“She’s not my girl,” I growl, more out of frustration that it’s the truth than the idea of sideswiping her like this.
“Yet.” They all say it at the same time. And the rumble of the bus’s accelerating motor punctuates their point.
For a moment, I thought Bree might take a chance on me, but then she backpedaled us into the friend zone again. Or I did. Things got weird so fast, I’m not even sure anymore. And I know her—she doesn’t like surprises especially after her parents dropped the bombshell on her about selling their ranch—her home.
While she was in college, I surprised her by showing up at her dorm. I was between games and in the area…close enough, anyway. Between studying for finals and working as a bartender at the local watering hole, she’d sounded worn out and down when we talked on the phone. I figured I could take her out for dinner, help her get away from it all for a few hours.
I’d expected a surprised reaction. Maybe even imagined her throwing herself into my arms because she realized she missed me more than just a friend. Silly, I know, but a guy can dream,right? Instead, she glared at me, asking what the hell I was doing there.
After she calmed down, she finally agreed to take a break from studying and grab a quick bite with me. Quick being the keyword. Afterward, she thanked me, of course, but man, I learned my lesson.
I glare at Mason. “What if your sister doesn’t win, and I wind up going on a date with some random chick—or worse, a puck bunny—who I have no desire to spend an evening with?”
Elias’s grin turns downright lascivious. “Would that be so bad?
“Yes! It would.” I hold my hands out from my sides in exasperation.
His expression becomes sheepish. “Just thinking ahead. If things don’t work out with Bree, maybe something good could happen with this other woman.”
Mason pokes him hard in the chest. “That’s my sister you’re talking about, Brunner, and she’s engaged.”
Elias shoves his hand away. “I was talking about the other woman. Not your sister. Chill out, man.”
Ethan scowls at Elias. “There is no other woman, doofus.” Then he pins me with the same look of determination he had when he told us Mia was the one. “Trust me on this. It will work.”
What other options do I have? Bree keeps avoiding being alone with me, and I’m desperate enough to risk her wrath over surprising her like this. I’m just not clear on how they intend to make the swap.
“How will you convince Bree to go on the date?”
“That was going to be my next question.” Mathéo frowns.
Zayne tries to appear casual but fails. “I’ll ask her out, but Wade will be the one who shows up for the date.”
I don’t like the sneaky expression on his face. Is he interested in Bree?
“You get anywhere near her, and I’ll make sure you never pull another prank, let alone hold a hockey stick again,Zanie.” I snarl out his nickname, so he has no doubt that I mean business.
He holds his hands up. “Just trying to help.”
With a grunt, Luke drags him back a step by the collar. “Stay in your lane, bro. Besides, that would still mean Wade would have to go on a date with whoever wins him in the auction.”
Zayne’s expression shifts from confused to thoughtful, then settles into mild embarrassment. “Oh, yeah, I guess it would.”
I lean my head on the seat. “Like I said, stupid idea.”
Ethan shakes his. “No, it’s perfect. Bree will have to be there to take pictures and video of the date for the fans.”
Elias’s eyes widen as he snaps his fingers. “But Mason’s sister won’t be there.”
“Exactly,” Ethan confirms, then looks at me. “And then you’ll tell her.”
I lean forward. “Tell her what? That she’s my date?”
A sinking sensation fills my gut. I can already picture the rage on her face as she realizes her carefully planned PR event took a U-turn. She made it clear how much she loves her job and how important her reputation is.
I don’t want to be that guy. The one who messes things up for her because he’s too focused on what he wants instead of what’s best for her. Like her douchy ex.
“That the plan was alwaysfor herto be your date. Women love that kind of thing.” Ethan’s excitement is almost contagious.
