Thin Ice by Niki Settimo Read Free Book Online Page B

a mutual ‘nice work’ gesture. When we exit the ice, I’m suddenly hit with a burst of energy, even though I just played three hard periods of hockey and I'm drenched with sweat. I haul my ass into the shower and get dressed without making it look like I’m eager to leave. I throw on my beanie and as the guys joke around, I quickly say my goodbyes, grab my gear and walk out of the locker room. But of course I don’t get a clean break. What was I thinking?

    “Rath! Where you off too? Let's go to the bar and celebrate!”
    “I’ve got something to do man! Have a beer for me though!”
    “What have you possibly got to do that has you rushing out of here? You getting some tonight Rath?”
    “Even if I was, I wouldn’t let you in on it man!”
    “Scared she’ll get a look at me and ditch your ugly ass?”
    “Please, that’s the least of my worries! Especially with the way you got your ass handed to you by 12 all night!”
    “That guys a beast! He easily had a foot on me and was all over me the whole game!”
    And with that, as the guys start bantering, I make my exit. I round the doors out of the rink towards the snack bar area, and the first thing I see is brown curly hair. Tegan notices me first and smiles over at Elli, indicating I’m on my way over to them. Elli turns around and as soon as our eyes lock, there's not only excitement, but other emotions I really don’t know how to read. It’s like she’s nervous but I don’t know why.

    “Well Mr. Hockey, I say you earned your nickname tonight. Great game!” Elli says.
    “I’m really glad you came.” Why try to hide it? I’m sure it’s written all over my face anyway.
    Blushing. She’s blushing and it’s such a site to see.
    “Wellllllll, since Elli is in la la land and has yet to introduce me, I’m Tegan.” Looking over to Elli’s spunky red headed friend, I smile and shake her hand in a goofy manner.

    "It’s nice to meet you Tegan, I’m Dylan.”
    “Oh, I know who you are. Great game by the way!”
    “Thanks. You guys ready to grab a bite?”
    I look back at Elli, and it looks like she’s thinking. I really hope she doesn’t back out. And that’s when Tegan speaks up. “Well I’m wiped, but you guys have fun!"
    Elli looks over to her friend with horror. “But you’re my ride.”
    “I can take you home.” I say as I silently thank Tegan for the opening.I didn’t mind it if she came, but getting Elli alone is definitely end goal.
    “Then it’s settled!” Tegan says.
    As Tegan gives Elli a look, she takes off for the door and then calls out “Have fun you two!”
    Elli looks back at me, and again, I can’t read her emotions. This girl is such a puzzle.

    “You ready?”
    “Yea. Are you sure you’re okay with driving me home? I don’t want to be a problem. You’re probably exhausted and it’s really ok.”
    “You’re not backing out on me are you?”
    Smirking, she says “No. But..”
    “No buts! Let’s go missy.”
    “So pushy!” Laughing, she follows me out to my Jeep and I open the passenger side door for her after putting my bag and stick in the trunk.
    “How very chivalrous of you.”
    “I’m not just a good looking jock, Miss. Elli.” There’s that blush I was hoping for.

    “So what are you in the mood for?” I ask.
    “Ummmm. You pick.”
    “Is this a test?”
     "Not at all! I just don’t have a preference, and you deserve to pick after a game like that.”

    This girl has me smiling so much. “How about Millers Ale House? I could go for a burger. That sound okay?”
    “Sure. Yea, that sounds good.”
    As I put the car into drive, I look over and see she’s picking at her fingers again. I don’t know if I want to ask her about it yet, but it’s definitely on my list.
    We pull up to the Ale House, and she gets out of the car right as I make my way around to open her door.

    “You’re supposed to wait for me to open it for you!"
    “Oh, I’m sorry, did I dent your ego?”
    Laughing, I open