Can't Get You Out of My Head

I sat in my stall, fumbling with my laces. My wrist was mostly healed, but the brace I still wore made even the simplest tasks more difficult, it was my first on-ice workout since the injury and if I couldn't even tie my laces, how would they ever let me play? I let out a frustrated groan and just as I was about to give up, I saw two perfectly smooth, long legs out of the corner of my eye saunter towards me.

"Do you need a hand, Sunshine?" she teased, her voice almost singing. I knew it well. I couldn't help but freeze in her presence. It was kind of stupid; I didn't even know her name. All I knew was this: she was an intern in the PR department and could always be seen near our public relations specialist, Jen. I remember being so intrigued by her the first time I saw her. She always seemed highly professional and focused, but had a constant smile on her face. It was impossible to be in a bad mood near her. There was something special about her and I wanted to make my move, but the opportunity never presented itself -- until now.

"These old fingers just aren't cooperating with me the way they should..."

I laughed nervously as she knelt down to help my with my skates. She looked up at me and my heart skipped a beat.

"I'm Anna, by the way. I don't think we've formally met," she said with a flirty grin.

"I'm Beau and no, we haven't." I couldn't believe what was happening. This was my chance, the best I was ever going to get... But just as she opened her mouth to say something, Jen walked in and requested her help with a seemingly very urgent matter. She sighed, standing up.

"Until next time, Beau. And good luck with those pesky laces... Looks like you might need it." She winked and hurried off.

"So much for seizing the opportunity," I thought. "At least I know her name, right? That's a start."

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Anna's POV

"Earth to Anna. Hello, are you in there?" Jen's voice shook me out of my daze. I couldn't stop thinking about Beau. What a silly thing, to be so interested in someone I knew nothing about other than he's great at hockey and he's got the bluest eyes I've ever seen on a man. He was driving me crazy from afar and I couldn't control it. It seems every time I try to make my move, something or someone intervenes. Don't get me wrong, I love my internship and Jen is great, but to say I wasn't cursing her internally even a little for ruining my opportunity would be a lie.

"Uh, sorry, Jen. I just have a lot on my mind today, I guess."

"It's Beau, isn't it?" A knowing look splashed across her face. Was it that obvious? "Oh, come on. Everyone has a crush on Beau. And it's not like you hide it very well. I've seen you staring at him all the time.

I sighed defeatedly. "I just want to get to know him, but it's hard to get him alone around here."

Jen chuckled at me and when I seemed confused, she spoke. "Just ask him out already! He definitely won't way no and it's clear you're not getting anywhere here."

"I guess I could do that. I just don't want to seem-- How are you so sure he won't say no?"

"You're not the only transparent one here, Anna. He's just as easy to read as you and it's apparent he's into you, too."

"But there's just no way a guy like him could be interested in me. I don't see it." She took a deep breathe and looked at as if she was about to go off in one of her older-and-wiser pep talks. And that she did.

"Look, kiddo. I'm saying this a friend. Sure, there's a chance I could be wrong, but how big is that chance in reality? I was right about where your head was, wasn't I? All I'm saying is, give it a shot. Ask him out for food. It doesn't have to anything too fancy or date-like. See where it goes and if I'm wrong, all-you-can-eat burgers and shakes at Burgatory on me."

"You're right, Jen. What's the worst that could happen? Yes means wish come true and no means endless peanut butter and jelly shakes for free." I winked and we both burst into laughter. Jen was right. Nothing's getting done by staring off into the distance. I needed to make this happen if I wanted it -- and by god I did.

--
I couldn't help but yawn as I started my journey towards the parking garage. It'd been a long day. Beau was on my mind almost constantly since my talk with Jen. Over and over again, I thought about what I would say to him, when I could do it, and where we'd go if he did actually say yes. I had just promised myself to think about something else, my mind drifting to upcoming homework assignments, when I heard footsteps fall in rhythm with mine.

"Anna, right?" I turned at the sound of his voice and discovered exactly who I'd hoped to.

"Well look who it is! Any more trouble with those laces, Beau?" He smiled wide, his eyes practically lighting up. My heart skipped a beat at the sight.

"Uh, no I think I've got the hang of it now. Where you headed?"

"Home, probably. It's been an exhausting day." Maybe it was my mind playing tricks, but I thought I saw a tinge of dejection come across his face.

"Well, uh, I'm was about to, um, grab some food. Did you maybe want to, um, come with me? If not that's fine, I just thought I'd ask. You know, being friendly and stuff." He laughed nervously. I couldn't help but laugh a little too. Partially at how adorable he was just then and partially out of relief I didn't have to ask him first.

"Sure, I guess I could keep you company for a while." I winked and we walked together to our respective cars, not speaking much. It was a comfortable silence. It felt like we'd both accomplished something we'd wanted to for a while.