good choice.”

  “Usually with the zucchini fritters.”

  “Sounds awesome.”

  Elli smiled as the waiter came back. They ordered their food and the waiter ran off to fill the order. They sat for a few minutes, drinking and taking in the scenery. She looked over at Shea and noticed that his hat was low, covering his glasses, so she couldn’t see his eyes.

  “I can’t see you eyes.”

  He looked up at her with a sheepish look.

  “I’m sorry, babe. I’m trying to make sure we aren’t bothered or I would take my hat off.”

  Elli wanted to squeal. He called her “babe!” She had to keep her composure, though, so she took a deep breath before saying, “Oh, fans.”

  “Yeah, they know I like this place. I don’t mind them when I’m by myself, but I don’t want any interruptions.” She smiled sweetly before reaching over and pulling his hat off. He looked at her surprised, as he ran his hands through his hair. She loved how it stuck up in all different ways.

  “I’ll take the interruptions if I get to look into your eyes,” she practically whispered. He smiled, scooting a little closer to her, so that their legs were touching. She gazed into his sky like eyes as she took a drink of her wine. “How was practice?”

  “Good, I feel good about this season.”

  “Another cup?”

  “Hoping so.”

  “I believe in y’all.” He smiled.

  “Then we’ll win.” She laughed as the zucchinis were brought out. As the munched, they talked about the guys on the team: who was looking good, and about the new goaltender. Apparently, he was someone that Shea had played with in the AHL. So he was excited to be on the same team with him again.

  “He’s bad ass, so I’m really excited.”

  “Awesome. He played for Washington, didn’t he?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Will he take Ryans’ place?”

  “No, he’ll be back up.”

  “Okay, good. I love Ryan.” He smiled.

  “Is he your favorite player?”

  “Nope.”

  “Oh, really, who’s jersey do you wear?”

  Elli was beat red and luckily the food was bought out so she didn’t have to answer. Shea watched her as the waiter laid the food down and wished them happy eating before walking away. Elli had a feeling he wanted his answer.

  “I’m waiting, Ms. Fisher.”

  “How do you know I wear a jersey?” she asked, trying to deflect the question as she ate.

  “Cause you are a fan, you have a number. Who is it?”

  “I ain’t telling. I don’t want to make you jealous.” He let out a booming laugh, causing Elli to grin as she ate some of her fish. “I’m serious, male egos are so fragile.” He kept laughing as she continued to eat.

  “Whatever. I bet you like Alex Welch, all the girls like him.”

  “Nope.”

  “Tell me.”

  “No way, maybe first game I will.”

  Since he would see her, and see the 6 on her arm along with the C above her breast. He winked at her, and dug into his parm. God, he was gorgeous.

  “So, you’re still busy all week?”

  “I am, except Wednesday, but you have that event.”

  “I canceled it.” She looked over at him surprised, he was smiling.

  “Why?”

  “It was just a radio thingy. Jakob said he would go instead. Worked out for me.”

  “That’s cool.”

  “Yeah, since now I’m gonna get you to go out with me again.” Elli looked up at him, surprised and happy all in one. They had only been together an hour and he was ready for another date! She couldn’t believe it, but she wasn’t going to let him in on the fact she was freaking out inside, so she decided to tease him a little.

  “That male ego. I tell ya, assuming I want to go out with you again.”

  He gave her a sexy, cocky grin, leaning towards her as he put his chin on her arm looking up at her, batting his eyes as he said, “You don’t want to go out with me? I was thinking dinner and a movie.”

  “Mmm. Dinner? Where?”

  “Pf Changs.”

  “Okay to dinner, what movie?”

  “Your pick.”

  “Ooo, smooth.”

  “I thought so,” he said, before leaning back in his seat, taking a sip of his wine “So, can I pick you up at six?”

  “I’ll meet you at the restaurant.”

  “Why? I can pick you up.”

  “I don’t want you driving all the way out to my house, just to come back in town.”

  “I don’t mind. I want to,” his hand moved to her thigh and she looked over at him, surprised.

  “Are you sure? I mean, are you sure you want to-“ Harper told her not to do this, not to second guess herself, so she took a deep breath, and smiled. “I’ll give you my address before we leave.” He grinned, leaning over and kissing her cheek, causing her heart to skip a beat.

  “For a second there, I thought you were going to turn me down.” Elli grinned as she continued eating. “So, what kind of music do you listen to?” She looked over at him and he was looking down at his food. “I bet country, huh?” He looked up at her with a satisfied grin.

  “Actually, I like all music.”

  “Liar.”

  “I do!” she protested, he just raised his eye brows at her. “But I mostly listen to country” He laughed and she giggled as she took a drink, “What do you listen to?”

  “Well, since I’ve been in Nashville, I’ve started to like country, but I like rock and rap a lot.”

  “Cool.”

  “Yeah, what’s your favorite movie?”

  “Pride and Prejudice. It’s also my favorite book.”

  “Never seen or read it.” She looked up at him like he was an alien.

  “Excuse me?”

  “What?”

  “You’ve never read or seen Pride and Prejudice?”

  “No, why?”

  “Um, it’s the greatest love story ever! Oh, my goodness, you know,” she started to move out of the booth. “This isn’t going to work, I’ll see you around,” she only made it an inch before he grabbed her arm, pulling her back, horror all over his face.

  “Oh, no you don’t!” he said, causing a lot of people to turn and look at them. “I promise I’ll watch it, and, hell, I’ll even read it on the road.” Elli smiled fully and scooted back to her spot.

  “Good, make sure you have a book cover, or the guys will make fun of you.”

  “You are right on that one,” he said with a grin, “Did you really think you would get far, leaving like that?”

  “No, but it was fun seeing the horror on your face.”

  “Hey, I can’t have my beautiful date run out on me. Remember my fragile male ego?” he said with a teasing smile.

  He called her beautiful…

  “Oh, yeah, totally forgot about it” she said with a shy grin. She looked over at him, so happy to be with him. “You are-”

  “Excuse me.” Elli looked up at a long legged blonde, but the blonde wasn’t looking at her, she was looking at Shea. “You’re Shea Adler, right?”

  “I am, and you are?”

  “Cindy! Hi, I’m sorry to interrupt your lunch, but can I have your autograph?”

  “Of course,” Shea scooted out of the booth, and signed her shirt that happened to be an Adler shirt. That’s when the swarm happened. Everyone came up, asking him for his autograph and, of course, he signed everything, while sending her a forgiving smile. Elli smiled back and continued to eat.