He talked for another couple of minutes about gang problems in his hometown, and the importance of young, troubled kids having positive role models and something to with their time, but he kept it generic. He had to, because if he told them about Laken, and the reason why this cause was so important to him, Austin might break down. He was all but certain he would break down, and that wouldn’t do much for his image, would it?
For not having prepared any remarks, and deliberately striving to keep things from getting too personal, Austin thought it sounded decent. Better than saying he was only here because he lost a bet, which had been his original plan. It would have been a lie, and something he only considered because the truth risked vulnerability. Since Austin hated to lie, he went the truth, but not so much truth that he came across as a wuss. It was a fine line, and Austin probably cared too much about his image, but he was a professional athlete, after all. And wasn’t image everything?
As he finished talking and set the mic down, the music started and the crowd began to mingle. Austin watched as Trent quickly exited the stage to find his girl, and then led her out to the dance floor. They probably wouldn’t be long for this shindig now, and he didn’t blame them. Trent and Lauren’s relationship was still in that new stage where they couldn’t get enough of each other, and good for them. Austin, on the other hand, had nothing better to do, so he might as well stay. Maybe he could score a dance with the sexy director.
His chances looked promising, anyway, as he he’d no sooner gotten a beer at the cash bar when he saw Shannon heading toward him. “Hey,” he said, trying for his most charming smile. “Buy you a drink?”
After a second, she nodded. “Sure. Chardonnay, please.”
He gave the bartender the money, and Shannon took the glass of wine that was poured for her. “You took off from the stage so fast, I didn’t get a chance to properly thank you for being here tonight and for offering your time.”
“I was thirsty, what with giving that long-winded speech and all,” he said dryly.
“Yes, I think yours lasted four minutes and six seconds, which was the longest of all of them.” Shannon laughed. “You hockey guys aren’t big talkers are you?”
Austin shrugged. “Depends on what we’re talking about, I guess. As for the thanks, you’re welcome. I’m happy to offer my time, and I think it’ll be fun. Just don’t ask me to help the kids with math homework, okay?”
“I get that a lot,” Shannon said. “Doesn’t anyone like math?”
“Beats me.” Austin shrugged. “Maybe Trent will turn out to be your math expert.”
“I hope so.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Austin noticed Trent and Lauren heading for the door. Yeah, that didn’t last long. At least he’s getting laid tonight, Austin thought. His own prospects for that were slim, but it never hurt to try to put the framework in place for down the road. Besides, Shannon was one stunning woman. “Care to dance?”
Shannon hesitated, but shook her head. “It’s an intriguing offer, but I’m afraid I have to say decline, since I’m working tonight. Image, you know?”
Austin nodded. “Sure. Image. How about a rain check, then, for some time when you aren’t working?” He suggested. “After all, you did say the offer intrigued you.”
“That I did.” She smiled. “Yes, I’ll take that rain check. Thank you, Austin.”
“No, thank you.” He didn’t know how or when it would happen, but Austin had every intention of collecting on that rain check.
Books by Michele Shriver
Women’s Fiction:
Tears and Laughter
Aggravated Circumstances
Contemporary Romance:
Finding Forever
Leap of Faith
The Art of Love
Starting Over
Love & Light
Dissonance
Fade into Love (2017)
Healing Hearts (2017)
The Men of the Ice Novellas:
Playing for Keeps
Crossing the Line
Winning it All
Scoring at Love
Chasing the Prize
Making an Impact
Going all In
Beating the Odds (2017)
Making it Right (2017)
Stealing her Heart (2017)
Contemporary Holiday Romance:
The Christmas Wish
Home for the Holidays
Boxed Sets:
Heroes to Swoon For
Spring into Love
Score One For Love
Christmas Pets and Kisses
Spring into Romance
Love Notes
First Glance
Christmas Pets and Kisses 2
Love Onboard: Cupid’s Caribbean Cruise
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed the story and will consider posting an honest review of this book on the site you purchased it from.
Authors Notes and Acknowledgements
I hope you enjoyed reading Trenton and Lauren’s story as much as I enjoyed writing. All of my books and characters are special to me, of course, but this one especially is. I’ve always strived to tell realistic stories, featuring real-life characters—people you might encounter in your every day life and want to be friends with, too. I’ve written nontraditional heroines before, so when my muse woke me up in the middle of the night one night to tell me that there would be a book 8 in this series, and it would feature a plus-sized heroine, I was all in. I couldn’t wait to tell Lauren’s story.
When it came to creating the hero for Lauren, I knew it needed to be someone imperfect, but perfect for her. Enter Trenton. He’s a professional athlete, yes, but he brings his own doubts and insecurities, and I love how these to ended up bringing out the best in each other.
Thank you to all of my readers and fans out there for continuing to support this series. I enjoy bringing the San Antonio Generals to life. Stay tuned, because there is more to come for my sexy hockey guys—and their girls.
Michele
About the Author
Michele Shriver writes women’s fiction and contemporary romance. Her books feature flawed-but-likeable characters in real-life settings. She’s not afraid to break the rules, but never stops believing in happily ever after. Michele counts among her favorite things a good glass of wine, a hockey game, and a sweet and sexy book boyfriend, not necessarily in that order.
Contact:
Website: www.micheleshriver.com
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Email: micheleshriver@gmail.com
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