His signature divot appears between his eyes.
“I guess people noticed how long we were gone last night.”
Wes shakes his head. “Spencer’s stupid smile this morning makes perfect sense now.”
I choose not to mention the whistling, ignoring my instinct to tease him.
“Oh, yeah,” I add, slapping my hand down on the boards, “and someoneheardme, so you’re considered a sex god. You’re welcome.”
Wes clears his throat, a blush rising in his cheeks visible above his beard. “Fantastic,” he deadpans.
“You should have no problem getting women now.”
“I didn’t have that problem before, Covington.”
“If you say so.” Apparently, I can’t help myself, teasing him by drawing out that last syllable. “The good news is that we have a head start convincing my family and my ex that we’re together.”
“Listen, about that—”
My stomach sinks. He’s going to bail on me, and I’ll be left to deal with my insane family and my piece of shit ex on my own. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll be—”
“I’m not backing out, Isla. I wouldn’t do that to you.”
“Oh.”
“I’d like to take you up on that favor.”
“Favor,” I repeat.
“For helping you out with this dinner.”
I give him a sly smile. “That was a favor to Spencer, not me.”
Wes shuffles his feet, eyes shifting to the ceiling.
I take mercy on him. “I’m joking. What is it?”
His shoulders sag in relief. “I think it would be good for Thea to spend some time with you. She’s doing okay. No more issues at hockey, and she made some friends, but I don’t know…overhearing you talk with her and seeing how she turned a corner afterward, I think you helped her.”
“I’m sorry, you thinkI’ma good influence? Spencer was right about the whistling.”
Wes’s forehead furrows. “What?”
“Never mind.”
He holds up a hand. “If you’re too busy—”
“No,” I cut in. “I like Thea. I want to help. What did you have in mind?”
“Can you fit another client into your figure skating schedule?”
“Sure, yeah, not a problem,” I ramble like I’m a silly, nervous girl around her crush, which, for the record, is not the case. It’s leftover endorphins from our hookup last night, that’s all. “Let me know when.”
Wes slaps his open palm on the glass. “Thanks, Isla. See you tomorrow.”
For dinner with my family where Wes and I will pretend to be dating.
I’m even less ready for this night than when Spencer forced it on us days ago.
