“Bummer.” I laughed. “Please tell me I didn’t miss out on the trust falls.”
“No.” Seth looked deadly serious. “I think they’re coming later.”
I glanced back at Parker and found myself wondering, would he catch me if I fell? But I didn’t have to question it. I knew he would. When Jaz asked what had happened to make me stop hating Parker, I’d avoided answering because I didn’tknow what to say. I couldn’t pin it to any one moment.
Maybe it was sometime during our endless hours of training, or when he’d defended me during the game against the Chargers. Maybe when he’d climbed the wall of my house just because I hadn’t said goodbye and kissed me in my closet as though he’d been waiting years for that very moment. Maybe it had happened further back than that, without me even realizing it, when he’d shown such blind faith in my ability as a hockey player that he smuggled me into his team’s tryouts, knowing full well it might completely ruin his reputation with my dad. Whenever it was, I hadn’t just stopped hating him. Somewhere along the line, I’d gone and decided to trust him.
“Parker seems pretty intent on getting you guys back to winning ways,” Jaz said.
“Parker doesn’t know how to lose,” Seth replied. “Winning is in his DNA. Plus, hereallyhates the Saints.”
“Well, hopefully all this team bonding works.”
“I think it will.” Seth started to grin. “And if it doesn’t, I can happily walk away from the experience knowing at least I got a friendship bracelet from the great Mackenzie Foster.”
I smiled. “So, it wasn’t all for nothing, then.”
“Definitely not.”
The music suddenly stopped, and Parker whistled, drawing everyone’s attention as he leaped up onto a log. “Thanks, everyone, for being here tonight. You might be pleased to know, there are no set plans for the evening. I’m really proud of the way you’ve all stepped up this week and embraced team bonding. And how hard you’ve worked in practice. I know it’s all going to pay off next weekend when we crush the Saints.”
The boys around the fire cheered loudly in response.
“So, tonight, I just want everyone to hang out and enjoy yourselves.”
More cheers rang through the cool night air.
“What about the feelings circle?” Seth called out once everyone quieted down.
Laughter echoed and Parker grinned. “You can share your feelings if you like, Seth.”
“Nah, I’m good,” he replied.
“Really? Nothing you want to get off your chest?” Parker teased him. “No deep, dark secrets?”
“Well, actually, there is one thing…” The corner of Seth’s mouth lifted as mischief danced in his eyes. “There’s this girl I’ve got a crush on, but I haven’t told anyone.”
Intrigued looks appeared on all the boys’ faces and whispers rippled through the group.
“Who’s the lucky girl?” someone shouted.
“She’s a junior,” Seth started. “Dark hair. Blue eyes. Kind of mean.” He was grinning at Parker now. “Incredible skater. Looksgreatin spandex. She’s got three terrifying older brothers, though…”
There were a few nervous laughs, as everyone followed Seth’s gaze to Parker, who was glaring at his friend.
“I’ve got some feelings I’d like to share myself,” Parker growled. “I think I need a new best friend.”
There was more laughter as Seth turned to me. “If you ever want to piss off one of the Darling boys, just check out their sister. They go feral.”
“You’ve got a crush on Cammie?” I asked, shocked.
“No.” Seth laughed. “I wouldn’t dare. Didn’t you see the look on his face? It’s just fun to mess with him.”
Parker might want a new best friend, but unfortunately for him, I thought he and Seth were perfect for each other.
“Anyone else got some feelings they want to share?” Parker shouted. His eyes met mine, making my heart flutter. But then he turned to the rest of our team to add, “Before I throw Seth in the lake?”
The guys snickered and looked Seth’s way. He held up his hands in surrender but was still grinning broadly.
