The guys nod their heads in agreement, and then things just go back to normal. Like nothing ever happened, like it was all just some silly misunderstanding over leftovers or some shit.
Lucas though, he looks at me like he’s still mulling over the past two days. I try my best to ignore him but it’s hard, he’s burning holes into the side of my face.
I watch everyone very closely as they clean, how naturally they all interact, how they’re like a family. Even though I’ve started to make myself at home, slowly becoming friends with them, I can’t help but feel so out of place. This is their home, their lives, and I’ve come and flipped everything upside down.
I feel a warm hand wrap itself around my wrist and pull me towards the hallway, away from the kitchen. When I look up I see Lucas leading me, pulling me out of earshot. He drops my wrist and turns around, then crosses his arms and leans against the wall, waiting for me to say something. It’s almost like he expects me to read his damn mind and know what he wants from me.
“Care to explain why I was just kidnapped?” I snark.
“Okay, first of all, you were not kidnapped. We’re still in the house. Second, why were you so reluctant to explain what really happened to the guys?” His question sends shivers down my spine, and goosebumps erupt all over my skin. I thought we would have dropped this and moved on, but Lucas St. James is one stubborn son of a bitch.
“I didn’t want them to be angry with you. I know you didn’t mean to do it, but how was I supposed to know the guys wouldn’t think otherwise?” He stays silent, waiting for me to continue, “we aren’t exactly BFF’s if you haven't noticed. I thought that maybe the other would think you had enough after a solid twenty-four hours of knowing me.”
He shrugs, “yeah, I guess.”
He guesses? We’ve been in each other's lives for less than two days and we are the epitome of the whole ‘we hate each other’ thing. It’s no secret that we aren’t in the other's good graces.
The way he shifts his arms further into the defensive position has my eyes flicking down, his muscles ripple under his shirt and I feel myself losing the tiny grip on sanity I have left.
“Look” I say, “we’re going to be living with one another whether we like it or not, Tony will make sure of that. So even though I’ve already given my peace offering, I’m going to be the bigger person and ask for a truce.”
He ponders my proposal for a moment before sticking out his hand, “fine. But don’t expect me to give up all my tormenting, it’s kinda fun.”
I let out a loud laugh, “I wouldn’t dream of it.” I shake his hand and my body feels like it's on fire, electricity buzzes through me, forcing me to pull away quickly… and he does the same.
Lucas clears his throat and brushes past me, making his way back into the kitchen to join the others.
I don’t really know how to rationalize what just happened. That fire that ignited when our hands touched? It was like nothing I’ve ever felt before.
The boys start yelling, going on and on about whatever video game they’re playing, so I pull myself together and join them on the couch.
Huh, I played this game with Tony and Chris all the time.
I have so much to teach them, both on and off the ice, but I’m sure they’re about to teach me more about myself than I ever thought possible.
seven
CLAIRE
I have never felt so proud after a morning practice, and hearing praise from Crystal and Sharron only reinforces how I was already feeling.
I nailed every single skill and routine. Not only did I nail them… I perfected them. Not a single thing went wrong today, and after the last couple days, I really needed this.
I pull out of the parking lot and stop to get myself a celebratory orange slushie –my one kryptonite.
You tell me you have a slushie for me… we’re instantly best friends.
Walking into the house, I debate whether or not I should tell the guys how great my morning went, would it be weird? Or would it be something that normal friends slash roommates share with one another? Maybe I’ll just tell August, I know he’ll listen to me and be super supportive.
The guys are sitting in the living room watching old tapes, specifically whatever team they’re playing on Saturday. Lucas looks like he’s about to rip someone's head off, and I’m not gonna lie… seeing him red faced and angry is kind of funny. It’s also nice to see him so infuriated by something other than myself.
I toss my bags onto the kitchen counter and watch them all scream and yell at a complete break away. A massive laugh leaves my lips, the others are intense, but Lucas is absolutely losing his mind at a game that is no longer in his control.
This is totally blackmail material.
I pull out my phone and snap a picture of the grown ass man throwing a temper tantrum like a child. My flash goes off and all of them whip their heads around, now very aware of me.
Lucas freezes in his spot, Davis tries to act cool, Blair smiles at me, Miller looks embarrassed, and August holds in a laugh.
