Hockey Holidays Read online

  “Excuse me?” Dag now leaned forward. “Did you say you’ve never been on a real date?”

  Tears burned in the back of her eyes. Her face could combust at any moment and quite literally she prayed the ground would open up and swallow her whole to get out of this situation.

  “Lex?”

  Normally, nicknames would bother her, but she liked it, but right now she didn’t want him to say anything.

  “Hey, Lex.” He took her hands in his. “It’s okay. Really. I’m flattered to be your first date. And your, second technically. I mean, if you’re counting.” He cracked a wide smile. “I’m counting.”

  “I’m utterly embarrassed.” She confessed as she hung her head.

  “Please don’t be. We’re having such a good time. We’re eating outstanding food and in a great atmosphere. Let’s just have an enjoyable time. Together.” He reasoned with her.

  She was having a wonderful time with him and didn’t really want it to end, but she needed to get herself in check. Normally, her composure had never been an issue, and she always watched what she said. If her mother could see her now.

  “I think the next time we come here, I’ll try those burgers.” He pulled away his hands, picked up his taco and nodded over her shoulder.

  “Next time?” Elexis heard the shakiness in her voice.

  For several seconds he stared at her. “I’m available Tuesday. What about you?”

  Chapter Eight

  He was taken aback by the conversation, yet Dag couldn’t remember having this much fun. He tried to think of every single way to impress her, but the fact of the matter was she impressed him more. The more open she became, the more relaxed he became with her. He thought back to the beginning of his relationship with Faith. Their first date began in a bar and ended up back at her apartment—in bed. Dag knew this date would not end that way. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize if these were her first dates, she—more than likely—is a virgin. He could be wrong but doubted it.

  “I think I can work it out,” she answered, the nervousness showed across her face.

  “Great.” His heart raced with excitement.

  When they finished their food, they walked hand in hand back to his vehicle. Dag kept the conversation light and discussed her classes and the game. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable with any more talk of how many dates she had been on or not.

  “I’ll drive us back to the arena for you to pick up your car.”

  “Oh.” She tugged on his hand, just before he opened the car door for her. “Just drop me off at the bus station.”

  “What? Why?”

  “I don’t have a car. I have a license, I swear, but no car.”

  “How do you get around?”

  “Bus. Walk. Occasionally I’ll grab an Uber.”

  Suddenly he felt bad. He knew she worked two jobs and went to school and assumed she had a car. “Then I’ll take you home.”

  “No, no—”

  “Yes. I will take you home. I’ll even give you my word, I won’t ever come by and disturb you.” He leaned in closer. “Unless you want me to.” His lips were close to her ear, and he desperately wanted to kiss her.

  “I don’t mean you will bother me. I meant, it’s probably out of your way.” She corrected.

  “It’s not.” He pulled open the door.

  “You don’t know—”

  “Yes, I do. Get in because I’m taking you home.” She stared at him for a few seconds before giving in and getting into the vehicle. Once he’d settled into the driver seat, she gave him the address. He knew exactly where her place was because it wasn’t far from his place.

  On the drive over, they listened to the soft music on the radio and he held her hand the whole way. When he parked in front of her building, he jumped out and opened the door for her.

  “You don’t have to walk me up.” She rushed out the words.

  “I would like to. I want to make sure you get in okay. I promise, no funny business.” He vowed.

  “Okay.” She headed toward the door.

  He followed her and noticed the building couldn’t be large enough to hold too many apartments. It appeared to have been a house at one time. Maybe it’s a duplex? When she unlocked the bottom door, she ascended the staircase to the top. Dag tried to figure out how anyone could move furniture in here because he practically couldn’t fit. When Elexis stopped at the door on the left, he did the same.

  “Thank you for a great evening.” Her soft voice made his heart race.

  “You’re welcome. Thank you for agreeing to go out with me again.” He felt his heart beat in his eardrums. “I hope I can do justice for our next date.” He grinned.

  Her green eyes shined in the tiny hallway light. She could stop traffic with her stunning looks. Dag knew never to judge a book by the cover, but she was the total package. Brains. Looks. Personality. All of it—right in front of him.

  He didn’t think it through as he cupped her face and slowly leaned into her. Gently he placed his lips to hers. Her body stiffened as a board and he released her. “I’m so sorry. I truly don’t know what came over me.” He took a step back. “Lex, I’m so very sorry.” He didn’t know what else to say. How could he be so stupid? He wondered if that was her first kiss.

  “Um…” She stammered but then pushed her lips against his.

  This time Dag stiffened for a second before realizing what had happened. She kissed me? She kissed me! He relaxed into her lips just as she stepped back.

  “I’ll see you Tuesday.”

  She rushed out her words and ran into her apartment leaving Dag standing in the hallway. His eyes couldn’t leave the door and his brain spun. They kissed and she still wanted to go out with him.

  Turning and walking down the stairs, he practically skipped out the door.

  Books by Mary Smith

  New Hampshire Bears

  The Muse and the Fairy Tale (#1)

  The Workaholic and the Realist (#2)

  The Hero and the Fat Girl (#3)

  The Arrangement (#4)

  The Coach and the Secret (#5)

  The Captain and the Broken Girl (#6)

  The Backup and the Baby (#7)

  The Player and the Tattoo Artist (#8)

  The Goalie and the Best Friend's Sister (#8.5)

  About Mary Smith

  Best Selling Author, Mary Smith, has been coming up with stories her whole life. She has written A HOCKEY TUTOR and THE NEW HAMPSHIRE BEARS SERIES along with numerous other titles, as well as co-authored THE PENALTY KILL TRILOGY, OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN SERIES, and THE NINTH INNINGS SERIES with Lindsay Paige. When not busy writing or rooting for the Chicago Blackhawks you can find her with her nose stuck in her Kindle.

  Email | Website

  Toni Aleo - How We Fell In Love

  Grace and James’s novella

  He knew she was the one, she wasn't so sure, which is why Grace and James' love story is one for the ages.

  Acknowledgments

  To everyone who stood beside me this summer through my dark period. I am happy to say I am peeking out, and I am trying to find my way.

  To my family: thank you for supporting me. I know this hasn’t been an easy summer.

  To my betas: thank you for being patient. I know you’ve wanted something new to read, and I’ve been hiding.

  To Lisa: thank you for always being so supportive and kind.

  To my readers: I love you, and I thank you.

  March 17th

  I move my hands through my hair as I fall back onto my bed. A long sigh leaves my lips, and I stare up at the blades of the fan as they spin around. I don’t look around or even admire the work I have put into this little apartment. I don’t care. I hate it now, which is utterly depressing since I worked damn hard to make perfect.

  Before, our apartment was the ideal balance of soft and hard. My brother is rough and tough, and though his eyes are as blue as the sky, gray is his color. I played off the gray with a stun