She grabbed her stomach. “Shit, I didn’t realize how hungry I was until right now.”
“Sit down, finish what you need to. I’ll get everyone waffles and then we can go.”
“Thank you, Preston.” She swallowed, staring at me, her eyes swirling with gratitude. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
I offered a half-smile, hoping that appeased her before I went into the kitchen. My chest ached with those damn what-ifs again, but I focused on the task. It didn’t matter that I would legit do anything she asked, any time of day. I’d only be in a friend capacity.
“It might be a fun twin thing, but I can read your emotions across the room.” Price entered the kitchen, his hair in a super chaotic bun. “No luck with Jordan?”
“I asked her on a date, and she said no.”
“Well, fuck. I wasn’t expecting that.” He winced and grabbed my shoulder. “Sorry, brother.”
I shrugged him off me, hurt and annoyed. “I’m friend-zoned for life. I’ll get over it eventually. Probably.”
“You need a distraction.” Price’s voice dropped lower. “Dude, I know exactly what you should do.”
“What’s that? Move out?” I barked a sharp laugh. “Already thinking about it.”
“Are we finally gonna be roomies?”
“No, we’re not.” I fought a smile. “You’re annoying.”
He ignored my comment and shrugged, the carefree aura hewore so well radiating off him. “You need to bring a date to the event tomorrow night. It’ll show her you listened to her and respected her decision, and it’ll force you to start thinking about someone else that way.”
Fuck. I closed my eyes and groaned. Price was right. My stomach felt like lead grew inside it, but I ran a hand over my face. “Yeah, I’ll think about it.”
“If you need help getting a date, let me know.” He winked. “Some of my seconds would love a night with you.”
17
JORDAN
“This is probably a terrible idea, right?”
Preston stared at me for a beat before shrugging. “I’ve had worse, so it can’t be too bad.”
“We’re about to walk a mile in negative temperatures, over snow and ice.” I gulped. “I can’t let you get hurt, Charming. This is dangerous.”
“So cute you’re worrying about me,” he teased, winking before he put on his final piece of winter gear. We both had layers upon layers, hats and hoods, and those face coverings that only left your eyes uncovered. “Your event will kick ass, J, so let’s go.”
Preston opened the front door, and I followed, my throat aching from his determination to help me. When we were inside, I was distracted with worry about the event and all the final pieces. But now that we had a white landscape, my brain kept going back to him asking me out on a date.
God.
I was still in disbelief. I couldn’t remember the last time I went on a date that wasn’t just a hookup. Going on one with him…it would be a disaster.
But would it?
My throat filled with emotion as I watched him take the lead. He held my hand and ensured me he’d make sure everything was safe before stepping onto it. It should be the other way around. He was the hockey star, and I was not. I had to take care ofhim.I tugged his hand, stilling him. “Let me go first.”
“Not a chance, J.” His eyes crinkled in a smile and then he kept on moving. “Watch your step here.” He pointed to a curb. I stepped in his footprints, once again torn over my feelings for this wonderful human.
Logan warned me about not hurting Preston, but he seemed fine after our chat. He didn’t look at me weird or glare or seem sad. He was still kind, protective, and perfect. I wanted to talk to her. She’d know what to do. She’d help me sort out my disaster of a mind.
Content with my plan to have my other best friend guide my life choice, I finally relaxed. I hadn’t given Preston my answer yet and wouldn’t until I spoke with her. While my heart told me it’d be foolish to say yes and even try, something tugged at me to say yes. Almost like a fishhook landed in my gut, drawing me nearer to him. But the second I thought about the possibility, my anxiety smacked me in the face, reminding me I was too much.
“This is gonna be an epic event. Just look at the rink right now.” Preston paused and let go of my hand, placing his in his pockets. “The trees covered in snow? It’s like a hockey holiday card.”
