I still can’t quite register that he said yes, so it takes a minute for the request to sink in. “A black-tie event? For a first date? I don’t know what kind of world you come from, but in my world, pizza and a movie are a more logical place to start.”
He ducks his head, running a hand through his hair in the way he does when he’s agitated. Why do I know that about him? “Right. There is a movie marathon this Saturday at the little cinema above Top Shelf. They’re showing some witchy movies, if that’s your thing. Cece was talking about it.”
“Oh, that sounds... no wait, I can’t Saturday. I’ve already got plans.” Now that I think about it, why did I think this was feasible? Between our hockey schedules, school, andvolunteering, we might find a day in the next five years or so that’ll work for both of us.
“That’s too bad. What have you got going on?”
I’m about to snap at him. Tell him it’s none of his business, but then I remember that’s not a normal reaction to someone you just asked out. It’s going to be tough transitioning him in my mind from foe to more than a friend. “My sister’s got a dance competition. It’s a local one, and my dad is going to take over after lunch so I can go to practice, but I promised I’d be there for her.”
“Dance competition. Sounds fun. Can I come?” He crosses his arms over his chest, studying me like it’s a challenge. Like he’s testing me out to see if I really meant my invitation.
“It’s not fun. For anyone. Picture this. Getting up at the ass crack of dawn, cranky seventeen-year-old drama queen, probable wardrobe emergency, and a lot of waiting around. Oh, and dance moms. They’ll devour you in one bite.”
“You think I can’t handle it?”
I shake my head, amazed he’s even considering it. Obviously, he has no idea what this day is going to entail. “I think you don’t want to. Hell, I don’t want to, and she’s my own sister.”
“I’ll be there. Want me to pick the two of you up? Just give me a time and place.” He’s casually leaning against the wall, one foot crossed in front of the other.
A ride? Honestly, that would be amazing. A chance to avoid wrestling my sister’s beast of a dance bag into the tiny trunk of a rideshare? Yes, please. “If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure. Text me the details.”
“I will.”
I’m still staring at him, head tilted to the side, when he closes the distance between us. He takes his time, as if he’s testing this out. The relationship factor. He reaches out, and a shiver runsthrough me as he brushes an escaped tendril of hair behind my ear.
He folds at the waist, planting a soft kiss on my lips. It feels different. Now that we’ve taken a step toward something more.
I shut my eyes, breathing him in. His soft scent surrounds me, hands curled around my cheeks. All the anxieties disappear when we’re like this. It’s just the two of us.
“You coming, bestie?” Maisie’s voice cuts through the moment, and I jerk away from him. “Oops, sorry for the interruption. But we have to get to practice. I’ll leave you to say your goodbyes in privacy.” She turns tail, ponytail whipping in her haste to get out of there, but she throws a parting shot over her shoulder. “You’re welcome, Whitaker.”
I ignore the question on Beau’s curious face, gathering up my laptop and viciously zipping my bag shut. “I gotta go.” Isn’t he the one obsessed with punctuality? Now he’s going to make me late.
He stands there frozen like the image on my laptop. I rush out of the room, ducking by him before he can snag my arm. It takes all of my self-restraint not to look back, but it’s like he’s still with me. His kiss lingers on my lips, and my pulse races as his unexpected agreement blooms in my chest.
Chapter 24
The Storm Before The Calm
Beau
Imakeithalfwaythrough my pregame routine before the phone call comes in. Blocked number. Which means Dad. I shouldn’t answer. I know I shouldn’t. But I do.
His voice is cool and clipped. Something about an event next weekend. A dinner. Or a fundraiser. Or maybe a hostage situation masquerading as a father-son PR opportunity. He doesn’t ask if I’m free, just lists the time and the attire. Black tie. Of course.
“Don’t be late this time, Beau.”
The line goes dead.
I’m sliding my second elbow pad into place when JJ’s voice rises above the rest. Not an unusual occurrence. I can usually tune him out while I’m gearing up, but my father’s call threw me off and he scrambles to a stop directly in front of me, breaking through my attempt to regain my pregame moment of quiet.
“Looks like you’ve got a fan in the stands tonight, Captain.”
Don’t let it be him. One would think he’d warn me if he was making an appearance at my game during the phone call, buta surprise visit to throw me off balance is always a possibility. Though I can’t remember the last time he showed up for one of my games. I could probably count his total appearances on one hand, even though I’ve been playing for over fifteen years now. It’s better that way. He’s a distraction I can’t afford. Especially not tonight.
“Wilder and her posse showed up. Cece told me.” He’s out of breath, words tumbling out of his mouth in a jumble to break the news to me.
