A Hockey Player's Proposal (Oh Captain, My Captain #2) by Lindsay Paige, Mary Smith

for that because they couldn’t pinpoint who exactly sold them to her.”
    “Wow, that’s sad. I’m very sorry about your friend. Did you go through any counseling or do you use this week for that?”
    “Both. It was too hard at first to be without after so long of always having her there, so my parents made me see someone.”
    “I wish had some words that would console you, but I have nothing. However, I’m glad that I was here tonight for you.”
    “Me too. Thanks, Brody. I think I’m going to lay down. Thank you for everything. I mean it.”
    I stand and nod at her. She stands and gathers the bottles, putting them in the trash next to the porch.
    “Hey, Selene.” I don’t know what comes over me, but I’m going to ask her. She turns and looks at me as I step closer to her. “There is a big benefit dinner tomorrow night. If you’re free, I would like for you to go with me.”
    She steps back from me. “Are you asking me out?”
    I think about it for a second. “Yes, I am. Would you like to go?”
    “Brody, we’re just fuck buddies. I don’t want to complicate anything in our arrangement.”
    I take her hand. “I’m asking my friend to do me the great honor of being my date.”
    She stares at me few several seconds.
    “It’s black tie event. I don’t know if you would enjoy being out of that awesome looking jersey.” I softly chuckle.
    “I have several dresses for black tie events. I go to a lot of things for my dad. Although, I do like this jersey.” She gives me a small smile.
    “Is that a ‘yes’?” I ask.
    She nods. “Yes. I would love to.”
    “Great, the limo will be here at six.” I give her a quick kiss on the lips and head back over to my house.
     
    ~ ~ ~
     
    The limo service called me and confirmed that they are ten minutes away. I really dislike limos. I would rather go in my own vehicle. However, you can’t argue when your boss is the one sending it. I look in the mirror and adjust my tie again. I really don’t like bow ties either. I grab my wallet and phone and walk over to Selene’s place.
    I knock on her door. The moment the door opens, my jaw hits the ground. Selene is stunning. Her dark hair is in loose curls, framing her face. Her makeup is flawless, enhancing her beauty. It’s the dress that put it all together though. It’s a deep red color that goes all the way to the ground. It’s tight around her breasts and torso, then slightly flows out from her waist. The chiffon wrap twinkles in the light.
    “Brody, you okay?” she asks.
    “Oh, yeah, I’m great. Just amazed by how great you look.” I can’t take my eyes off her.
    She puts her hands on her hips. “So, I look like shit all the others times you’ve seen me?”
    “No, no, that’s not what I meant. I haven’t seen you dressed like this,” I stammer on my words.
    She gives me a small smile. “I think I need a better explanation than that, captain.”
    I’m about to tell her that I would rather stay home with her than go to the dinner, but the limo beeps for us.
    “Saved by the horn.” I grin.
    She shakes her head but she smiles. It’s nice to see her smile again. Last night was hard on me, seeing her so sad. I’m glad that she told me, and I hate she went through all of that alone. When I got home, I thought about what a strong person she is and how much she has dealt with. It meant a lot to me that she trusted me with her story. I knew that was a hard one to tell.
    I couldn’t imagine going through something like that. I have friends, but to have a best friend die at such a young age is so much harder. I’m sure that she still blames herself, but look how far she has come. I take her by the hand, and we walk towards the limo. The driver is about to get out to come around, but I wave him away. I’ll take care of my girl tonight.
    My girl?
    Is Selene my girl?
    “Well, aren’t you chivalrous?” Selene coos at me as I open the door for her. I smile at her. She gets into the limo, and I go