A Little Too Late by Sarina Bowen

Author:Sarina Bowen [Bowen, Sarina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tuxbury Publishing LLC

TWENTY-FOUR

The Tavern on Hicks

SYLVIE

Anton grabs the check the moment it hits the table.

My competitive streak is triggered by this show of macho behavior. “Hey! No fair. I don’t need you to buy dinner.”

“Didn’t say you did,” he says, slipping a credit card into the folder. “I’m not trying to baby you. I noticed that you hate that.”

My smile is embarrassed, because he witnessed my meltdown earlier.

“But I also happened to notice that we don’t earn the same salary.”

“That’s true,” I admit. “And a problem for women’s sports. But I’m not hurting like some of the girls. I’m the bookkeeper for my dad’s hockey organization, so I brought my job to Brooklyn with me.”

“Still,” he says, giving me a confident smile. “This is my treat. You can buy next time.”

Next time. I think Anton Bayer and I are becoming friends. “Well, thank you. I really appreciate it. And thank you for talking me off the ledge earlier.”

“I’ve been out on that same ledge.” He shrugs.

My new phone starts chiming with texts, and it’s awfully loud. “Sorry.” I pull out the phone. “I’m still getting used to this thing. All the features…”

The texts are from Fiona. Some of my teammates are gathering in a Brooklyn bar. It’s on Hicks Street! Are you in?

“Wait until you win your first game,” he says. “There’s a gold star that appears on the screen.”

“I’ve heard about that. It sounds a little silly.”

“Doesn’t it?” He chuckles. “But, man, the Kattenbergers are onto something. After a couple of losses, you’ll be missing that damn thing. I’d do just about anything for the star.”

He signs the check while I read my texts. “Do you know where there’s a tavern on Hicks Street?” I ask. “Is that nearby?”

“Oh, sure. I’ll walk you over there.” He gets up. “That’s the name of the place—Tavern on Hicks. It’s the Bruisers’ second home, on account of being located between the arena and the practice facility. We usually walk there after home games.”

He holds the door open for me, like a gentleman. And we set off down the street together. He’s so ruggedly handsome that a few women on the sidewalk turn and stare.

I’m not immune to it either. It’s not just his face. There’s something so sexual about him, that I feel overly aware of my own body when I’m near him. I keep noticing tiny details about him, and each one is more fascinating than the last. He has golden hair on his strong forearms. And his long-legged gait is almost a swagger.

“You don’t have to walk me there,” I blurt out eventually. “I mean, you probably have other things to do on a Saturday night.”

“Not really. Ten bucks says my friends will be there, too. And there’s practically a print of my ass on one of the barstools.”

“Charming,” I say, trying to play it cool.

“Not that you asked, but this part of Brooklyn is safe enough. Although Bryce would probably suggest taking a taxi home if you leave the bar after ten, and especially if you’re alone.

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