I glare at him as we make our way off the ice. He doesn't seem bothered andinstead takes my hands and interlocks them again.
“I’m just saying,” he teases, “if you ever find a sheet of notebook paper folded into fourths under your door… don’t be shocked.”
My knees suddenly feel so weak, and I'm thankful Scotty's helping me off the ice because I don’t trust my legs at all. The second we’re on solid ground, though, I slip out of his hands and beeline for my bag, pretending I’m unbothered.
Scotty sits in front of me, facing the rink and the Zamboni smoothing over the ice.
Thank goodness.
If he turned around right now, I'd have to face what happened—or, at least, whatalmosthappened.
I nearly let Scotty Hendricks kiss me.
Scotty Hendricks.
The same guy who inadvertently humiliated me…twice.
This can't happen. Thiswon'thappen. This will stay strictly professional.
I change out of the skates as quickly as my shaking hands allow, slip my shoes on, and stand. The weight of my bag is comforting—something normal in a moment that feels anything but.
“Are you still free for a lesson on Tuesday?” I ask to the back of Scotty's head so quietly, the Zamboni nearly drowns me out.
As if he knows I wouldn't be able to handle seeing his face, he doesn't turn around. He nods, though.
“Anything for you, Princess.”
A hard lump forms in my throat at his response.
“Thank you, Scotty. For all your help. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course. I'd never let you fall.”
I take a deep breath, not sure who this is going to hurt more, me or him.
“I also think we need to keep this strictly professional. Blurring the lines didn't do us any favors last time.”
Still not turning, he says, “As you wish.”
I whisper a goodbye he doesn’t hear and rush out of the rink before I can take back every word.
I can’t do it.
I can’t fall for Scotty Hendricks.
Not again.
Not when I’m still picking myself up from the last time he broke me.
Chapter 20
Gripping my phone, I stare down at the list on my screen, willing the empty boxes to magically tick themselves. As if sheer desperation could somehow make Laura more qualified than she is.
Shockingly, the universe refuses to cooperate.
It’s not enough. She hasn’t done enough.
Fuuuuck.
