A man in an NHL hoodie is standing at the edge of the ice, arms crossed, looking unimpressed. “What are you doing out here? Get your ass to the locker room. Now.”
Easton exhales hard as if he suddenly remembered what he’s supposed to be doing here in the first place, gaze flicking apologetically to mine. He rakes a hand through his hair and gives me a bashful smile.
“Sorry.”
Then he’s gone, skating away without another word, disappearing into the tunnel.
I stand there, my body still wired, my pulse hammering so hard I can hear it in my ears.
Sorry.
What the hell is he sorry for? That he’s ditching me? That he didn’t kiss me? That he DIDN’T ASK ME TO PROM?!
Does this mean he isn’t going to? This was the perfect opportunity!
It was part of our deal!
He promised the promposal was coming.
And as incredible as it feels being with him, part of me can’t help but wonder:What on earth is he waiting for?
Chapter 28
Easton
I was about to kiss Harper at the rink last night.
I was so close to her lips.
Pink nose, pink cheeks.
Wide eyes.
She totally wanted me to, and there was nothing stopping me until fucking Coach Waller pissed on the moment.
The vibrating buzz of my cell phone stops my thoughts, and I fumble for it on the nightstand. Half awake, I swipe at the screen, ready to dismiss whatever notification is interrupting my morning.
Then I see her name.
Maddie Miller.
For a second, I think I’m dreaming. Or hallucinating. There is no way she just texted me.
This must be a mistake.
I forget about kissing Harper. Forget about the way she looked at me when I made that shot. The way her lips parted when I almost kissed her again last night.
I sit up so fast I nearly fall out of bed and knock a water bottle from my end table.
“Holy shit.”
Maddie Miller:Morning!!!!!!
I stare as three dots fill my screen. What could she possibly want? My brain cannot handle this kind of excitement so early in the morning.
Maddie:Super rando question but, like, since you don’t live far from my house I was wondering if I could catch a ride to school? My mom is taking my car to get the oil changed.
The first thing my brain registers is: She wants a favor. From me. The second is: Is this a joke?
