Not even for a second.
It’s the same look he gave me at the press conference, like I’m the only person who exists.
Heat spreads through my chest until it becomes difficult to breathe. My skin prickles under the heavy weight of his stare. Beneath the pull and dizzy rush of being watched with that kind of intensity, another feeling simmers.
Jealousy.
I’m envious of a woman out on a date with a man I keep swearing I don’t give a damn about. I’m jealous over a situation I promised myself I’d never get caught in.
This is exactly why I never let things get too deep.
Why I keep it casual.
Temporary.
It’s the reason I never hand over power that could destroy me.
The moment you lower your guard and let someone matter, jealousy and hurt slip right in through the cracks.
Love doesn’t just break you.
It teaches you not to trust anyone with the fragile pieces of your heart.
And yet here I am, letting a hockey player worm his way under my skin. The very thing I swore I’d never do.
Pull it together, Rina.
Just get through this evening.
Tomorrow will be easier.
I turn my attention back to Lucas.
He’s nice.
Polished.
Safe.
He’s the kind of man you could build a quiet life with. He listens, doesn’t interrupt, doesn’t smirk like he’s already three steps ahead. He’s everything I should want and absolutely none of what I crave.
He doesn’t set off fireworks under my skin or scatter my thoughts.
He doesn’t make me feel.
Not the way a certain someone else does.
“Is something wrong, darling?” Evelyn’s tone cuts through my silent spiral, silk wrapped around steel. Her gaze zeros in on me, much too knowing.
“Of course not.” The brightness I force into my voice feels hollow as it scrapes my throat raw.
I shove back my chair and rise to my feet. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.”
Not once do I glance in Oliver’s direction. If I do, I’ll never make it out of the room. I walk quickly, pushing through the restroom door.
Cool air greets me, carrying the faint scent of lavender and lemon polish. The hum of conversation fades behind the door as I grip the porcelain sink and stare at my reflection.
My lipstick is perfect.
