Suddenly, I wasn’t cold anymore. Cold was the exact opposite of what I was feeling right now.
“Ah, you’re sweet,” he murmured, pulling away. “But it’s freezing out here and you’re shivering. We should get going.”
He wrapped one of his hands around mine and we walked back toward Twisted Tinsel, which was where he’d parked.
“Can I take you out on another date, Noelle?” he asked once we were in his rental SUV and the heat was turned up high.
“Yes.” Saying no would be stupid. Even if I was nothing more than a short-term distraction for him while he was here in Garland Grove, when else would I ever date a retired professional hockey player? On top of that, he was a gentleman, and it had been a long time since I’d dated one of those.
“Where would you like to go? And when?”
“I’ll be working Friday and Saturday nights, so maybe Sunday? We could go to the holiday bazaar. It’s kind of like a flea market, but with lots of new stuff and local crafts, mostly geared toward holiday gifts.”
“Sounds fun. And then dinner?”
“Sure.” I nodded as he pulled into the back parking lot of the arena.
“I’m over there,” I said, motioning to my RAV4.
“Okay.” He pulled up alongside it and then turned to me. “Thanks for going out with me tonight. I had a good time.”
“Me too.” I swallowed, wondering if he was going to kiss me again.
“I’ll stop by the arena tomorrow and say hello. What time do you start?”
I hesitated, really hating that I had to lie to him—and everyone else—about my life. “I’m not sure, probably late morning or early afternoon.”
“Well, give me your number and I can text you.”
“Okay.” We exchanged numbers and I reluctantly got out of the vehicle.
“See you tomorrow, Noelle,” he said softly, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Good night. See you tomorrow.” I hurried to my car, wondering if he was going to sit and wait for me to leave or if he’d just take off.
Of course, he wasn’t going to take off.
I sighed and started the engine. I’d have to drive around the block a few times until I was sure he was gone. Then I’d come back to the arena and try to get some sleep.
Chapter Seven
Remy
* * *
I spent most of the next day on the phone. The Garland Grove Arena was a hot fucking mess and it took my attorney, my accountant, my assistant and myself to figure out the financial situation. My father, in his infinite wisdom and hands-off approach to pretty much everything, had hired a financial firm to handle bills, payroll, and taxes. Tandy made weekly deposits while credit card transactions went directly to the financial firm.
The reason no one got raises was because no one turned in hours or time sheets. Whoever set up payroll had literally been told to pick an amount and cut paycheques for that amount until told otherwise. And there was no one to tell them otherwise.
Frustration shot through me as I looked at how much, or rather, how little, Noelle made. She was never going to be able to rent a decent apartment on this kind of money. I didn’t know where she lived now but with a salary this low, I couldn’t figure out how she survived at all. No wonder she didn’t have a decent coat or gloves.
Though my laptop was open in front of me, I was no longer focused on the information. In fact, all I’d thought about since yesterday was Noelle. Last night’s kiss hadn’t been planned, and though I was sure she would’ve let me kiss her again at the end of the night, I’d opted not to. It was probably a little bit of a dick move on my part, sending her mixed messages, but she wasn’t the kind of woman you used for a few weeks of sex until you moved on. And I was leaving soon so I didn’t want to make her life anymore complicated than it already was. She didn’t say much, but every instinct I had told me she needed help.
That she needed money was a given, but there was more to it and even after just a couple of days, she intrigued me like no one had in a long time. I wanted to spend every minute of my time in Garland Grove with her, but that would be incredibly selfish. I probably should have just left her alone, worked behind the scenes to get her a raise, and minded my own business. But that protective part of me came out in full force every time we were in the same room together and I didn’t know what to do about it.
* * *
When I got to the arena the next day, there were a ton of cars in the parking lot. It was just after six and there was a high school hockey game at seven that I was interested in watching, but mostly I wanted to see Noelle. I’d dressed in jeans, a hoodie, and a baseball cap to keep my identity somewhat hidden because I didn’t want to cause a scene that would detract from the hockey teams that were playing.
I went down the concourse toward the concession stand and was shocked to see a line with at least fifty people. Noelle was there by herself, and I picked up my pace, hurrying over to her and sliding behind the counter.
“What can I do?” I asked automatically.
“Hi.” She was sweaty and a little breathless. “Put on a pair of gloves. I need four hotdogs. Buns are in the warmer over there.”
I looked around, unsure where to start, but I saw the box of gloves and put on a pair after I washed my hands. It took about thirty seconds of fumbling around, but I finally figured out where everything was and that tongs were a much better way to pick up hotdogs right off the grill.
I was amazed at how efficient Noelle was. She handled each customer without missing a beat, calling out to me when she needed hotdogs, bottled water, or popcorn, while she filled fountain drinks and candy orders. And then just like that it was over. By five after seven, when the game started, there was no one else in line and we were sold out of hotdogs and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
“Holy shit.” I just stared at her. “You do this by yourself every night?”
“It’s not usually this busy,” she said, wiping down the counter. “But tonight is a big rivalry game, so we’re busier than usual because of that.”
“Will it get busy again between periods?”
“Yes, but not like just now. That was the big rush. They’ll be back for drinks and maybe some more candy, but that’s it for hotdogs and popcorn.”
I glanced over at the countertop grill. “There’s not a single hotdog left. Do you always guess how many you’re going to sell?”
“Usually there’s three or four still left because I hate to have to turn anyone away, but tonight was busier than I anticipated.”
“Do you start cleaning up now?”
“I try to clean as I go. The game will be over around nine and then there’s a men’s league game at ten so I hang out a little while in case they want water or anything.”
“Do you have to hang around?”
Her eyes met mine questioningly. “Well…no, I guess not. Why?”
“Let’s go get a late dinner. I enjoyed spending time with you last night and I’d like to get to know you better. If you’re interested.” I couldn’t remember the last time a woman made me feel a little unsure about my next move. They were usually practically foaming at the mouth to get a second date, yet Noelle seemed hesitant.