Blocked (Boston Terriers Hockey #3) - Jacob Chance Page 0,11
combination of nerves and excitement about what tomorrow will bring. If all I can have is one day with Shaw, I plan to make the most of it.
Chapter Four
Shaw
When I pull up at Maddie’s house, she’s already waiting outside on the front porch steps. She rises with a smile when she sees me, and I jump out to get the door for her.
“Thank you. I never knew you were such a gentleman.”
My lips quirk. “Now you do.”
“I need to grab some stuff from the garage,” she informs me as she tosses a canvas bag on the passenger side floor.
“Show me what you want and I’ll get it.”
She punches in the code and the large door slowly raises. She points to two surfboards. “I was thinking we could do a little surfing if you’re up for it.”
“Of course I’m up for it, and my board is already in the back of my truck, so we just need to bring yours.” I grab her long, pink surfboard. “What else do you want?”
“I’ve got the rest,” she replies, picking up two skimboards and a small cooler.
We exit the garage and I press the button to close the door behind us. Placing the boards in the back of my truck, I arrange everything so it won’t shift around on the ride. Maddie gives me a quick nod of approval and a thick lock of her hair falls in front of her eyes. I sweep the soft strands across her forehead and tuck them behind her ear while she stares up at me with wide eyes.
“There. That’s much better. I like seeing your face.” Catching hold of her arm, I guide her to the passenger side and close her inside once she’s settled on the seat. Making my way around the truck, I fight back a smile. I’ve got an entire day to spend with Maddie, and that makes me surprisingly happy.
“Where to?” I ask.
“Oh, yeah.” She laughs. “I forgot I was in control of today. We’re going to Newport, Rhode Island. Do you know how to get there?”
“I sure do. Sit back and relax. Your coffee is this one.” I point to one of the cups in the holder. “And there’s a strawberry frosted donut in that bag for you.”
She squeals excitedly. “How do you know about my love for strawberry donuts?”
“Maddie, I’ve been around you for years. Do you think I don’t know anything about you?”
“I guess I never gave it much thought.” Her head is lowered as she peeks inside the paper bag. Reaching inside, she pulls the donut out. “This is perfect. The frosting is so thick and none of it has smushed.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Conversation stops as Maddie enjoys her breakfast. My eyes keep flicking quick glances her way as I drive on the highway. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so happy about a donut before. My gaze lands on her lean legs, and as much as I’d like to linger over the fair stretch of skin, I force my focus back to the road.
I hear a smacking noise and notice Maddie sucking the sugar off her fingers. Fuck me. I look back at the road and grip the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles whiten.
Maddie shifts on the seat, tucking one smooth, bare leg under the other, and I contemplate whether her skin can possibly be as soft as it looks.
She turns to face me, as much as her seatbelt will allow. “So you said you know things about me. And now I’m curious about what you meant.”
“I know that pink is your favorite color.”
“That’s an easy one.” She points to her pink hair, her pink tank top, and then she wiggles her pink-tipped fingers.
“I know that you like hot dogs, but you prefer to eat them with baked beans and no bun.”
She snorts. “Kind of weird, right?”
“No.” I shrug. “I also know that strawberry is your favorite flavor milkshake, and I have a feeling it’s because it’s pink.”
She laughs. “That’s not true. I just like the flavor, but it doesn’t hurt that it’s pink.”
“Tell me something you know about me,” I challenge.
“Hmm, I know you’re a great friend to Marshall.”
“You can do better than that.”
“I know you’re passionate about hockey. Maybe more than you let on.”
“What makes you say that?”
“I’ve seen the intensity on your face when you play. And I know you spend a lot of time training.”
“You’re right. I don’t talk about it too much because I know that most likely, college