I think I’m still in shock. The way Bree wrapped herself around me—she’s never done that before. Was she crying? Were those tears on her cheeks?
When she stumbled, my only thought was to make sure she didn’t get hurt, so I did what anyone would do—I caught her. But when I had a chance to really look at her, she had a smile plastered on her face again that didn’t reach her cornflower blue eyes.
But I could tell. Bree’s been through something. I want to ask her what’s wrong, but now’s not the time. Not with all the other knuckleheads around. I’ll have to wait until we get back to my place, or they’ll shove their noses into it faster than a dog sniffing out a bone.
Payton motions Bree over. “Let us give you the tour. And I suppose I need to fill you in on the drama we’ve had recently.”
“You’re British.” Surprise coats her words.
He chuckles. “What gave me away?”
His voice fades as he leads Bree into the arena. I lurch forward, intent on following and keeping an eye on her, but Luke blocks me.
His brows take a nosedive. “Is she your best friend or the woman you’re in love with?”
After a sharp exhale, I stare him straight in the face. “Both?”
He hooks a thumb over his shoulder. “Is she the one you never told?—”
I nod, cutting him off before he can finish that statement. I’ve never told Bree how I feel about her because, one, I didn’t want to risk ruining our friendship. Two, our relationship wasn’t the only one on the line. If you knew my sisters, Ellie and Piper, you’d understand. The only other female who scares me as much as they do is a fresh cow with her calf. They’d have my hide if I did anything to wreck my friendship with Bree.
Obviously, the last year has done nothing to change how I feel about her. I’m still so far gone for this woman that I can’t think straight. Or keep my feelings hidden. I held on to her entirely too long after I stopped her from falling.
Did she notice?
I’ll have to work on that, especially while she’s living with me.
Her honeysuckle scent lingers, teasing my senses and reminding me of the past, home, and everything I love about Bree.
I harden my gaze, so Luke knows I mean business. “Not a word.”
He rears his head back. “Of course not.”
Leaning in, I lower my voice. “Not even to Sophie.”
He studies me for a moment, then nods. “You know she’ll figure it out, though.”
My eyes drift to the door again. “I just need some time to figure things out.”
Luke nods again but says nothing. Not even his usual grunt.
I brush past him and jog into the arena. The boys took Bree down the tunnel to the rink. Always the showman, Ethan’s voicefilters over the sounds of my slides smacking the floor as I rush toward them.
“And this is where the magic happens,” he says with dramatic effect. The man could headline a stage production the second he hangs up his skates.
They’re standing on the ice by the half door. Bree covers her mouth, laughing, while she holds her phone up with her other hand, recording the entire thing.
Elias joins him. “There’s no magic. Just blood and sweat.”
The two of them high-five and say, “We’re the E-team!” at the same time.
So hokey, these idiots. But whatever.
Bree taps her screen. “That was great. Content like that will go a long way.”
I join them, hooking my arm around Bree’s waist so she doesn’t slip on the ice. It’s still rough from practice, so not as slippery, but I don’t want her to take a fall and get hurt. That’s the reason I’m telling myself, at least.
This has nothing to do with the ache in my chest, which makes me realize how much I’ve missed her. “She just got here, fellas, and you’re already putting her to work?”
