Overtime

We arrived at the restaurant after a quick walk down the street, and as Jamie promised, it was pretty nice. It had the feel of a cozy log cabin with a small fireplace to greet you at the entrance. The walls were wood panels and were decorated with various photos. Jamie and I were brought to a small table, made for two people. The waitress seated us, and asked if she could get us some wine. I immediately had to say yes to that, I rarely drank, but to get through a date with Jamie Benn some alcohol might be necessary.

“So, tell me about yourself Jamie.” I said, over my menu.
“What is there to know? I play hock-” I cut him off.

“No, tell me about you” I insisted.

“What do you mean?” His dark eyes became confused, resembling a confused child.

“I know that you play hockey, but I’m interested in more than that. What do you do after hockey? You have to have something else to you besides hockey.” I pried.

“Where do I even start? Umm… Well I grew up in Victoria; I’ve got a brother named Jordie… I don’t really like anything else, I mean, my life is hockey. It always has been. What about you, Miss Abbey Paquet- Snowboard Queen?” I let out a giggle. Maybe it was the wine maybe it was the cute way he said my name.

I stared at him for what seemed like forever. What else was my life besides snowboarding? Every day for the past 5 years at least, I’ve lived, breathed and bled snowboarding. This was harder than I thought.

“Let’s see. Well, I’ve lived in Montreal all my life, and it’s only ever been me and my parents. No siblings. I used to want to be a teacher maybe, but then snowboarding came into my life and I haven’t gone a day without loving it. Oh and I’m unhealthily obsessed with dogs.” I laughed at myself.

“Ooh la la, une française fille. Just my type” I laughed at Jamie’s failed French attempt. Maybe this date wasn’t going so bad after all.

“Okay Jamie, tell me this. What made you want to go out with me? I mean, I wanted to murder you a few nights ago. Is that what you find attractive in women?” He laughed.

“I don’t know, really. But even when you were furious at me, I couldn’t seem to get my mind off of you.” Was it hot in here? Oh nope, that’s just my pale face turning into a tomato.

I tried to cover my face with the menu, to hide from Jamie. I definitely was not used to guys calling me cute. Fortunately the waitress from earlier showed up to take our orders, and I was able to look away from Jamie and regain my composure. I decided to order a random pasta dish, because I deserved the carbs after today’s victory. Jamie ordered the same as me, and the waitress left, which left us to conversing again.
“So, Abbey, aside from your friend saying yes, what made you say yes to going on this date with me?” Jamie asked, leaning back in his chair, smirking.

“I thought maybe I’d be able to poison your food while you were in the bathroom or something and then I could finally get some peace and quiet at night.” I joked.

“Wow, that’s a little hurtful.” Jamie laughed. “But for real, why?”

Why did I agree to this? I could have easily run back to my hotel room on the way to the restaurant. I could get up right now from this table and march myself into bed and call it a day. Maybe it was the way his eyes locked with mine when I spoke, showing that he actually cared. Maybe it was the way he giggled at his own jokes. Maybe- no snap out of it, Abbey. This guy has kept you awake how many nights in a row?

“Uhhh.” I stammered, as Jamie grinned. “Don’t flatter yourself here or anything, Benn, but maybe it’s because I think you could actually be a good guy; despite how much I hate you for keeping me awake.”

“Hey, that’s good enough for me, Paquet.” There was that giggle. “So, since I saw your victory on the slopes, how about you come see mine on the ice?”

“What makes you so sure it’s going to be a victory?” I enquired.

“Have you seen our line-up?” Jamie said raising an eyebrow. And we’re back to cocky Jamie in what? A matter of 2.5 seconds?

“You know, I thought we were finally getting somewhere with your cocky attitude.” I teased.

“Oh Abbey, you have much to learn.” Jamie tried to say with a straight face, clenching his jaw (oh shit) but perceptibly broke out into another fit of giggles. “Seriously though, we get tickets for family and stuff but obviously mine isn’t here, so I’ve got seats with your name on it if you’re up to see some beauties.”

What am I going to do with you, Jamie Benn? I’ve known the guy for like three days. What is making him be so adamant towards wanting me? I don’t think I’ll ever understand the male mind. Before I could think too much of it, the waitress arrived with our food, and we ate in a comfortable silence.

After the date, Jamie and I decided to take a walk around the athlete’s village. We talked about everything; I learned after awhile he was good at listening, and knew when to put his two cents in- something I appreciated. Somewhere along the way my small hand found its way into Jamie’s huge hand. Despite this being totally out of character for me, for some reason it just felt right. Like our hands were two pieces of a puzzle that just… fit. Oh god, Abbey. Snap out of it, you’re cheesy as fuck.

Eventually we found our way back to the hotel, and Jamie walked me to my room. At this point I had my arm linked with his, and was basically hanging off of him, happy for no apparent reason. As we approached my door, I turned to put my back against it, and Jamie placed his hands above my head on the door, boxing me in.

“I had a nice time Jamie.” I said, biting my lower lip, smiling.

“So did I.” He smiled, closed his eyes and went to lean in for a kiss. Not so fast, Benn. I pulled my room key out of my back pocket and unlocked the door. I turned the handle and quickly stepped in which caused Jamie to lose his balance and fall forward a bit.

“Maybe next time.” I laughed as I slammed the door, and luckily, heard his giggle from the other side.

Notes

Sorry it took me like two weeks to update, I've just been really busy with school, but I'm going to try to update at least once a week from now on! Let me know what you guys think so far :)