Page 21 of Charm on the Rocks

She wanted to ask him why he was thinking about her. She wanted to know why he wasn't out with the guys celebrating an awesome win, especially considering he was the first star of the game. True, it was only a preseason game, but that didn't particularly mean anything. Alec had scored two goals and that was a big deal. That was worth celebrating. Yet, instead of doing that, he was in his hotel room, texting her because he was thinking about her.

What did that even mean?

She shook her head. She needed to get a grip. This always happened to her when she couldn't read someone and their motives, especially if the person in question was an attractive guy she just assumed was out of her league or was too arrogant for her interest, and he was paying her all of his attention. Was he playing games? Was he trying to win her over because it made for a good game and he wanted to win? Was he just trying to sleep with her? Or was there more to it? Did he want something deeper, something more meaningful?

She thought she knew Alec but then she fixed up his cut and he told her about being raised by his step-dad. He had opened up to her and she didn't understand why. Yes, they were friends. But she hadn't realized they were at that level quite yet. That trusting. She had made no move to talk about her overbearing father and her timid mother and Claire and Olivia and everyone else or how it felt being raised in a small town.

There was more to him than what he portrayed to the public - a cocky, attractive hockey player who had the skill to backup his arrogance. And there was a surprisingly sizable part of her that wanted to know more about that hidden side of him.

Was that wrong, having a thing for Brady?

The thing was, this whole thing with Brady was uncertain. As was this thing with Alec. But Alec was reaching out and talking to her and giving her attention.

And, the truth was, Madison liked having Alec's attention. The guy was arrogant, but there was a touch of genuine consideration when he listened to her or asked her questions. He was sincere in his curiosity about her, and she found that she was drawn to him, despite her better judgment.

Her eyes dropped to the phone. She didn't know how long she had been thinking about Alec rather than actually texting him but it must have been a while. Her eyes widened and she unlocked the screen on her outdated smartphone. She needed to respond with something; she didn't want him to think that his attention wasn't wanted.

Because it was. Maybe she hadn't realized because Brady proved to be a good distraction, but she found she liked being around Alec. And she wanted to be around him more, if he wanted, of course. At least, she wanted the opportunity to just figure out the surge of feelings that always came up when she thought of him.

She didn't know what to say.

She had to say something.

So she typed in the first thing that came to her mind: That's nice. And then she sent it.

"What the fuck did I just do?" she asked herself, horrified by the sight of her phone before her.

Alec responded right away. Laughing out loud with tears coming out of the eyes emoji. Then: you don't know how to do this, do you?

Madison felt her shoulders ease and the tension leave her body. What do you expect? she asked. When you have a national hockey player say they can't stop thinking about you, it kind of throws a girl off.

A moment, then: I'm glad to know I have that effect on you.

Madison felt her cheeks turn pink and she rolled her blue eyes. That cocky bastard. She kind of loved it, if she was being honest.

Go to dinner with me.

The text came suddenly and unexpectedly. Madison's mouth suddenly went dry and she tried to swallow in order to moisten it but it didn't work. How was she supposed to respond to that? How did she WANT to respond to that?

Alec, I'm not so sure that's a good idea, she texted him, biting her bottom lip and hating every minute of it. I could get into big trouble. I know you've done this before but I don't want to risk this job.

I've never done this before. His text was quick and concise. Then, he added, I've never dated a Gulls'Girl before. I've never socialized with them at all. I've dated girls and break things off with them. Then, they become Gulls' Girls to try to get me back or to stay in my business, but I promise you that I've never done this before but...

'But?' Madison wondered to herself. 'But what?'

But you're different and I want to know you better, he concluded. Please. One date and that's it. No one has to know.

Alec, I don't want to waste my time with someone who doesn't want to commit to a relationship, she told him. What the hell was she doing? Why was she telling him this? It would ruin everything.

Maybe. But it would save her a lot of time and a lot of tears if she put everything out on the table now and let things fall where they would.

And what makes you think I don't? was his reply. Just give me a chance, Mads. Friday night, the day after the home opener, promise me you'll go out with me for a late dinner. Say you will.

Madison pressed her lips together. She was hesitating. Why didn't she just reject him outright? What about Brady? Why was she even questioning this?

And then, Okay.

His response was as quick as all the others ones: Okay. Smiling face emoji. I can't wait. Good night, Madison. Sleep well.

She couldn't bring herself to respond. Her eyes were locked on her ceiling as she tried to wrap her mind around the fact that she had agreed to one date with Alec Schumacher.