“You really don’t believe in love?”
She shook her head.
“Why?”
“My parents got married for all the wrong reasons.”
“Aye, so did mine. It’s a hazard.”
“Mine stayed married for all the wrong reasons. They died trying to fix a marriage that wasn’t real.”
That little nugget of information had my heart dropping to my stomach, a cold pit forming.
“Are you serious, Tink?”
“It was a car accident. They were on their way to a marriage retreat.” The way she had to swallow back tears gutted me. “I was really little. I don’t remember that well. My sister basically raised my younger sister and me.”
“Clara did?”
“Yeah, she’s pretty amazing.”
I thought of the strong-willed veterinarian whose husband had inherited my team. Clara Wilde was amazing, and so was her sister. “I do like her quite a bit. She’s a good woman.”
“She is one of the best. I’m glad she comes up here so often now. I wish they would move here.”
“You never know. Maybe she will. It’s hard not to fall in love with Seattle.”
That smile was back in her eyes as she let my words sink in. “Enough about me. Tell me about you, Taylor Savage. A hockey player from Scotland... I thought rugby would be more your style.”
“Why? Because I’m braw and rugged?”
Her laugh filled the room. “Because the only guy I knew from Scotland played rugby.”
“Ah, so it’s a stereotype, is it? I see. Would you like to ask me what’s under my kilt now too?”
Pink darkened her cheeks. “You’re not wearing a kilt.”
I couldn’t help myself. I leaned in and gave her a wink. “No, I’m not, but I can guarantee you, I’m wearing the same thing under my joggers as I would under a kilt.”
“That’s... a lot of information.”
“About my underpants? Aye, it is. You brought it up. You’re a naughty little pixie, aren’t you?” I was pushing my luck, but she was so easy to rile up. “I’m only teasing you, lass. I like to go fast. I’m faster on the ice than I am on the ground. Simple as that.”
“That sounds exhilarating.” Her eyes brightened. “I’ve never been on the ice before in my life.”
“Are you serious? I can’t believe no one’s taken you out.”
She shrugged. “There hasn’t really been an opportunity.”
“Well, what are you doing right now?”
“Not a thing. I blocked off my whole day for this client who stood me up.”
Excitement built in my belly. I drained my drink, then snagged Becca’s cup before taking the rubbish to the bin. By the time I returned, Becca had closed her laptop and put it away. She stared at me curiously.
“What was that?”
“Just trying to make sure everything’s ready.”