Empty Net by Toni Aleo

“Yup.”
    “All right, I’ll meet you guys there.”
    “Okay,” she said as they reached the car.
    Tate watched as Audrey made sure Aiden was buckled in before she got into the car and started it up. He waited until they were driving away before he made his way to his truck.
    Like always, his pulse kicked up with every step he took. He reached for the handle of the truck three times before he actually took hold of it and opened the door. He stood for another couple of minutes staring at the driver’s seat before he took a step toward it, then ran a hand nervously through his hair before finally climbing in. Tate let out a long breath as he laid the cupcakes Audrey had made for him on the seat beside him. His knee bounced uncontrollably as his nerves and fear of driving kicked in. He reached in his pocket for the keys, then stabbed at the ignition, trying to put in the key until he finally got it right. It was always like this when he drove. Ever since the accident that took his family from him, driving was like facing down his worst fear every time. It never seemed to get any easier.
    After another long breath, he turned the ignition key and the engine roared to life. Sweat trickled down his neck and he felt like his chest was closing in. Even though a big part of his brain begged him to shut the truck off and run inside the house where he would be safe, the other part was eager to see Audrey.
    Tate was sure the only reason he put the truck in reverse and drove off was because ofher. He often found himself looking for reasons to go over to her condo, but found none. Today, when he saw Aiden outside as he pulled up after an afternoon skate, he became overly excited. And when Aiden asked him to go to his game, he couldn’t say yes fast enough.
    Tate’s heart picked up at the thought of getting the chance to pick Audrey’s brain and find out what made her tick. It also encouraged him to get over his anxiety, so that he could get to the arena.
    So he could get to Audrey.
    The drive was quick, thankfully. After parking and taking a few deep breaths, he made his way inside. He carried his cupcakes in his hand while tucking his phone and keys in his pocket. Entering, he spotted Audrey instantly, though the arena was full of parents of the kids who were playing. She sat alone at the very top, watching Aiden and his teammates warm up. She looked beautiful as he made his way toward her. Every time he saw her she was always so glossed up and polished, except for the time she was burning things and when he woke up beside her. Usually he liked it better when his women were natural, but with Audrey, he found he liked her both ways.
    She just did it for him.
    Like today, she was wearing an expensive-looking blazer that came to the top of her extremely tight jeans. The jeans curved with her amazing body and ended at heels that gave her an extra five inches in height. She had put a knitted teal cap on her head and tied a bright yellow scarf tight around her neck. Her cheeks were rosy from the chill in the arena. She looked so classy and so beautiful that Tate found himself walking faster, just to get to her.
    When he got to her section, he made his way up the stairs, taking three at a time. Audrey glanced up at him just as he reached her, dropping his large body next to hers. She glanced downat the cupcakes and then back up at him, a grin tugging at her lips.
    “I see you brought game food.”
    Tate smiled. “Yup. I have a feeling they will be the best cupcakes ever.”
    She giggled as she looked down at the arena, ran her hands up and down her legs before tucking them in her lap. Since his hand started to itch from the need to touch her, Tate opened the box of cupcakes and took one out. He held it out for Audrey, who took it with a grin. They both were silent while unwrapping their delectable treats, watching Aiden skate around the rink, taking shots at the goal. The boy was Lucas Brooks made over. He skated and shot just like his