Like she was comfortable with who she was.
That impression faltered just the tiniest bit when Cara looked past him, toward her roommate. A frown creased her face and she started to step back, almost like she was going to run back to her room and disappear. He reached out, grabbed her hand, and offered her a reassuring smile.
"You look amazing." Hadn't he already said that? Yeah, he had. But maybe Cara hadn't heard him. Or maybe she hadn't believed him. It didn't matter because he had no problem repeating it, over and over until she realized he was telling the truth.
Her gaze finally met his and a gentle blush colored her cheeks as she offered him a shy smile. "Thank you."
He squeezed her hand. "Are you ready?"
Cara nodded then pulled away, moving toward the coat stand near the door.
"So where are you kids off to?"
"Just dinner and a movie." Travis didn't want to elaborate, didn't want to give Cara's roommate any more details than that. There was something about the way she was looking at them, something about the calculating gleam in her eyes that made him uncomfortable.
"Really? Where? Maybe Jimmy and I can meet you there. You know, for a double date."
The smile on Cara's face disappeared, replaced by disappointment as she quickly glanced at him. He had the feeling she expected him to tell her roommate where they were going. Worse, he had the feeling that she expected him to spend the evening with her roommate if he did.
Travis moved over to Cara to help her with her coat. He didn't bother to look at the other woman when he spoke. "Sorry, but I've already made our reservations. Maybe some other time."
He placed a hand in the middle of Cara's back and gently nudged her through the door, not bothering to look back for the woman's reaction. He didn't need to: her little huff of impatience as he closed the door behind them told him more than enough.
"Is she always like that?"
"Anna? Like what?"
"Used to getting her own way. Needing to be the center of attention." Cara frowned and Travis wondered if maybe he'd said too much, that maybe he should have just kept his mouth shut instead of insulting her friend. He started to apologize then stopped when Cara shook her head.
"She didn't mean anything by it. And it's okay if you change your mind and want her to join us."
"Why would I do that?"
"I—I just thought that maybe—"
"This is our date, Cara. I don't want a third wheel tagging along. I mean—unless, you want—"
"No. No, I don't want her to join us."
"Good, neither do I." Travis smiled then reached for her hand. Her fingers curled around his. Small, almost fragile. The protective streak that shot through him surprised him almost as much as the flare of awareness, of heat and need.
He pushed all three to the back of his mind and silently warned himself to take it slow. Yes, she was pregnant. Yes, he was the father. But they barely knew each other. And tonight was just a date. It didn't mean anything, it wasn't the start of something serious. It wasn't the start of anything.
It was just a date. Two people getting to know one another. Nothing more than that.
Chapter Twelve
"Favorite color."
"Easy: blue. You?"
"Anything earth tone."
"That's not a color."
"Sure it is. You've been to my place. It's earth tone."
"I think you're cheating with that one but I'll let you slide." Cara took a sip of her water then placed the heavy crystal glass back on the table. "Favorite food."
"Steak. Prime rib. Sirloin. Filet. Doesn't matter. And potatoes. Baked. Fried. Mashed. Steamed. Boiled and buttered."
"But no vegetables, right?" Cara laughed and nodded at Travis's plate—clean of everything except the steamed broccoli. A small blush stained the tips of his ears as he shrugged.
"No, I eat them. When I have to, I mean. I just usually prefer them smothered in something besides steam. Your turn. Favorite food."
"Right now? Just about anything. Obviously." Cara nodded at her own plate, completely empty of the large portion of pasta and chicken parmigiana. Not to mention the side Caesar salad and roll. Any other time, there would be food left on her plate, plenty to take home for the next night's meal, maybe even two. But her appetite had returned with a vengeance now that the morning sickness had mostly eased and it seemed as if she couldn't get enough to eat.
"A healthy appetite is a good thing, though. Right?"
"I guess. But I'm going to be as big as a house if I'm not careful."
"Somehow I doubt that."
Cara smiled and looked away, hoping the dim light of the restaurant would hide her blush. They'd been here for two hours so far, just eating and talking. They had missed the movie but neither one of them seemed to mind. At least, she certainly didn't. She had no idea how easy it was to talk to Travis, how relaxed she was around him. That one night they had already shared had been about more than talking. A lot more. Not that they jumped straight into bed that night, not really. But it was safe to say deep conversation had been the last thing on both of their minds then.
Which made tonight even more enjoyable. She'd been so nervous, wondering what to wear. Afraid she'd pick the wrong outfit. Afraid Travis would be disappointed in whatever she chose to wore. Afraid they'd have nothing to talk about.
Despite his admiring look when she first walked out to the living room, she had almost turned around to go change. Not because of Travis, but because of Anna. Her roommate didn't have to say anything, not when her thoughts were clearly etched on her face. Disappointment, surprise, impatience. She had felt Anna's silent admonishment washing over her and chasing away the brief confidence that had filled her before she walked out of her room.
Cara mentally berated herself even now. Not for her outfit, but for the brief second where she had nearly turned around to change. She would have changed, if Travis hadn't grabbed her hand and told her she looked amazing.
Amazing. Her. And the funniest thing about it was that she felt amazing, and not just from the glances of admiration Travis sent her way when he thought she wasn't looking.
Yes, she definitely needed to be careful. It would be so easy to fall for the man sitting across from her, leaning back in his chair with the easy confidence of someone who knows he belongs. With the easy confidence of someone who didn't worry about what other people thought.
Had she ever been that way? She frowned, thinking back. Yes, she had. When she first started college. What had happened to change that? When had she become so cautious and worried? The answer was easy, though she didn't like to think about it: after her parents' deaths. She'd been a mess, stumbling through the aftermath, trying to figure out what came next.
But she didn't want to think about that. Not now. Not when it was so much easier to focus on Travis. On the way the soft light glinted off his dark blonde hair. On the way the candlelight flickered and danced in his smoky gray eyes as he watched her. On the adorable grin that curled one corner of his mouth when he propped his elbows on the table and leaned toward her.
"Favorite kind of music."
"Country."
He sat back, his eyes widening in surprise. "Really? I didn't figure you for a country music girl."
"Why? Because I'm not wearing flannel and camouflage?"
"No. I just...I don't know. I guess I thought you'd be more into something like pop or Top 40 or whatever."
"Not really. I mean, I can listen to all sorts of music but I really love country. What about you? No, wait, let me guess." Cara tilted her head to the side and pretended to study him. "I know: heavy metal."
Both of his brows shot up. "Heavy metal? Um, no. Not unless I'm on the ice or working out. Although I'll take classic rock over heavy metal any day. If I have my choice, though, it's country."
"Really? Wow. We have something in common."
Travis chuckled, the low sound washing over her with a surprising warmth. She shifted in the chair and looke
d away, wondering if he had seen the brief flash of desire in her eyes. Hoping he hadn't.
No, that wasn't entirely true. A small part of her hoped he had—which was stupid. She didn't need him to see how much she wanted him again. That's not what this date was about. This was about getting to know each other, nothing more.
That little voice in the back of her head warned her once more about falling for Travis. It would be so easy to do and she'd have to be extra careful. She couldn't let herself expect anything from him. They wouldn't even be here if she wasn't pregnant, she had to keep reminding herself of that. So, no, there wouldn't be anything between them, except maybe friendship.
And something told her that having Travis as a friend wouldn't be a bad thing.
The waiter appeared at the table, deftly removing their dinner plates. If he was frustrated that they were still here, long after they should have gone, he didn't show it. His smile was genuine when he asked Travis if they wanted dessert.
Travis asked for the menu then waited for the waiter to leave before sliding it across to her.
"I shouldn't—"
"Neither should I but I'm still going to."
Cara hesitated then turned the leather pad holding the single sheet listing the desserts toward her. She scanned the offerings, her gaze immediately stopping at the third one.
"Find something you want?"
"I guess. I'm still not—"
"Let me guess: the chocolate layer cake with honey-ganache frosting."
"Are you a mind reader now?"
"No, just a lucky guess. And maybe the way your eyes lit up when you saw it."
"How do you know that's what I was looking at? Maybe I was looking at the bread pudding instead."
"Nobody gets that excited over bread pudding."
Cara laughed then slid the dessert menu back to him. Travis glanced at it then waved the waiter over. "Two chocolate cakes. And coffee." He glanced at her. "Unless you wanted something different?"
"No, I'll have the coffee. But decaf, please." Cara adjusted the napkin in her lap then turned to Travis once the waiter left. "So why shouldn't you have dessert?"
"It's not exactly in the healthy column on my diet."
"You're on a diet?"
"Not like you're thinking, no. But I generally stick to high protein. Healthy carbs. Things like that. We burn a lot of calories when we're playing so I need to make sure I'm eating the right things. But every once in a while, I indulge my sweet tooth."
"How many games do you normally play? Is it just once a week?" Travis shook his head, his quiet laugh making her blush. "I'm sorry. I just don't know much about hockey."
"Don't be sorry. It's a valid question. We usually play at least three games a week, plus practice. Occasionally there might be four, or maybe even only two. Depends on what else is going on. I generally have games every Saturday and Sunday, and either Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the schedule. Sometimes it's Friday, Saturday, and Sunday."
"And you play all of them here?"
"It's a mix between home and away. Tomorrow, we're playing here at home, then we have a break Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Away games Wednesday and Thursday, then back home on Saturday." He leaned forward again, his gaze capturing hers. "Did you want to come to the game tomorrow night? I can get you a ticket again. Two, if you want your roommate to join you."
Cara pulled her lower lip between her teeth, hesitating before she answered. Did she want to go again? Yes, she did. The other night was fun, even if she didn't really understand the game. But would she look too eager if she said yes? Maybe. But Travis wouldn't have asked her if he didn't want her there, right?
She pushed her hesitation away and finally nodded. "I think I'd like that."
"Perfect. One ticket, or two?"
She almost said one. She wasn't sure why, but part of her didn't want Anna there. She didn't want to share this part of her life—as new as it was—with her roommate. But how could she be so selfish, after Anna had let her move in?
"I guess two."
Travis nodded and Cara thought—for just a split second—that she saw disappointment flash in his eyes at her answer. She almost changed her mind, almost told him to make it one ticket, but the waiter appeared with their coffee and desserts before she had the chance.
And then they were finished with dessert, caught up in light conversation until Travis paid the bill and walked her back to the car. Cara didn't want the night to end but they were pulling into the parking lot of her apartment complex before she realized it. She swallowed her sigh of disappointment as Travis guided her upstairs, the reassuring weight of his hand warm against the middle of her back.
Would he try to kiss her? She thought about inviting him inside but what if Anna was there? What if she wasn't, and Travis thought she was inviting him inside for a completely different reason other than that she simply didn't want the night to end?
Not that she wasn't thinking of other things, too. That was her problem—she'd been thinking about their one night together all night long. The memory had been there, hovering just below the surface, teasing her all through dinner.
Travis dropped his hand and turned toward her, his smoky gaze focused on her with an intensity that sent a shiver of anticipation through her. He leaned forward, his gaze dropping to her mouth for a brief second. Then he stopped, moved away just the tiniest bit.
"One more question."
"Yes?" Cara's breathy voice caught her by surprise, embarrassing her. Had he noticed it? No, probably not. She wasn't sure if she should be disappointed by that or not.
"Boy or girl?"
Her head shot up, all thoughts of kissing flying from her mind at the question. She covered her stomach with her hand then looked down, frowning. Boy? Girl? She hadn't given it any thought. Hadn't even stopped to think that far ahead.
"I—I don't know."
Travis smiled and placed his hand over hers. Strong. Warm. Comforting. "Do you want to find out, or be surprised?"
"I'm not sure." Did she want to know? She had seen so many posts on social media with gender reveal parties and videos. Did everyone find out ahead of time now? Would people think there was something wrong with her if she didn't? "Do you? Want to find out, I mean?"
"I'm not sure, either." Travis smiled down at her, his smoky eyes flickering with some unnamed emotion. He moved his hand from hers, raised it to caress her cheek. Then he leaned forward, his mouth closing over hers.
Warm. Gentle. Almost hesitant.
Cara sighed and leaned into him, a soft moan escaping her when his tongue swept across the seam of her lips. Her mouth opened under his and she sighed again when his tongue danced with hers. He tasted like temptation dipped in chocolate and coffee and she wanted nothing more than to give in to him.
But he pulled away too soon, his breath catching on a soft moan. He traced her lower lip with his thumb then finally stepped back. Cold air seeped into the space between them, making her long for the warmth of his body against her.
"Sweet dreams, Cara. I'll see you tomorrow night."
She nodded and unlocked the door, still watching him as she stepped into the apartment. It would be so easy to invite him inside. To ask him to stay—
But he turned and left before she could get the words out, pausing long enough to give her a final wave before he disappeared down the stairs.
Cara closed the door and braced her forehead against the cool metal, wondering if she had narrowly avoided a mistake by asking him inside—
Or if she was a bigger coward than she first thought.
Chapter Thirteen
Excitement filled the arena, the same as it had the other night. Cara glanced at the giant scoreboard hovering over the ice then leaned closer to Jenny as she tried to explain something called shots on goal.
"See? We're up by one point going into the second, but they're outshooting us."
"I don't understand what that means."
"Every time someone shoots at the net whe
re the puck would have gone in without the goalie being there counts as a shot on goal. If you shoot enough, you're going to score."
"But we're winning, though. Doesn't that mean something?"
"Yeah." Jenny nudged her in the side with a big smile. "It means Tyler is a kick-ass goalie and our defense is slacking."
"I still don't understand."
Haley turned in her seat. "You don't need to worry about all that stuff. As long as we're winning, you can be happy."
Cara started to ask another question but Jenny was already leaning forward, teasing Haley about something that had both women laughing. She turned toward Anna, ready to ask her if she understood anything Jenny had said. The words died in her throat when she noticed the stiff set to her friend's back and shoulders, and the way her foot was wildly swinging back and forth.
"Is something wrong?"
"Wrong?" Anna's mouth pursed before she released a long sigh. "What makes you think anything's wrong? Other than the fact that these seats are uncomfortable. It's cold. It's loud. And the beer is awful."
"But I thought you were having fun."
"You thought wrong. Sitting here with a bunch of women I don't know is hardly my idea of fun. I thought you said we were going to get good tickets."
Cara frowned then looked out over the ice. They were sitting in almost the exact same spot as the other night: in the middle of the arena, near the top of the lower section. "But these are good seats. You can see everything from here."
"One of those boxes behind us would be better. Or even right down there next to the ice, near those glass windows. Why can't we sit there?"
"Travis didn't get us tickets for there, that's why. And I don't understand why you're so upset."
"Of course you don't."
"Anna, if you didn't want to come tonight, you didn't have to."
"Yes, I did. Someone has to keep you from making a fool of yourself."
Playing For Love (The York Bombers, #6) Page 9
